The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the Police Commercial Investigation Unit have just completed checking nearly 278 taxis and buses in the Southern region in the lead up the rugby world cup.
This work was carried out in both Dunedin and Invercargill to ensure a high standard of safety and compliance in passenger transport vehicles that will be used during the tournament.
NZTA Otago-Southland Principal Transport Officer Dermot Harris says the overall the general standard of safety and mechanical compliance was high. Inspection of taxi fleets showed some compliance issues around non-mechanical issues and signage. This largely related to displaying braille signage and having a current meter certificate in the vehicle. The meter certificate ensures that the meter has been tested and is working accurately.
“Of the 146 taxis inspected in Dunedin, 23 vehicles needed some remedial action to pass inspection. All taxis and buses that passed the inspection received an orange sticker that will be displayed on the left-hand side of the windscreen during the period of the RWC.”
Six taxis in Dunedin had to replace tyres that where below the minimum tread depth. Several minor issues where also noted.
Dermot Harris said some taxi companies were clearly more compliant with all the required legislation than others. By the time the amnesty is complete later this month all taxi companies in the region will be at the same level of compliance. NZTA and CVIU will carry out follow-up enforcement work to ensure that all companies maintain this high standard.
There were no major mechanical issues with the 26 buses that were inspected.
Mr Harris said the response from Dunedin taxi companies was excellent with 146 taxis inspected over a two day period. This is about 80% of the Dunedin taxi fleet. The amnesty allows the taxi drivers to discuss issues and identify areas where their standards can be improved.
