Despite the exploitation of vulnerable passengers, particularly those reliant on government assistance, federal authorities have largely remained silent.

The deregulation of the taxi industry in Victoria in 2017 has exacerbated issues such as overcharging and refusal of fares, particularly in light of competition from ride-sharing services.

The taxi industry in Australia is currently grappling with a crisis of trust, underscored by recent investigations into driver misconduct.

The conviction of Jarnail Singh for 499 crimes against vulnerable passengers has sparked demands for stricter penalties for taxi-related offenses.

An investigation into A2B, the largest taxi company in Australia, has revealed systemic issues in pricing and customer service practices.

Consumer advocates and former regulators are calling for a more straightforward complaints process and greater accountability within the taxi sector.

In contrast, New South Wales has implemented stronger regulatory measures, including increased penalties and a complaints hotline, leading to the discipline of over 520 drivers.

There is a pressing need for government intervention to enhance regulation and monitoring within the taxi industry, as existing measures have proven insufficient.

The Victorian government has initiated reviews of Cabcharge arrangements and driver accreditation to improve oversight and address ongoing issues.

A2B's handling of complaints has faced criticism for failing to foster accountability or improve standards among drivers.

Until systemic changes are implemented, vulnerable passengers remain at risk of exploitation by unscrupulous drivers and companies.

There is an urgent call for a complete overhaul of the current systems to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices within the taxi industry.