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A pictorial comparison of Victorian Taxi and Tram services
2012
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Foreword
This pictorial comparison of Victorian taxi and tram services has been undertaken to
juxtapose the quality and standards of these two important transportation modes within
the Melbourne metropolitan area. The taxi industry has received significant attention
over the past 12 months with regards to standards of quality and service. The authors
felt that any inquiry into the taxi industry should not be done in isolation but rather, that a
holistic view of the other transportation modes also be considered.
A pictorial approach was adopted to convey, first hand, the experiences of customers
and tourists on both modes of transport. The results paint an awkward picture for the
quality of Victoria's tram network. By comparison, the taxi industry is an exemplar of
cleanliness and efficiency.
The images in this report were taken between July 1 and November 1, 2012.*
To ensure spontaneity, the authors took the photographs on mobile devices which may
account for the inferior quality of some images. Images have not been manipulated,
enhanced or altered in any way.
Victorian Taxi Owners
Contact us via twitter @TaxiOwners or
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Taxi-Industry-Supporters/473604599319246
*The image for ‘Undersupply (2)’ is sourced from the PTUA.
Oversupply (1) vs Undersupply (1)A glut of taxis means lengthy waiting periods
for cabbies sitting idly on ranks.
Too few trams means lengthy waiting periods
for customers: 22mins in this instance.
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Oversupply (2) vs Undersupply (2)Friday night peak hour in Melbourne’s CBD
and taxi’s queue waiting for work.
Serious overcrowding on popular tram routes
stretches for hours over peak demand,
compromising both comfort and safety.
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Respect vs DisrespectA typical taxi interior: clean, comfortable and
welcoming.
Graffiti and sand paint an ugly picture of
Victorian tram services to locals and tourists.
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High standards (1) vs Low standards (1)Comfortable clean seats and footwell await in
this cab.
Grotty seats, cracked footwells and dirty floors are
standard fare on Victorian trams.
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High standards (2) vs Low standards (2)High standards of interior cabin comfort are
commonplace in Vic taxis.
Poor, decripd standards pervade Victorian
trams.
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High standards (3) vs Low standards (3)Cab’s windows are so clean they double as a mirror. View to the outside beauty of Melbourne is
tarnished for tourists by incessant tagging.
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Clear visibiity vs Tagged glassA clear line of sight for driver and passengers. The sun shines on graffiti tagging on many trams.
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Inviting vs RecklessWell maintained cab interiors reflect pride in delivering
quality service to customers.
Most parts of trams are covered in tagging or
graffiti.
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Passionate vs InsultingThis 25-year cabbie veteran takes pride in his vehicle
and in providing excellent customer service.
Customers using seats on trams as footrests is a
common sight: fines are not a deterrent.
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Helpful vs UnhelpfulAnother cabbie enhancing Victoria’s reputation
as world class destination for tourists.
Another tram customer leaving his legacy for
tourists...on the seat.
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Attention to detail vs Wrong type of attentionAnother cabbie taking pride in the presentation
of his vehicle: note the window cleaner.
Unacceptable presentation of the ‘World’s Most
Liveable City’s’ tram service.
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Quality vs DistastefulQuality vehicles are the hallmark of Victoria’s taxi industry. Low standards of care confront tourists and
regular commuters on Victoira’s tram network.
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Caring vs Second rateRain, hail or shine, Vic cabbies contribute to Victoria’s
reputation as a safe and cosmopolitan tourism destination.
Gorging on fast food in front of tourists and daily
commuters, this passenger gives new meaning to the
term ‘Restaurant Tram’.
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Doing the job vs Urban decayAnnual roadworthies and regular servicing ensures
a reliable fleet of cabs on Vic roads.
Tram stops continue the theme of shameful tram
service standards.
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The daily grind vs An inferior service?Despite the current oversupply - and without a fare increase in
four years - Vic taxi’s are clean, safe and reliable contributors
to Victoria’s transport system. (Note: this photo was taken through
scratched glass on tram route 96)
The sun sets on Vic trams begging the question, “Why has
so much attention been focused on the taxi industry when
drastic action is required for Melbourne’s tram network?”
Enough.
It’s time to stop the hysteria about Victoria’s taxi industry. The Taxi Industry Inquiry has
stirred up much criticsm about the Taxi industry and perpetuated myths about the
industry’s inefficiencies. The truth is, the Victorian taxi industry does not provide sub-
standard service; the Victorian taxi industry is not in decay; the Victorian taxi industry cur-
rently operates under the 2nd cheapest fares in Australia.
It’s time to end the unsubstantiated hysteria about Victoria’s purported ailing taxi industry.
As this document illustrates, let’s focus on fixing mass transportation such as Victoria’s
trams.
If you’ve found this document enlightenting, please forward a copy to the Hon Terry
Mulder Victorian Transport Minister, the Hon Ted Ballieu Premier and your local member.