The taxi industry is a major part of Melbourne's public Transport system. There are nine taxi companies in Melbourne using approx 3200 taxi cabs to provide a 24 hour, 7 days a week door to door service for passengers right across the Melbourne Metropolitan area. It links in with the other forms of public transport such as bus Train and trams and performs an important function in support of the Airlines. The major groups playing a part in the Industry are;

The Victorian Taxi Directorate

This is the Government department charged with overseeing the rules and regulations which govern the industry.

The Taxi Companies

These provide the bookings and communication networks and the corporate identity for taxis in Melbourne The tow largest are Silver Tops and Black Cabs.

The Taxi Owner

This may be an individual or a company who may own one or several taxi licenses. The responsibilities of the Taxi cab owner are detailed on the accompanying sheet but he or she is typically responsible for the operation of the taxi including cost of fuel and maintenance. The owner must also by law provide workcover for any driver who operates a leased Taxi cab.

The Taxi Driver

This person is licensed by the VTD to operate a Taxi during the course of a shift. The driver usually as a lessee driver who leases a cab from an owner for the duration of each 12 hour shift. Typically the driver will pay the owner 50% of the shift takings for the use of the car.
The owner will pay for fuel
The Taxi driver is required to

a) Abide by the relevant rules and regulations
b) Keep the taxi clean and tidy inside & outside
c) Drive the cab with due diligence and care
d) Complete all bookings according to passenger needs
e) Assist passengers when required
f) be neat and tidy hen on duty
g) be courteous and polite

The Taxi driver is required to hold a Metropolitan taxi Drivers Certificate issued by the Victorian Taxi Directorate before he or she may begin driving a taxi.