| TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
Digital Surveillance Cameras
Perth Taxi Industry led the world through the introduction
of digital security surveillance cameras in all taxis.
The cameras provide passengers and drivers with added protection
and act as deterrent against potential offenders. Since their
introduction in 1987, assaults on drivers have decreased and
the images produced from the cameras have enabled offenders
to be positively identified, apprehended and convicted.
Global Positioning
The majority Swan taxi fleet are fitted with a Global Positioning
System (GPS). GPS enables the taxi company to track the exact
location of the taxis in the fleet. This in turn, enhances
service and safety.
Confidential Computer Job Dispatch
All Perth Taxis are fitted with on-board computers. This
means that when you ring a taxi company, the job is relayed
to the closest taxi via the computer. Your details are only
displayed on the computer screen in the taxi that has been
ordered to pick you up. There is no "audio transmission
or broadcast" and the taxi company maintain computer
records of all job details.
The Taxi Company maintains complete records of the job details,
including time, taxi dispatched and individual driver. This
makes ringing for a taxi a very confidential and secure process.
Taxi Driver Identification Cards
All taxi drivers undergo extensive screening, including
police clearance, and training prior to becoming a taxi driver.
When they have met all the criteria, they are registered with
the Department for Planning & Infrastructure, Taxi Unit,
and issued with a personal identification card. The card contains
their preferred first name, a photograph of the driver, expiry
date and registration number. If you have any concerns about
the driver, check that their identification card is current
and record their registration number.
Taxi Car Identification
All Perth Taxis have a "Taxi Number Plate" with
the wording "TAXI” followed by the “Taxi
Number”, for example “TAXI 999”. Peak Period
Taxis, only operational on Friday and Saturday Nights and
in special busy periods, will have “Peak Period Taxi,
or PPRT”, and their number displayed on their licence
plate.
In addition, all taxis have a roof sign and decal on the
car identifying which taxi company they are aligned too. Inside
the taxi you will notice a taxi meter, taxi on-board computer,
two-way radio and some identification and information cards
prominently displayed, such as:
- Driver Identification Card
- Vehicle Identification Card, and .
- Fare Schedule.
If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a taxi vehicle,
check the vehicle licence plate, equipment and displayed identification
cards.
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