Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population. It is also a city constantly on the move, with people commuting to work, school, and social events all day. There are approximately 5,283 taxis in Sydney, including 751 wheelchair-accessible taxis. However, taxis still play an important role in Sydney’s transportation network, providing affordable and reliable transportation for people of all backgrounds.
The backbone of this affordable and reliable transportation for people is the taxi drivers. There are approximately 27,200 taxi drivers in Sydney, playing a vital role around the busy streets of Sydney, providing transportation for millions of people each year. Taxi drivers must meet specific criteria, such as having a clean driving record and passing a criminal background check. Taxi drivers work long hours, often starting early in the morning and finishing late at night. They often have to deal with difficult passengers and traffic jams. However, many taxi drivers enjoy their work and find it to be a rewarding experience.
Here is a glimpse into a typical day in the life of a Sydney taxi driver:
The Routine
According to the New South Wales Taxi Council and the Sydney Morning Herald, many taxi drivers start their shifts around 7:00 am. However, many taxi drivers who provide Sydney airport transfer services start their shifts earlier.
The most preferred time to take an early morning break is around 10:00 am, while breaks for afternoon lunch are around 12:30 pm. The most significant decline in passenger traffic is seen around 6:00 pm when many passengers have returned home from work. The busiest time to travel on the streets of Sydney is between 7 am and 9 am and 5 pm and 7 pm, Monday to Friday.
A taxi driver works ten to twelve hours daily, with an average of twenty to thirty passengers served during the shift. The average daily earnings can range from $400-$650 depending on the shift hours and the distance traveled. Taxi drivers who provide office transfer services often earn more because corporate clients are more likely to book in advance, which gives drivers more time to plan their routes and maximize their earnings. Taxi drivers who provide transport services to corporate clients earn more because they meet higher customer service standards. Corporate clients often have more specific requirements for their taxi rides, such as requiring drivers to be dressed in a certain way or to provide a certain level of comfort and convenience.
Meeting Safety Standards
On a daily basis, taxi drivers across Sydney strive hard to meet safety standards. All taxi drivers in Sydney must complete a comprehensive training course and undergo routine inspection. The training course covers topics such as defensive driving, customer service, and safety procedures. Many taxi drivers by Aussie Baby Taxi service also adhere to children and elderly safety with taxi with child seat and wheelchair services.
Sydney taxi drivers must also report any safety concerns to the taxi company or the Point-to-Point Transport Commissioner. They must be familiar with their area’s weather conditions and take periods of rest to avoid fatigue.
Overall, being a Sydney taxi driver is a rewarding job. Taxi drivers get to meet new people, see the city, and be their boss. However, it is essential to be aware of the challenges that come with the job, such as long hours, traffic, and difficult passengers. If you have the patience, the people skills, and the knowledge of the city, then being a Sydney taxi driver could be an excellent career for you.
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