From: Tracey Sweetman [tracey.sweetman@canadabay.nsw.gov.au]
Sent: Thursday, 5 July, 2001 17:39
To: disabdis@humanrights.gov.au
Subject: Taxi Inquiry

Please find below a response to the Taxi Inquiry from the City of Canada Bay Access Committee. I trust this submission is not too late!

Response times:
* Long waits
* Need to prebook too far in advance
* cabs dont always turn up
* when busy eg Christmas, even more unreliable - leaving disabled people stranded without other transport options! Proportion of Fleet Taxis How many licences are presently distributed and how many are operational? Taxi Design & universal taxi
* side loading model preferred
* Taxis designed with side loading from both sides of the vehicle would be ideal. This would improve safety ie This would allow the vehicle to park at the kerb in one-way streets and allows for an alternate emergency exit in case of vehicle accident.  
* Rear exit is problematic - person left on the roadway, and sometimes has to travel on the road some distance before finding a kerb ramp to get onto the footpath.
* Safety belts are not being used properly / locked in properly
* Adequate / improved driver training is essential
Other Issues
* The taxi sign on the top of the cab needs to be bigger, with larger print,  and fully lit when vacant. This will assist the vision impaired. A small light bulb on the top is not obvious enough for those with limited vision who are hailing cabs.
* Some drivers, for religious purposes(?), cant not be near a dog. Company should not send these drivers to people with guide dogs! If the cab is hailed, then the driver should stay with the customer until another driver is found. This does not happen.
* Taxis are still dear even with subsidy. This is the only transport available to some people! If fares cant be decreased, perhaps it would assist if the meter is started AFTER the passenger is strapped in and the taxi begins the trip.

Yours sincerely






Tracey Sweetman
Manager Community Services
City of Canada Bay (Drummoyne area)
(02) 9719-0362