Point to Point Transport
Currently, the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016 (the Act) and the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Regulation 2017 (the Regulation) is in effect, along with the powers of the Point to Point Transport Commissioner. The Act and the Regulation create a regulatory framework that allows for a more competitive and flexible point to point transport industry.
The Point to Point Transport Commission manages the enforcement of the Act and the Regulation, to achieve safer point to point transport in NSW.
It is also responsible for assisting taxi and hire car service providers to:
- Become authorised
- Remain compliant
- Maintain a Safety Management System, ensuring customer health and safety while travelling in registered vehicles
- Access the Industry Portal which will allow providers to become authorised, manage their accounts as well as meet their safety obligations
- Apply for, renew or transfer a taxi licence.
Transport for NSW manages driver licensing, including the Passenger Transport licence code for medical standards and vehicle registration for taxis and hire vehicles.
Major changes include:
| Function | Before 1 November | After 1 November |
|---|---|---|
| Hire vehicle registration | Registration HC plated cars were registered with hire car usage. Private hire vehicles also known as ‘ride sharing’ vehicles had general issued plates with either private or business registration usage. |
Registration Hire vehicles need to be registered for either general business or private use, depending on the frequency of use as a hire vehicle. |
| Medical requirements | Medical Assessments Medical assessments were required when a customer was applying for a Driver Licence and then again when applying for a Drivers Authority. |
Changes to driver medicals All medical conditions must be declared to obtain a PT licence code. |
| Registration of drivers | Drivers Authority Previously all taxi and hire car drivers had to obtain a Drivers Authority to enable them to operate a taxi. This is no longer necessary. |
Passenger Transport (PT) licence code Under the new legislation, point to point drivers may be required to obtain a PT licence code. Read more about obtaining a PT licence code |
| Safety standards for vehicles | Pink Slip Previously all vehicles used to provide point to point transport services had to obtain a pink slip to verify it was safe and ready for the road. Comfort Standards through ATIS Previously taxis required twice yearly ‘comfort standard’ inspections and an annual safety check inspection. |
Safety Check Under the new legislation, vehicles used to provide point to point services must have a safety check at least once a year. Read additional standards / requirements for point to point vehicles. |
| Taxi registration | Registration – no change All taxis need to be registered for taxi use. |
Registration – no change All taxis need to be registered for taxi use. |