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Booking a commercial passenger vehicle

Welcome to Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, the regulator of Victorian commercial passenger vehicle services – including taxis, hire cars and rideshares.

With new technologies entering the market, the commercial passenger vehicle industry has changed dramatically over the last two years, so we’ve adapted our approach.

You care about your safety, and so do we, which is why from July 2018 all vehicles need to be registered with us. We’re also working closely with the industry, to ensure their services are more accessible across Victoria.

From July 2018 there are changes to the commercial passenger vehicle industry you should make yourself familiar with – as users of these services.

Unbooked services

(taxis that you catch from a designated rank or hail from the street)

All unbooked services will continue to operate as they do now, in Melbourne, surrounding suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat. The maximum fare rates that can be charged for an unbooked service are set by the Essential Services Commission.

Fare information for unbooked services will be displayed on the inside of the vehicle, clearly visible to passengers and on the outside of the vehicle on the left-hand side. This information should provide you with the hiring rates, and all fees and charges.

When catching an unbooked service from a designated rank or from the street, you can ask for a fixed fare or estimate. You can either agree to the fare or choose to go with another company or driver.

As well as a fare estimate, you can request an itemised receipt at the end of your trip.

Booked services

(taxis, hire cars, rideshare and wedding cars)

Booked services via an app, over the phone or the internet can charge different fare rates at different times. This also applies to taxis that you book using these methods.

From 1 July 2018, the industry will pay the State Revenue Office a $1 per trip levy, which they may pass on to you – their customers. You may notice a slight increase in what you pay.

Speak to your service provider, or driver, if you have any questions about the fare or other fees and charges – and remember to ask for a fare estimate upfront. If you are not happy with the estimate or service you receive, you can shop around until you find a service provider to suit you.

With some of the largest international providers operating in Victoria, now more than ever you have greater flexibility and choice.

We will continue to keep you updated with other changes that may affect you. Stay up-to-date by following us on Twitter, Facebook or checking our website for more updates.