Support needed to keep essential taxis working

A support package to keep taxi drivers working is essential to maintain transport options for Victoria’s elderly, disabled and vulnerable according to Eastern Metro MP and Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton.

“Drivers have had it tough for the last few years and for many this will be the last…

Network moves to keep essential taxis on the road

A move by Silver Top Taxi to lower network fees to support taxi drivers will keep this essential service on the road according to Transport Matters Party leader and Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton.

Barton hits back at free tram critics

“Frustrations over the limitations of the existing services should not prevent the committee considering the wider picture and the social and economic benefits of extending the free tram zone to encapsulate more of our vibrant and dynamic city,” Mr Barton said.

Let the community decide the fate of Lake Knox

I’ve asked the Minister for Planning to reconsider the comprehensive development plan for the Lake Knox because it seems quite obvious that it describes a development that the local community doesn’t want – a petition with 12,000 signatures is a pretty big no!

Green light for community input into final NEL designs

Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton has welcomed the Minister for Planning’s green light for tendering consortiums to incorporate community driven designs into the final North East Link plans.

Touting offense in place by Christmas

Touting and the advertising of commercial passenger vehicle services by non permit holders will become an offense by Christmas

Taxi and hire car inquiry recommendations show a clear path forward

We welcome the 13 recommendations tabled in Parliament today that open the opportunity to repair the past and pave the way for a viable and sustainable future for Victoria’s Commercial Passenger Vehicle industry.

Touting will be banned by end of 2019

Touting will soon be outlawed in Victoria with two pieces of legislation in play to reintroduce the offence.

Tax reviews for taxi fairness fund recipients

The ATO has agreed to review individual cases relating to fairness fund payments and I am urging those affected to approach the ATO for assistance.  I asked the Treasurer this week why no tax advice had been offered to those who received payments and now face tax debt.

NORTH EAST LINK – dismay at early works, community hopes rest on recommendations

I’ve raised concerns with the Government over early works on the North East Link project going ahead without the promised EES and planning approvals and reiterated the need for community concerns to be taken into consideration. 

Tell your MP to stop touting

I am encouraging members of the taxi industry and the public to urge Labor Government Ministers and legislative council members to vote in favour of my private members bill to put a stop to the dangerous practice of touting in Victoria. 

Fairness matters for taxi industry says Barton

The commercial passenger vehicle industry is in a mess and it’s time the Government did “the right thing” to make it safe and viable again and this week I took the opportunity of the debate on an fishing licence compensation bill and emergency service superannuation legislation to remind the Government…

SMARTbus service for Suburban Rail Loop route

This week I asked Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne to create a SMARTbus service along the proposed Suburban Rail Loop route and get these services running now rather than waiting 50 years.

Trackless trams for Doncaster Rail

We think trackless trams are an obvious option to explore for the new “busway” services proposed in the North East Link plans and would meet the long promised rail connection from Doncaster to the city.