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A pictorial comparison of Victorian Taxi and Tram services

2012

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Foreword

This pictorial comparison of Victorian taxi and tram services has been undertaken to

juxtapose the quality and standards of these two important transportation modes within

the Melbourne metropolitan area. The taxi industry has received significant attention

over the past 12 months with regards to standards of quality and service. The authors

felt that any inquiry into the taxi industry should not be done in isolation but rather, that a

holistic view of the other transportation modes also be considered.

A pictorial approach was adopted to convey, first hand, the experiences of customers

and tourists on both modes of transport. The results paint an awkward picture for the

quality of Victoria's tram network. By comparison, the taxi industry is an exemplar of

cleanliness and efficiency.

The images in this report were taken between July 1 and November 1, 2012.*

To ensure spontaneity, the authors took the photographs on mobile devices which may

account for the inferior quality of some images. Images have not been manipulated,

enhanced or altered in any way.

Victorian Taxi Owners

Contact us via twitter @TaxiOwners or

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Taxi-Industry-Supporters/473604599319246

*The image for ‘Undersupply (2)’ is sourced from the PTUA.

Oversupply (1) vs Undersupply (1)A glut of taxis means lengthy waiting periods

for cabbies sitting idly on ranks.

Too few trams means lengthy waiting periods

for customers: 22mins in this instance.

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Oversupply (2) vs Undersupply (2)Friday night peak hour in Melbourne’s CBD

and taxi’s queue waiting for work.

Serious overcrowding on popular tram routes

stretches for hours over peak demand,

compromising both comfort and safety.

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Respect vs DisrespectA typical taxi interior: clean, comfortable and

welcoming.

Graffiti and sand paint an ugly picture of

Victorian tram services to locals and tourists.

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High standards (1) vs Low standards (1)Comfortable clean seats and footwell await in

this cab.

Grotty seats, cracked footwells and dirty floors are

standard fare on Victorian trams.

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High standards (2) vs Low standards (2)High standards of interior cabin comfort are

commonplace in Vic taxis.

Poor, decripd standards pervade Victorian

trams.

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High standards (3) vs Low standards (3)Cab’s windows are so clean they double as a mirror. View to the outside beauty of Melbourne is

tarnished for tourists by incessant tagging.

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Clear visibiity vs Tagged glassA clear line of sight for driver and passengers. The sun shines on graffiti tagging on many trams.

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Inviting vs RecklessWell maintained cab interiors reflect pride in delivering

quality service to customers.

Most parts of trams are covered in tagging or

graffiti.

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Passionate vs InsultingThis 25-year cabbie veteran takes pride in his vehicle

and in providing excellent customer service.

Customers using seats on trams as footrests is a

common sight: fines are not a deterrent.

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Helpful vs UnhelpfulAnother cabbie enhancing Victoria’s reputation

as world class destination for tourists.

Another tram customer leaving his legacy for

tourists...on the seat.

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Attention to detail vs Wrong type of attentionAnother cabbie taking pride in the presentation

of his vehicle: note the window cleaner.

Unacceptable presentation of the ‘World’s Most

Liveable City’s’ tram service.

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Quality vs DistastefulQuality vehicles are the hallmark of Victoria’s taxi industry. Low standards of care confront tourists and

regular commuters on Victoira’s tram network.

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Caring vs Second rateRain, hail or shine, Vic cabbies contribute to Victoria’s

reputation as a safe and cosmopolitan tourism destination.

Gorging on fast food in front of tourists and daily

commuters, this passenger gives new meaning to the

term ‘Restaurant Tram’.

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Doing the job vs Urban decayAnnual roadworthies and regular servicing ensures

a reliable fleet of cabs on Vic roads.

Tram stops continue the theme of shameful tram

service standards.

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The daily grind vs An inferior service?Despite the current oversupply - and without a fare increase in

four years - Vic taxi’s are clean, safe and reliable contributors

to Victoria’s transport system. (Note: this photo was taken through

scratched glass on tram route 96)

The sun sets on Vic trams begging the question, “Why has

so much attention been focused on the taxi industry when

drastic action is required for Melbourne’s tram network?”

Enough.

It’s time to stop the hysteria about Victoria’s taxi industry. The Taxi Industry Inquiry has

stirred up much criticsm about the Taxi industry and perpetuated myths about the

industry’s inefficiencies. The truth is, the Victorian taxi industry does not provide sub-

standard service; the Victorian taxi industry is not in decay; the Victorian taxi industry cur-

rently operates under the 2nd cheapest fares in Australia.

It’s time to end the unsubstantiated hysteria about Victoria’s purported ailing taxi industry.

As this document illustrates, let’s focus on fixing mass transportation such as Victoria’s

trams.

If you’ve found this document enlightenting, please forward a copy to the Hon Terry

Mulder Victorian Transport Minister, the Hon Ted Ballieu Premier and your local member.