According to the Canberra Taxi Industry Association chairman John McKeough, drivers lost more than a fifth of their earnings in 2009 compared to the previous year.

In a information circular to Canberra drivers, Mr McKeough said the taxi industry had endured several downturns over the past two decades but 2009 had financially been one of the tightest years on record and it was a bitter pill to swallow as it was out of step with the ACT's relatively stable economy.

''This is particularly hard to take ... in a city that has the lowest unemployment in Australia and enjoys the highest average incomes in Australia,'' Mr McKeough said.

The association recently met with the the ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services to discuss public criticism of rogue drivers

Most of the complaints centred around the refusal of short fares, non-use of meters or drivers who professed the meter or eftpos machines were not working and wanted a cash payment instead.

The introduction of compulsory English tests and better training for new drivers was floated during the meeting as possible measures to address public concerns.

''We still appear to be in the situation where the very few [recalcitrants] cast a shadow over the majority,'' Mr McKeough said.

A recent complaint by Canberra Airport to the taxi body who claimed drivers from both Canberra taxi companies Canberra Cabs and CabExpress had been urinating behind sheds in the feeder lane resulted in a scorching assessment of the behaviour by Mr McKeough who said it displayed ''a distinct lack of breeding.''

Additionally, an agreement on a commissionaire service at the Airport had yet to be reached but the association was hopeful for a future deal. ''This will further improve services and enhance the reputation of Canberra and the our taxi service.''

The industry body has also intervened on the behalf of its drivers who were fined in a recent police blitz in Civic during Operation Unite.

More than 40 drivers were booked for breaching traffic rules and entering East Row off London Circuit. The association had been in contact with police and has advised all drivers to appeal the fine in writing.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times