Taxi delay warning

By Dion Teasdale
YARRA Valley Taxis has warned that passenger waiting times and driver stress could increase if new drivers are not attracted to the ranks.
The company, which has a licence to operate nine taxis across the valley, has been experiencing a shortage of drivers for the past 12 months.
Currently the service has one vehicle off the road due to driver shortfalls, and the company requires up to three full time and three part time additional drivers immediately.
Yarra Valley Taxis manager, Christian Steele, said the company was experiencing driver shortages in line with other country taxi services across the state.
“We are now missing at least two full time drivers on weekdays and need new drivers for week night and weekend work,” he said.
Mr Steele said the company was managing to cover demand and keep waiting times to a minimum, but said he was concerned about its ability to maintain the service in the long term.
“Our current drivers are under pressure to keep the service going. We are worried that unless new drivers come on board waiting times could increase,” he said.
Local police and politicians have joined Mr Steele’s call for more local residents to help with the driver shortage.
Healesville police Sergeant Tony Van Gorp said the lack of taxi availability, particularly on weekends, was a factor in anti-social behaviour in public places.
“We are keen to see more drivers come on board. They will alleviate waiting times for patrons leaving licensed premises,” he said.
“More drivers will also be beneficial in terms of keeping people off the streets late at night, and assist with people not drink driving.”
Seymour MP Ben Hardman said he was aware of country taxi driver shortages in other parts of the state and was keen to make representations on behalf of Yarra Valley Taxis.
“It is vital that we address driver shortages and keep taxi services like Yarra Valley Taxis running,” he said.
Mr Steele said the biggest obstacle the company faced was the misconception most people have about being a taxi driver.
“A lot of people think it is a lonely, difficult and often dangerous job that doesn’t pay very well and requires you to work long hours. The truth is it isn’t any of these things,” he said.
“Our drivers make good money, up to $700 a week, they get to drive through the beautiful Yarra Valley and traffic and safety are much better than in the city.”
Mr Steele said the company provided drivers with necessary training and licence requirements, and encouraged anyone over the age of 25 interested in working with Yarra Valley Taxis to call him on 0403 596 424.