The state has removed a levy, meaning passengers and industry members will pay less
The Western Australian government has removed its on-demand passenger transport levy 11 months early, meaning it can no longer be passed onto passengers.
The 10 per cent levy was initially introduced in April 2019 to fund the Perth Taxi Plate Buyback Scheme while also modernising the transport industry to focus on safety and customer service.
Industry members such as freight operators had the option of absorbing the levy or passing it onto passengers through rate increases.
The WA government says almost $9 million in funds was used to support the state’s COVID-19 support measures for the transport industry.
WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says the government has followed through on its promise to end the levy as soon as possible.
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“Through funds raised by the levy we have recovered most of the costs for financial support provided to plate owners through taxi plate buyback payments as well as the COVID-19 relief package provided to the industry in 2020,” Saffioti says.
“The assistance package for taxi operators in regional areas helped alleviate some of the hardship that was experienced as a result of COVID-19.
“The levy has served its purpose and now that it has been repealed, many customers can expect a reduction in fares as a result.”