Peter Cudars appeared in the Central Western Daily on Monday 15th November 2010.

TAXI fare evasion has become less of a problem for local drivers since security cameras were installed in local cabs, according to Taxi Cabs of Orange co-director Peter Cudars.

As taxi drivers on the Central Coast prepare to trial a fares up-front system to prevent people from running off without paying, Mr Cudars says the problem is not as great in Orange.

“It is certainly not such a big issue in Orange with runners,” he said.

“I think it’s because of safety cameras we have in taxis.”

It became mandatory for all regional taxis to be fitted with surveillance cameras in March.

The technology allows offenders to be captured on camera and identified.

They can also be traced through the taxi call centre.

However, Mr Cudars admits fare evasion has not completely disappeared from Orange streets.

“It sometimes pops its head up, maybe once a month,” he said.

The fares up-front trial will begin on the Central Coast next year, requiring drivers to estimate the fare and receive payment before the journey.