Passengers at Mascot Sydney Airport are being overcharged by rogue taxi drivers, with some fares surging by $40 more than the standard rate for trips into the CBD, a recent investigation has found.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is one of the busiest airports in Australia, handling thousands of passengers daily. While the standard government-regulated fare for a taxi ride from the airport to the CBD is $45 to $55, recent reports indicate that some drivers are charging significantly higher rates, leaving passengers frustrated and out of pocket.
Passengers Facing Unexpected Charges
A series of spot checks conducted from 23 to 24 January 2025 revealed stark discrepancies in fares. While taxis from companies such as Apex Cabs, Syd Cabs, and GM Signature charged within the expected range—averaging around $51.35—one GM Signature cab charged $40 more for the same trip.
The inflated fare included an unexplained surcharge and a higher starting meter rate, which passengers were unaware of until the fare was finalised. The taxi company later confirmed that the transaction was processed through a different (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) EFTPOS machine, making it harder to track the overcharging driver.
Regulatory Response and Industry Concerns
The Point to Point Commissioner, Anthony Wing, has vowed to investigate, emphasising that fare-related offences are taken seriously. Transport for NSW regulates fares for rank and hail taxis, but the incident highlights loopholes that some drivers exploit.
Shadow Transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward has called for tougher enforcement, suggesting the introduction of QR codes in taxis to allow passengers to track fares in real-time. Meanwhile, the NSW Taxi Council has urged for more covert inspections and a centralised driver ID system to prevent banned drivers from operating under different taxi networks.
Calls for Fixed Fares and Greater Transparency
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is currently reviewing the possibility of introducing fixed fares from Sydney Airport to the city, with a decision expected in April.
Major taxi companies, including 13Cabs, have also urged the NSW city officials to mandate that all EFTPOS terminals be locked to taxi meters, preventing rogue drivers from inflating fares using external payment devices.
Community Response and Passenger Advice
Many passengers have expressed frustration over inconsistent pricing at Mascot Sydney Airport, with concerns about transparency and trust in the taxi industry. Consumer research expert Graham Cooke stressed that all taxi operators should clearly inform passengers of any premium services or extra charges before starting a trip.
Passengers who suspect they have been overcharged are encouraged to report incidents to the Taxi Fare Hotline (1800 500 410) for investigation.
Published 31-Jan-2025