Taxi fares should be increased and a minimum charge introduced for short trips and journeys from Melbourne Airport, according to submissions to a review of the system.

In views that echo this year's Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry, drivers, operators and industry associations told the Essential Services Commission's fare review that the system must be overhauled.

Almost all of the 25 submissions called for an immediate fare increase - from 5 per cent to 20 per cent - because rates haven't risen since 2008.

There were also calls for a minimum fare for short trips to avoid the problem of drivers refusing such journeys. One driver argued for a minimum $10 flag fall.

CabFare said cash payments should incur a surcharge to protect drivers from assault, while a minimum fare of $25 for trips from the airport was suggested to cover the two-hour average pick-up wait.

JILL STARK