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From the CEO

As 2012 gets underway I look forward to the challenges ahead as the taxi industry faces the possibility of major changes and different expectations.

As they say, nothing stays the same forever and if things can be done more productively and lead to a better outcome, then change could possibly be justified. Major change for little improvement is silly and unethical.

With any substantive change there will be winners and losers, so it is important that the change process is managed in such a way as to minimize the negative impacts whilst bringing online the positives.

Change should not happen overnight because rapid change can destroy firm foundations and long established good processes and commercial businesses.

It is interesting that the future of the taxi industry is not just about new thinking and technology, but importantly what has come before. A return to some past arrangements to overcome weaknesses and deficiencies must be seriously considered. This includes the ability of PNSPs being able to affectively do all they can to ensure the service supply chain works. In this regard the VTA has corresponded its thoughts to the Inquiry.

I recommend that you read David Samuel's article in this Taxi Talk edition. In this he points to the role of taxis and how taxis can work as one element in the broader transport task at times of extreme demand. Importantly he restates the reality that taxi services have to be sustainable for the whole year, not just for a few days each year.

The VTA is keen for the Inquiry to release its substantive report (albeit a draft) on its findings and recommendations to fix its perceived deficiencies. The industry as a whole, as well as the community and Government need the opportunity to respond to the report before it is bound and the Inquiry wraps up.

It will certainly be an interesting six months.

Neil Sach

VTA CEO

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2011 Taxi Inquiry