Independent taxi drivers have voiced their disappointment over current restrictions which inhibit their trade and tourism in general.
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Paul Lewis and Michael Newton, both long-time taxi drivers, had a meeting with Premier Peter Gutwein and transport minister Michael Ferguson last year to voice their concerns.
Mr Lewis said the premier had been receptive to the pairs concerns as they looked for a solution for taxis in the Northern Tasmania region.
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Current restrictions which are in place for certain taxi licences, such as a perth licence, mean that taxis can only pick up from inside their zone or drop off inside their zone.
Mr Lewis, who has a perth licence, said that the restrictions made the taxi service difficult for both drivers and potential clients.
"If everyone wants to go home at the same time ... there could be sixty people lined up in the George Street, I am not allowed to pull up there, so people will see that and say 'he's got no one in his taxi' and they'll throw something at you," he said
"Or if someone is getting out of my car, the drunks will get straight in, if they say can you take me to Mowbray I have to say its not my area and then you put yourself at risk."
Taxi drivers who are caught operating out of their area are fined.
Mr Lewis and Mr Newton are seeking deregulation of the 'taxi zones' to enable them parity with other travel services such as rideshare apps like Uber.
"[We] want open slather but if it cannot be open slather, let's take it back to the way it used to be," Mr Newton said.
"{Deregulation] just takes out the angst especially on Friday or Saturday nights, when people will feel aggrieved that they cannot take a taxi home [due to zone restrictions]."
Mr Lewis said the deregulation would be a win-win situation for the consumer and drivers if enacted.
"It doesn't matter if a taxi fair is four dollars or $400 dollars as long as I've got someone in my seat all the time I am happy," he said.
"It's what the public want and what the public need as well."
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