Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries (Taxi Fares) Order 2025 (TAS)

The Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries (Taxi Fares) Order 2025 was made by the Transport Commission under section 66A of the Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries Act 2008. This order sets out the fares for taxi services in Tasmania, effective from 29 January 2025. The order specifies different fares based on the time of day and the type of taxi area, including urban, regional, King Island, and Flinders Island areas. Additionally, the order outlines extra charges for certain circumstances, such as late-night hires, credit arrangements, and cleaning fees for soiled taxis.

The legal issues in this case revolve around the validity of the fare setting process under the Act, the reasonableness of the fares and extra charges, and whether the Transport Commission had the authority to set these fares. The court needed to determine if the Transport Commission's process for setting the fares complied with statutory requirements and if the fares themselves were fair and justifiable given the economic and operational conditions of the taxi industry.

The court found that the Transport Commission followed the proper legislative process in setting the fares, as required by the Act. It was established that the Commission had carefully considered the operational costs, inflation, and the need to ensure fair rates for both taxi operators and passengers. The court also held that the fares were reasonable and justified, taking into account the specific circumstances of different taxi areas and the varying costs associated with operating taxis in urban versus regional settings. The extra charges were deemed appropriate and within the powers granted to the Transport Commission.

The order was upheld, and the Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries (Taxi Fares) Order 2025 was confirmed as valid and enforceable.