Taxi driver Gurcharm Singh would pick up around 15 fares a shift before coronavirus. That's now down to two each morning; both are regular customers.
Mr Singh says he's lucky his wife works full time in childcare, otherwise his family of four would be in trouble.
“Work is very difficult," Mr Singh says. "The problem is we are not getting any help particularly for our industry from the government.
“It’s just apply for JobKeeper and see what happens. But we are not sure we will get it.
“Networks are still charging us fees, but have cut them by 25 per cent. But there's not enough fares to cover the fees.
“If we go on the road it is very dangerous, because we don't know if we are safe with passengers."
Indeed, the Australian Taxi Drivers Association President Michael Jools said at least three Sydney taxi drivers tested positive to coronavirus after picking up Ruby Princess passengers when it docked in mid-March.
Taxi drivers are reporting revenue losses of 70 to 100 per cent because of coronavirus. Credit:Joe Armao
All have recovered, but one was in intensive care.
"There was a general call to pick up Ruby Princess passengers from the overseas passenger terminal with no warning or way of knowing how dangerous that would be," Mr Jools said. "So the drivers went."
Mr Jools says over 50 per cent of taxi drivers around of Australia have stopped driving, and that some are making $15 or $20 for a whole day's work. Only less than 20 per cent normal demand remains.
"Some networks have reduced plate fees, but they are still charging full network fees," he said.
"The guys are desperate for work but the danger of picking up people is huge. It’s a terrible risk."
Victorian legislative council MP, Transport Matters Party leader and former cab driver Rob Barton has heard reports of 70 per cent to 100 per cent loss of income.
"Rank and hail work has stopped," he says.
Mr Barton says demand is still there from the disabled and the elderly but because the networks still charge fees for drivers, there is a risk that demand won't be met.
He has asked the Victorian government to give networks – like Silvertop and 13CABS – financial assistance for fees to ease the burden on drivers, as well as asking Transurban to drop tolls and Melbourne Airport to delay fees for six months when air travel returns to normal.
Mr Barton worries some drivers won't recover from the coronavirus hit.
"Particularly older drivers," he says. "They’re not going to come back, they’re not going to be able to survive this.
"Network fee relief will increase the chances of recovery."
Mr Jools says the industry has ramped up plans to improve technology and service in response to coronavirus. This will help the industry remain viable after coronavirus, he said.
"We also have a new taxi operating system (Taxis.Plus) about to come on stream that will help technology wonderfully," he says.
"The system has learnt the lessons from Uber and can offer a quality service for passengers that's more secure, with cameras and easier to book."
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