Taxi drivers who refuse fares, dodge their meters, or overcharge passengers will soon be hit with fines of up to $3000, under a major crackdown on rogue behaviour across New South Wales’ cab industry.

The Minns Labor Government has announced that penalties for fare-related offences will triple from $1000 to $3000 in an effort to stamp out dodgy practices and restore public trust.

The tough new measures come after more than 1,100 fines were issued to drivers since the launch of the Taxi Fare Hotline in late 2022, including high-profile cases of tourists being charged triple for short city trips.

Transport Minister John Graham said the penalty hike was about sending a “big flashing light” to drivers tempted to break the rules.

“Tripling the penalty for a first-time offence should serve as a clear message that the NSW Government has zero tolerance for rip-offs and rackets being conducted from the driver’s seat of a cab,” Graham.

“The vast majority of cab drivers are honest and upstanding, and we’re working with the industry to protect their reputation by weeding out rogue cabbies.”

from Sydney Airport to the regions No Place For Rogue Taxi Drivers

Last month, the government introduced a flat $60 fare from Sydney Airport to the CBD to stop rorts that have hit incoming tourists and first-time visitors. The scheme mirrors systems in other major cities like New York, where flat airport fares have minimised disputes and set expectations upfront.

Recent prosecutions show why the tougher stance is needed. One Sydney driver was fined $2000 after charging an overseas family $188 for a 13-kilometre trip without using the meter. Others have faced penalties of up to $12,000 for overcharging or offensive behaviour.

Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the clampdown was just as vital outside metropolitan areas, where taxi services are often essential.

“For many passengers in the regions, especially those needing to get to medical appointments or essential services, a taxi isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline,” she said.

“We will not tolerate rogue drivers exploiting passengers in any part of NSW. Every passenger deserves a fair fare, every time.”

'Minority Of Drivers Doing The Wrong Thing'

The Point to Point Transport Commission, which regulates the state’s taxi and rideshare sector, said it is working with the NSW Taxi Council on new accountability measures to ensure rule-breakers can’t simply hop between companies to avoid detection.

Commissioner Anthony Wing said more than a thousand fines had already been issued to drivers for fare-related offences in two years, and his inspectors would continue tough enforcement on the street.

“I take fare-related offences seriously – all passengers travelling in a taxi should feel confident they are getting a fair fare,” he said. “It’s a minority of drivers doing the wrong thing, and they will face the full force of the law.”

Industry backs the move

The NSW Taxi Council welcomed the government’s stance, calling it an important step in lifting service standards.

Chief Executive Officer Nick Abrahim said the increased penalties aligned with the Council’s Four Point Plan to drive out operators who damage the sector’s reputation.

“The move to increase penalties to $3,000 is another tough measure against drivers who choose to do the wrong thing by passengers,” he said. “The NSW Taxi Council commends the government for adopting tougher penalties and supporting the good work delivered by the majority of our cabbies.”

The $3,000 fines are set to come into effect later this year, with regulators promising more spot checks at key taxi ranks, including Sydney Airport and major regional hubs.