Transport for NSW has announced its annual determination of taxi licences for Metropolitan and Regional areas. 

According to the Government, 90 taxi licences will be issued in Sydney from July, but no new licences will be issued to regional areas, Newcastle, Wollongong or the Central Coast. 

This announcement was issued in adherence to Transport for NSW’s requirements to make a determination on the number of taxi licences to issue each year. 

After an independent review of the point to point transport industry in 2015, the NSW Government agreed not to increase Sydney taxi licence numbers until at least the 2019/20 financial year.

This decision was to help the industry adjust to new rideshare players entering the market.

“In keeping with this commitment, the 90 licences for Sydney will replace those which have either expired or not been renewed from 1 July, but will not add to the total number of licences,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

For areas outside Sydney, Transport for NSW is required under the new point to point Transport legislation to make a state-wide assessment of the number of taxi licences to be issued.

In order to help the industry to adjust to changes, Transport for NSW has decided not to issue any licences in regional areas at this time.

“This should give regional taxi service providers confidence that Transport for NSW has heard their concerns and responded appropriately,” the spokesperson said.

For more information, visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au.