Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic) continues to deter the nuisance problem of touts hassling passengers through regular compliance operations at busy locations. Recently, we added something new: a series of direct engagement activities at Melbourne Airport aimed at informing travellers about the risks and illegality of touting.
Touting occurs when drivers approach prospective passengers directly and offer an ‘off the meter’ ride, often in unlicenced vehicles with unaccredited drivers. It has been illegal in Victoria since 2019.
ST Vic’s engagement team partnered directly with Melbourne Airport to deliver information stalls in the arrivals hall and nearby pickup areas on 16, 21 and 26 May. The goal was to educate travellers that touting is illegal and that they should decline offers of unauthorised, ‘off the meter’ commercial passenger vehicle services (CPV).
At the same time, ST Vic’s compliance team conducted enforcement operations across the airport precinct to deter touting and take action against offenders.
Many travellers do not realise that touting is illegal – assuming instead that these individuals are offering a legitimate service. That’s why ST Vic has adopted an educational approach to raise public awareness and to reduce the opportunity for touts to solicit unsuspecting passengers.
Travellers can help stamp out touting by pre-booking their CPV trip where possible, refusing unauthorised ride offers, and using designated taxi or rideshare ranks. They are also encouraged to report any touting activity to ST Vic.
Accepting a ride from a tout puts passengers at serious risk. There is no meter to calculate the fare – opening the door to overcharging – and an in many cases the driver may be unaccredited and operating an unregistered vehicle, leaving passengers with limited recourse to report unsafe behaviour.
Touting is a prosecutable offence. Individuals caught touting may face significant financial penalties and disciplinary action, including suspension or cancellation of their driver accreditation.
ST Vic’s recent touting-focused initiative marks the third phase of its three-part Ride Smart, Ride Safe program, aimed at raising awareness of CPV passenger rights.
Phase one saw ST Vic attend the 2025 Grand Prix to educate passengers on taxi meter compliance and understanding what constitutes a fair fare.
Phase two focused on women’s safety, featuring public engagement activities at Federation Square and targeted messaging to support safer travel for all.
Learn more about Ride Smart, Ride Safe: https://safetransport.vic.gov.au/ridesmart-ridesafe/