Taxis & Ridesharing - articles, discussion ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Katter proposes demerit points for Uber drivers

[red dragin]

Brisbanetimes --> Katter proposes demerit points for Uber drivers

"to protect "small business".

Isn't that what Uber drivers are? 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber users bombard parliament with support, on eve of bill introduction

[James]

Brisbanetimes --> Katter proposes demerit points for Uber drivers

I wonder how much money the Taxi Council has donated to Katter's party this time. Demerit points are about road safety, not about protecting a government-enforced monopoly. Whether you're ferrying passengers for money or for free has no impact on "road safety".

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes -->: Anti-Uber protesters demand end to 'illegal taxi services' outside Parliament

[ozbob]

Brisbantimes --> UberX rides are safe, says Choice, busting the taxi council claims

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber racks up 327,000 Gold Coast trips in first year

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> UberX: officials suspend 40 drivers' vehicle registrations

[#Metro]

Uber will be legalised in the ACT from October 30.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury will announce the plans as part of a review of Canberra's taxi industry on Wednesday, making the ACT the first Australian jurisdiction to regulate ride-sharing.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/act-news/uber-to-launch-in-canberra-act-government-to-cut-taxi-licence-fees-and-regulate-ridesharing-20150929-gjx7a7.html

[#Metro]

Uber declares victory in Canberra, while Qld ponders 'digital disruption'

The ACT government announced it would regulate ride-sharing services, such as Uber, ahead of its entry into the capital's market, with Uber drivers legally able to operate in the ACT from the end of next month.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/uber-declares-victory-in-canberra-while-qld-ponders-digital-disruption-20150930-gjy5e2.html

[verbatim9]

We need to follow Canberra's lead. National Laws better one law for Uber modelling off Act for the whole country

[SurfRail]

It's relatively simple for Canberra to move quickly on things given the unique characteristics (small geographical area, limited number of plates, small population, the fact most of the public service probably uses it anyway...)

It's a step in the right direction, I'm just not sufficiently across what level of regulation is actually involved now.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber declares victory in Canberra, while Qld ponders 'digital disruption'


Spot on SurfRail, Canberra is an isolated situation in many respects.

On another note, I noted something on ' peak Uber ' in some overseas press.  It all seems too good for a while, then the realities for both users and ' drivers ' start to impact.   It is not all honey and money ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> State government quiet on simmering Uber assault allegations

[ozbob]

A festering mess - the former State Government found it all too hard, the present State Government is too scared to do much.

No wonder it is starting to blow up ... a lack of timely decisive leadership in Queensland.  Look at the transport basket case generally?

[ozbob]

Media Release
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Queensland reviews taxi, limousine and rideshare services

The Queensland Government has appointed Jim Varghese AM to head up an independent Taskforce to review taxi, limousine and rideshare services across the state from today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport, Jackie Trad said the comprehensive review would consider the existing regulatory framework by examining community and industry needs and expectations, public safety and disability access and affordability and competition.

"With new players, the expiry of the taxi strategic plan and no major legislative changes for many years — it is an opportunity for us industry and regulatory review," Ms Trad said.

"We are committed to ensuring Queenslanders have safe, reliable and affordable personalised transport services and want a sustainable and competitive industry that delivers these services.

"We need to outline a pathway for this industry that considers current and new players and ensures a level playing field for all taxi, limousine and rideshare services."

Mr Varghese AM will chair the Taskforce, made up of two other expert members yet to be appointed, which will deliver a final report and recommendations to the Government in August 2016.

"We have worked hard to ensure a broad range of issues facing this complex industry are incorporated in our Terms of Reference for the Taskforce's consideration," Ms Trad said.

"More than 3,200 taxis and 580 limousines operate legally across the state.

"This will be a consultative process where community and industry across the state will have regular opportunities to have their say and views considered to help inform the Taskforce."

Ms Trad said Mr Varghese and the other members of the Taskforce would have complementary experience that would ensure a thorough review.

"Mr Varghese brings a wealth of legal, regulatory, policy and customer service knowledge to this review. With more than 30 years' experience which includes leading several State Government departments like Main Roads, his commitment to innovation will be of great benefit in looking holistically at the industry and its future in Queensland," she said.

Ms Trad said Queensland would be considering taxi reviews from other states to help inform Queensland's review.

"I would encourage industry and the Queensland community to support the Taskforce and have their say during this vital review," Ms Trad said.

"In particular at the outset of this review I would encourage key stakeholders, when engaged, to work with the Taskforce in developing guiding principles to shape the review."

For more information about the review, the Taskforce and to read the Terms of Reference, visit (http://tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Taxi-and-limousine/Industry-review.aspx).The remaining Taskforce members will be announced in coming weeks.

[ozbob]

^

August 2016!  WTF!!

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Taxi review to examine how ride sharing fits into Queensland industry

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber solution 10 months away

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Uber driver fines to continue

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber review welcomed... but answers needed sooner

[ozbob]

The Guardian --> Brisbane taxi drivers charged over attacks on Uber drivers

[SteelPan]

  what people may think of the taxi industry is really a broader question for a more detailed, longer-term community discussion. Queensland is a society which by and large runs very well, on the principle of the "rule of law". Uber may have visions of being a competitor in the transport sector and lawfully they can chase that dream - they are however, as of this time, NOT licensed to provide transport for payment services in Qld - period!

Last time I looked an organised body, providing a service, outside of the law, was classed as "organised crime"!   

What happens, when a Google backed entity decides to go into the provision of "funky-technology-driven-bars" and operates without obtaining the appropriate liquor licenses? Or "new-generation-patient-focused-hospital-care" without any medical accreditation? [and remember, Google have moved in biotech research already].

Yes, in a free enterprise system, people/organisations can aspire to enter markets, but they must deal with the law first, or through established channels lobby to change it through the Parliament! 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Uber review boss defends 10-month time frame and calls for ceasefire between ride-share service and taxis

[James]

Yes, in a free enterprise system, people/organisations can aspire to enter markets, but they must deal with the law first, or through established channels lobby to change it through the Parliament! 

Have we considered that the current system is grossly broken?

The cost of a taxi license is in excess of $500,000. A stupid piece of paper costs $500,000! And what does it license you to do? Carry other passengers in a car. Not brain surgery, not run a country, drive a car with strangers. The cost of a taxi license should be an annual payment which reflects the actual administration costs required to cover vehicle inspection, background checks and so forth. A fair price would probably be up to a few hundred dollars for licensing.

The government also needs to stop setting fares too. It is not a fair market, and combined with regulation, means that there is merely the illusion of choice - that somehow there is a difference between Yellow Cabs and Black and White Cabs (or vice versa). Cab companies should be free to set their own fares and compete with each other. Maybe someone can compete with Uber's surge pricing at times of high demand, maybe someone can run a higher quality service which is more reliable. If drivers are being "exploited", or customers are being abused, very soon the taxi company will find itself with very few drivers. Under the current duopoly, you simply have no choice.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Katter Australian Party warns the Queensland Government that it must crack down on Uber

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber takes swipe at Queensland government over a lack of dialogue

[ozbob]

Twitter

Chris O'Brien Verified account ‏@COBrienBris 9m

DP @jackietrad shouted down by taxi drivers chanting "Enforce the law" #Uber @abcnews #qldpol

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Taxi drivers heckle Deputy Premier Jackie Trad at anti-Uber rally

[petey3801]

Maybe if the taxis upped their game and started offering a service to a similar standard as Uber, they might claw back some of their customers! They're their own worst enemy. It's like having only one restaurant in town, which serves mediocre food at massive prices, who then complains when another restaurant offering proper food at reasonable prices opens up! (The legal part is different, but that's just outdated laws that need updating. NRMA already covers casual Uber drivers on car insurance...)

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber chalks up 2.5m rides across Brisbane's 'transport desert'

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Uber: Tax Commissioner accuses ride-share service of making false public statements

[ozbob]

The New Daily --> Labor wants to legalise Uber

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Uber drivers clock up nearly $600,000 in fines as hire-car battle goes on

[#Metro]

Uber now has a trial of enhanced access options, including wheelchairs.

'Uber Queensland general manager Mike Abbott said a "handful" of vehicles with mechanical wheelchair lifts were being used in its pilot program named UberWAV.
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Mr Abbott said about 10 per cent of the company's customers already used its disability-friendly mode called UberASSIST, which utilises drivers with extra training who have vehicles that can fit a folded wheelchair or scooter.'

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/uber-trials-new-brisbane-service-for-passengers-with-wheelchairs-20151027-gkk67d.html

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> A Bris taxi driver has warned ride-sharing apps may kill the taxi industry before State Govt taskforce is complete

[bcasey]

The Taxi industry (or taxi drivers at least) has a limited future anyway, even if ride-sharing apps don't cause them to fail, once automated cars are commercially available.

[James]

Couriermail Quest --> A Bris taxi driver has warned ride-sharing apps may kill the taxi industry before State Govt taskforce is complete

Boo hoo. Perhaps this wouldn't be happening if the fares weren't extortionate and if the established players actually cared about its customers.

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Federal politicians, staffers should be allowed to use Uber for business, says Labor

[ozbob]

WA Today --> Uber X 'surge' charge turns Northbridge cup day ride into equivalent of airfare