Taxis & Ridesharing - articles, discussion ...

[ozbob]

TMR --> A new framework for the personalised transport industry

On 9 March 2017, a bill was tabled in the Queensland Parliament that proposes a modern, agile and simplified framework for personalised transport services that promote greater choice for customers while ensuring safety, accessibility, affordability and accountability.

For more information on stage 2 of the reforms, please read the Queensland's Personalised Transport Horizon - Stage Two Implementation (PDF, 3.7KB).

The Hon. Mark Bailey MP, Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply has released a Media Statement (External link) regarding the Personalised transport Stage 2 reforms.

The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring Queenslanders have safe, reliable and affordable personalised transport services and a sustainable and competitive industry to deliver them.

The Queensland Government is introducing a new framework to deliver certainty for the personalised transport industry and customers in Queensland.

Queensland's Personalised Transport Horizon – Five Year Strategic Plan for Personalised Transport Services 2016-2021, introduces a new framework for personalised transport.

A Personalised Transport Reform Unit has been established within the Department of Transport and Main Roads to oversee the transition to the new framework. The new framework will be introduced in three stages:

    Stage 1 has legalised ride-booking and has provided industry with more flexibility to respond to this increase in competition. These changes were introduced on 5 September 2016; however, participants had until 1 November 2016 or 14 August 2017 to comply with some requirements
    Stage 2 will involve comprehensive changes to primary legislation to introduce a new licensing regime and chain of responsibility for taxi and booked hire services. The changes are expected to be introduced into Parliament in early 2017 and implemented by August 2017.
    Stage 3 will involve ongoing monitoring, review and evaluation of the new framework. ...

More >> http://personalisedtransport.tmr.qld.gov.au/a-new-framework-for-the-personalised-transport-industry

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland hits Uber drivers with more charges, stricter conditions

UBER drivers will pay a $237 annual licence fee, be forced to take out special insurance, get their cars safety-checked and install reflective signs on their vehicles.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has announced a second round of reforms for rideshare services, and hardship payments for taxis and limousines, that yesterday angered both Uber and the taxi industry.

Key reforms include introducing a new annual licence fee for ride-booking operators that Uber spokesman Mike Scott described as a "new fee on everyday Queenslanders".

New safety measures include requirements to carry reflective signs on front and rear windscreens advertising a car is an Uber vehicle and follow driver fatigue management plans.

Vehicles will undergo safety checks when licensed, and will have to take out a new class of compulsory third party insurance that is yet to be calculated by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.

And $27 million in hardship payments will soon open for taxi and limousine owners and operators.

Mr Bailey said the changes were about making things fairer for all operators and increaing safety and choice for passengers.

But Uber spokesman Mike Scott said the licensing fees didn't help create safety improvements, consumer benefits or new jobs.

"We're disappointed to see the government propose new fees on everyday Queenslanders looking to access flexible work," he said.

Taxi Council chief executive Benjamin Wash said the proposed new laws didn't level the playing field.

"This proposed legislation has been written to advantage rideshare operators — who have flouted the law and attempted to avoid tax and regulatory requirements — over law abiding small businesses operators who make up Queensland's taxi industry," he said.

The Opposition said it would consider the new laws and consult with industry.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber drivers will need to fork out $200 in annual licence fees

[ozbob]

Uber outrage boils over during @TimNichollsMP tour of Queensland https://t.co/0d5IYfRsJq #qldpol pic.twitter.com/BryzMh2SlY

— ABC News Brisbane (@ABCNewsBrisbane) March 17, 2017

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber v taxis battle continues with parties laying out where they stand

You might think a truce was called in the Uber and taxi war when ride sharing was legalised in September 2016.

But that has not stopped the issue from shaping up as a major battlefield for the upcoming Queensland state election.

Here's where the parties stand on the issue.

Labor

A government bill, creating a taxi and limousine assistance package, passed in December 2016.

The $100 million assistance package includes one-off payments of $20,000 per taxi licence, capped at two per owner, while limousine licence holders can apply for a payment of $10,000.

An LNP amendment to the bill passed, requiring the government to outline its plans for the industry within three months and have them implemented within six.

It came after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced ride-sharing services such as Uber would become legal from September 5, 2016, in addition to reforms to level "the playing field".

The government introduced its second stage of reforms in March, which would mandate a zero blood-alcohol reading for drivers.

Regulation changes will mandate security cameras where payment is made with cash during the journey – which would not apply to Uber – an annual certificate of inspection and disability awareness and anti-discrimination training.

Uber drivers will be slugged with a new $237.26 annual licence fee and taxi and limousine licences and plates will be retained.

And driver fatigue must also be managed by companies and operators.

The government's bill has been referred a parliamentary committee, which is due to report back by May 15.

Labor criticised the LNP's policy announcement of an "independent Personalised Transport Commissioner", saying it raised more questions than it answered.

An LNP government would appoint a Personalised Transport Commissioner, which would be responsible for the licensing and registration of vehicles, drivers and operators.

The commissioner would liaise with the Motor Accident Insurance Commission to set compulsory third-party insurance premiums.

They would also recommend safety standards and regulatory changes to the minister, including in relation to safety cameras and vehicle identification, and advise on opportunities to reduce the regulatory burden on all industry members to ease the pressure on fares.

The commissioner would also direct transport officer enforcement of personalised transport regulations.

The LNP would also establish a Personalised Transport Ministerial Council, including the minister, commissioner and industry.

The LNP criticised the Labor government's policies, saying they had left thousands of taxi owners and operators angry and out of pocket.

Katter's Australian Party

KAP is set to introduce a private member's bill to create a separate authority to enforce ride-sharing laws.

The authority would look at long-term enforcement of the law and would combine the work of police and the Department of Transport.

Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter said there was a need for legislation to create a non-politicised body to enforce the rules and establish fair regulations.

In April 2016, KAP's private member's bill, including higher penalties for ride-sharing drivers and giving transport inspectors more powers to detect offenders, passed.

One Nation

Queensland leader Steve Dickson said ride-share companies would have to comply with the same requirements as the taxi industry if One Nation won the balance of power or were elected to government.

Mr Dickson said ride-sharing companies such as Uber would have to pay the same insurance as taxi licence holders and hardwire their vehicles with video and audio devices.

He criticised the actions of Labor and the LNP and said it would be an election issue.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

Transport and Other Legislation (Personalised Transport Reform) Amendment Bill 2017

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/TUC/inquiries/current-inquiries/I36PersonalisedTransport

Submissions can be read via the tab.  Submission 34 warns of some impacts for the Commonwealth Games too.

[ozbob]

24th April 2017

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Taxi and limousine hardship payments released

Eligible taxi and limousine licence owners and operators can now apply for $26.7 million in industry hardship payments as part of the next stage of the Palaszczuk Government's $100 million Industry Adjustment Assistance package (IAAP).

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said that eligible taxi and limousine owners and operators would be contacted by the Queensland Rural Adjustment Agency (QRAA), who were managing the release of payments.

"The fund is available to licence holders and operators and QRAA will accept applications until 28 July," Mr Bailey said.

"These payments ensure the taxi and limousine industry can transition to the new, fairer, framework we are implementing as a part of Stage 2 of Queensland's Personalised Transport Horizon."

Details of the industry hardship payments include:

    Eligible taxi licence owners and operators will receive a payment of $9,000 per licence, with the payment shared 50/50 between owner and operator.
    Eligible limousine licence holders and operators will receive a payment of $4,500, with the payment shared 50/50 between owner and operator.
    Both will be capped at 10 licences per registered entity to ensure an equitable distribution of funds.

Mr Bailey said that the payments were a part of the Palaszczuk Government's personalised transport reforms announced in August 2016.

"We have overhauled the personalised transport industry with reforms that cut red tape, providing more choice for consumers," he said.

"By simplifying and reducing regulations, we are also creating a more level playing field for operators.

"These changes will ensure the personalised transport industry remains modern and viable for the future."

For enquiries about fund eligibility or payment contact QRAA on (07) 3032 0595 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au.

For more information, visit http://personalisedtransport.tmr.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

[ozbob]

A growing number of people are opting out of car ownership and saving thousands by sharing. @KendallGilding #7News pic.twitter.com/McwRry5F1z

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) April 27, 2017

[ozbob]

Reuters --> Uber faces criminal probe over software used to evade authorities

The U.S. Department of Justice has begun a criminal investigation into Uber Technologies Inc's use of a software tool that helped its drivers evade local transportation regulators, two sources familiar with the situation said.

Uber has acknowledged the software, known as "Greyball," helped it identify and circumvent government officials who were trying to clamp down on Uber in areas where its service had not yet been approved, such as Portland, Oregon.

The company prohibited the use of Greyball for this purpose shortly after the New York Times revealed its existence in March, saying the program was created to check ride requests to prevent fraud and safeguard drivers. The Times report triggered a barrage of negative publicity for the company.  ....

[ozbob]

C'tee says Uber laws should pass - with 15 tweaks https://t.co/Grdxnw5dVC @9NewsQueensland

— Shane Doherty (@ShaneDoherty9) May 15, 2017

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Uber CCTV flagged by Queensland parliamentary committee

UBER drivers may be forced to install cameras in their private cars to record passengers under a raft of legal changes recommended by Queensland Parliament.

They include a statewide register of black-banned drivers, rules stopping drivers pulling double shifts in taxis and then in an Uber, and a review of whether security cameras are needed in private cars.

A parliamentary committee recommended that proposed laws to police the taxi and ridesharing industry pass Parliament but also made 16 recommendations to alter the legislation as the industry continues to fight over whether new regulations are fair.

Many relate to increased safety, including making companies report when a driver has been sacked and the reason to a statewide register that other companies can search when hiring.

Maximum shifts and maximum driver hours for specified periods are suggested to manage fatigue amid claims drivers are pulling double shifts working as both taxi and Uber drivers in the same day.

One of the most contentious areas related to the use of cameras, with Labor committee chair Shane King conceding not all members agreed that Ubers and limousines be allowed to operate without and passengers could choose taxis if they wanted the security feature.

The committee therefore recommended a review after 18 months.

"If the review shows there is a higher risk profile in vehicles without cameras, the Minister (should) consider introducing a requirement for security cameras in every vehicle used in the personalised transport industry," the report says.

Other recommendations include requiring drivers to hold a Queensland drivers licences and the publication of the numbers of defective taxis and rideshare cars identified during routine inspections.

And the committee backed a proposed annual fee for Uber drivers of $237.26 — despite claims it would stop thousands of drivers signing up.

Main Road Minister Mark Bailey said he was still to consider the report.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Security cameras could be in the future for Queensland Uber drivers

Uber drivers may be forced to install security cameras in the future if a review into new legislation finds ride-sharing is not as safe as taxis.

A parliamentary committee has recommended Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey review driver and passenger safety across the industry 18 months after changes in a new bill - yet to be debated - come into effect.

If the proposed review showed there were higher risks in vehicles without security cameras, the minister should consider making cameras mandatory in every vehicle used in the personalised transport industry, the committee said.

That would include ride sharing companies, such as Uber.

But the current bill, as it stands, would not require ride-sharing drivers to install security cameras.

The comments were among 16 recommendations made by the Public Works and Utilities Committee, including that the bill enforcing a second stage of reforms be passed.

The second stage of reforms include a new $237.26 annual fee for ride-sharing drivers, and a zero blood-alcohol reading requirement.

The committee also recommended the minister seek to establish new industry standards for fatigue management, including a maximum number of driver hours within a set period and a maximum shift length across the taxi, limo and ridesharing industries.

Committee chairman Shane King, the Labor member for Kallangur, said government and non-government members of the committee could not agree on the issue of security cameras.

"One of [the things we could not agree on] was the proposed requirement for vehicles to have security cameras installed if they are a taxi or where a passenger pays for the journey in cash or in person by electronic means during the journey," Mr King said.

"I support this approach and I am of the view that it will provide customers with a choice to book a taxi with a camera or a vehicle without a camera.

"It will also allow taxis in smaller communities and rural and remote areas, to continue to operate without cameras, and limousine services to continue to provide high profile customers with the required level of personal privacy."

The LNP members of the committee suggested all vehicles operating in known high risk areas such as the Drink Safe precincts in the Valley or Gold Coast, should be required to have approved security cameras.

In a statement of reservation, LNP MP and deputy chairman Rob Molhoek said the government's industry assistance payments were inadequate.

Mr Molhoek said the LNP MPs believed a statutory personalised transport commissioner should be established and personalised transport functions moved into a new Office of Personalised Transport.

The Transport and Other Legislation (Personalised Transport Reform) Amendment bill is due to be debated this year.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Taxi industry blasts 'cop-out' Uber CCTV recommendations

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland ridesharing laws: security cameras remain mandatory for taxis

SECURITY cameras will remain mandatory for taxis but will not need to be installed in all personalised transport services, under new laws passed in State Parliament overnight.

The measure was among a raft of reforms that will dictate how the personalised transport industry will be policed.

Under the new laws, security cameras will be mandatory for taxis as well as personalised transport vehicles that accept payments in cash or payment in person during the journey — something which will be reviewed in 18 months' time.

This means vehicles operated under ridesharing giant Uber will be exempt, as payment is usually made before the job via a mobile app.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the requirement for security cameras was based on the risk profile of the service.

"These risks are reduced for booked hire services as booked entities will be required to make a record of all bookings, including passenger and driver details," he said during the debate.

Drivers who provide taxi services in a vehicle other than a licensed taxi will also face hefty fines under the legislation.

A fatigue management framework will also be implemented as part of the reforms.

The Opposition did not vote against the laws, but committed to appointing an independent personalised transport commissioner.

Katter's Australian Party moved several amendments to the legislation, which were voted down by the Government and the Opposition.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Moves to put GPS and security cameras in Uber fails

Uber drivers will not have to install security cameras in their vehicles after moves by the Katter's Australian Party failed.

But the industry will be reviewed in 18 months, with the effectiveness of security cameras to be under the spotlight.

The Transport and Other Legislation (Personalised Transport Reform) Amendment Bill passed on Wednesday night, with bipartisan support.

Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter moved several amendments, including mandatory security cameras, commercial-grade GPS and a duress alarm for the driver in both taxis and ride-sharing vehicles; new insurance rules; and specialised number plates for ride-sharing vehicles.

And there was an amendment to ensure services provided for people with special needs were of an acceptable standard.

Mr Katter said they were necessary to protect the safety of users and improve services for people with a disability.

He said the government's changes did not go far enough.

"We've put in some amendments that ... bring fairness, true fairness, back into this," Mr Katter said.

"Fairness is not what is happening out there at the moment.

"Businesses are going down the toilet, here, Queensland-owned businesses."

His fellow KAP MP, member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth, said the amendments were common sense.

But all the KAP amendments were defeated, with both Labor and the LNP voting against them, while the cross benchers supported them.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said security cameras were necessary in taxi services due to the risk of assault associated with the anonymity of passengers who hail a cab or hop in at a rank.

He said the risks were reduced for booked hire services, as they were required to make a record of all passenger and driver details.

Mr Bailey acknowledged it had been a very challenging time for the industry, but the government aimed to reach a fair outcome. He said there were several issues with the KAP amendments.

The government's bill is the second stage of reforms, since ride-sharing was legalised in Queensland in September 2016.

In the future, there will be increased penalties for repeat offenders, maximum shift lengths across the industry of 14 hours in any 24-hour period, and a new annual licence fee for ride-sharing drivers of $237.36.

Compliance data will be collected and published on a regular basis to provide transparency around enforcement.

There will also be a new offence, with a fine of up to $365,000, to stop people avoiding detection of an offence related to personalised transport, for example "greyballing" - a method to avoid detection by authorities.

Mr Bailey said the world had changed, with technology transforming many aspects of life and work.

"Difficult decisions have had to be made on how best to respond to this change," Mr Bailey said.

Opposition Transport spokesman Andrew Powell said the LNP would not oppose the government's bill - despite criticising it - because the industry, which was looking for certainty and stability, would be left in a void.

"If this bill does not pass there will be a void in the laws, allowing for cowboy operators and potentially putting passengers at risk," Mr Powell said.

He said the bill should be amended but there was a danger in amending legislation on complex bills at the last minute.

Mr Powell reiterated the LNP's commitment to install an independent personalised transport commissioner, if the party won the next election.

The changes will be phased in from June, with most provisions due to start in the second half of 2017.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Uber to hike fares in Sydney and Melbourne to cover 'operational costs'

Uber will hike minimum fares and slug passengers with an extra booking fee from next month so it can cover "operational costs".

The "ride sharing" service, which operates as an alternative to taxis, said drivers had been calling for minimum fare rates to be raised.

From June 9, passengers will also pay a 55¢ booking fee on every trip to "assist with the operational costs associated with providing a ridesharing service", an Uber spokesman said.

Drivers will pass 50¢ on to Uber and keep 5¢ to remit to the Australian Tax Office as GST.

Uber already takes 20 or 25 per cent of the full fare, depending how long a driver has worked with Uber.

The minimum fare in Sydney will increase from $8 to $9, including the 50¢ booking fee, and in Melbourne and Brisbane it will increase from $6 to $7.50.

"We heard that an important improvement Uber could make to the driving experience would be increasing the minimum fare," the Uber spokesman said.

RideShare Drivers United, which represents Uber drivers, said the increase was a step in the right direction but a "minuscule one".

"Most drivers we talked to view this latest Uber increase as an insult and a slap in the face," the group said in a statement.

The base fare was still too low and left drivers with take-home pay below the minimum wage, RSDU said. It has called for a $9 minimum fare.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland taxi licence values drop further amid new ride-sharing laws

THE assault on the value of taxi licences in Brisbane brought about by ride-sharing service Uber has intensified.

Documents released under Right to Information show the price of licences has dropped significantly.

Sixteen taxi service licences were sold in Brisbane between April 2016 and March this year.

The most expensive licence sold for $275,000 in May 2016, but a licence changed hands in March for just $110,000.

The last licence sold in Brisbane over the 12-month period went for $120,000, while the average value of the 16 licences was just over $200,000.

This compares with peak values over $500,000 before the ride-share disruption of the industry.

Despite the fall in prices, a TransLink spokeswoman said the value of licences could appreciate after a raft of legislative reforms passed State Parliament last month.

"The comprehensive reforms passed by State Parliament on 24 May, 2017, focus on increasing customer safety and providing certainty and stability to the industry," she said.

"We believe these legislative changes will provide certainty to the industry, reinforce taxi licence values, and allow them to appreciate in value into the future.

"Existing taxi service licences have retained their perpetual status and still provide the opportunity for revenue generation under the reforms."

The spokeswoman also said there were no plans for further perpetual taxi licences to be made available.

Opposition transport spokesman Andrew Powell said the Government had "delayed and dithered" in its response to changes to the taxi industry, hurting owners, drivers and passengers.

"While the Palaszczuk Labor Government and its revolving door of transport ministers dragged their feet on getting assistance payments out the door, the uncertainty and delays caused serious damage to taxi businesses," he said.

"We're confident our plan will restore value in the taxi industry by providing certainty and stability, respect for owners, operators and drivers and a level playing field."

The LNP has committed to appointing an independent personalised transport commissioner if it wins government at the next election.

Taxi Council Queensland chief executive Benjamin Walsh said the value of taxi licenses was set by the market.

"The value is set by the market and the Government has had a history of leading the market by accepting the highest tender, so it has distorted the market over time," he said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TheNewDailyAu/status/880916368547340288

[achiruel]

Good riddance IMO. GoCatch have a much fairer business model and pay appropriate Australian taxes.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/RuthMcCosker/status/899025383005143040

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/910903447880310784

[tazzer9]

Poor Investment.   Are they going to cry to their mummy in the state government.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TfL/status/911656425235058688

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/brisbanetimes/status/911425391163613189

[#Metro]

Taxis just want to ban the competition.

[#Metro]

A traditional company only represents a handful of votes as companies don't vote - only owners and perhaps concerned shareholders

do. The difference with a network company like Uber is that its "staff" are contractors - every single person is their own mini

business. This changes the political dynamic because essentially you are intervening into the lives of your consituents, rather than an

impersonal "corporation". And those individuals vote.

More than 500,000 sign petition to save Uber as firm fights London ban
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/23/thousands-sign-petition-save-uber-firm-hits-back-london-ban

More than half a million people have signed a petition calling for Transport for London to reverse its decision to strip Uber of its licence to operate in the capital, making it the fastest growing petition in the UK this year.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan could be in breach of equality rules as Uber vows to take court action over ban
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/23/uber-vows-take-court-action-tfl-ban-aslondon-mayor-sadiq-khan/

Uber says TfL gave it no notice of the conditions it wished the company to address and have only held one meeting once this year.

Looks like TFL's claims (TFL is chaired by the Mayor of London) will be tested in court. Will be interesting to watch.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/911999337789403136

[ozbob]

1st October 2017

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Personalised transport reform in full swing

Comprehensive changes to the personalised transport industry have come into effect today, including a new chain of responsibility framework, more stringent safety requirements and an updated licensing framework.

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the changes were a key milestone in Stage 2 of the Queensland Government's reforms to the industry.

"Since September last year, we have worked with industry to create a new, modern framework for how drivers, operators, licence holders, and booking entities deliver personalised transport services," Mr Bailey said.

"This framework brings Queensland's laws into the future and ensures safe, accessible and affordable personalised transport services in a time of technological change.

"Our reforms provide certainty for taxi, limousine and ride-booking operators while at the same time creating a framework that improves safety and creates choice for passengers."

Mr Bailey said under the new framework, all personalised transport operators and booking entities were required to pass the same eligibility test and the Department of Transport and Main Roads had the power to cancel and suspend licences.

"This allows us to ensure all parties are fit and proper to provide services that are of the high standard that Queenslanders expect when using a taxi or ride-booking service," he said.

"If operators, licence holders, drivers, or any parties in the industry fail to adhere to the new regulatory requirements, we will act swiftly to revoke licences or issue financial penalties as appropriate.

"While industry has been allowed time to comply with licencing and authorisation requirements, we are encouraging operators to apply early to ensure they are fully compliant by the deadline."

From today:



    If you provide a booked hire service in a vehicle other than a taxi or limousine, you need to apply for a booked hire service licence.

-       Applications open on 1 October 2017 and you must have a booked hire service licence by 15 January 2018.

    If you arrange bookings for a booked hire service, (including pre-booked services in taxis, limousines or booked hire vehicles) you need to apply to become an authorised booking entity.

-       Applications open on 1 October 2017 and you must hold authorisation by 1 December 2017.

    Improved signage requirements apply to booked hire vehicles.
    New general safety duty requirements commence for all parties in the chain of responsibility to ensure the safety of taxi and booked hire services.
    Electronic payment surcharges in taxis are capped at 5%.
    A new class of compulsory third party insurance for booked hire and limousines applies.
    Security cameras are required in all vehicles that meet a certain risk profile.

For further information on the Personalised Transport Reforms, visit http://personalisedtransport.tmr.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Uber drivers required to have taxi licenses from January 2018

UBER drivers in Queensland will from January need to hold a taxi licence under reforms introduced on Sunday.

Other changes to affect any booked hire service will include improved signage and security within vehicles, Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said in a statement on Sunday.

"If operators, licence holders, drivers, or any parties in the industry fail to adhere to the new regulatory requirements, we will act swiftly to revoke licences or issue financial penalties as appropriate," he said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/914538879591473152

[verbatim9]

Back to opportunities within that sector

Westfield (USA) partners with Uber. Maybe rolled out here?

https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/02/uber-launching-shopping-mall-lounges-and-pickupdropoff-points-with-westfield/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9/status/920200133374906368

[#Metro]

There should be a feature for women to request women drivers if they choose.

When you allow experimentation an innovation, people find solutions to problems on their own.

Most problems have solutions.

Ladies, Let's Roll
Enjoy the safety and certainty of being part of an all-female network of drivers and passengers.
http://shebah.com.au/

Shebah is Australia's first and only active all-female rideshare service getting women and children where they need to go. You can now use Shebah in Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and Perth, Darwin and Adelaide will be active soon. Launched in March 2017 (on International Women's Day!), the app became the most popular download in the app store within 24 hours. Our fabulous fleet of drivers is growing every day and women across Australia are turning to Shebah for safe and convenient transportation.

You can see in the 'About' section of their website, that ridesharing is regulated:

http://shebah.com.au/2016/12/13/driving-for-shebah/

a valid passenger transport driver authorisation from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. This covers a criminal check (daily), a health check and a safety certificate for your vehicle and carry it with you at all times. If you don't have a safety certificate for the car you're driving you could face penalties and fines (boo).

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/NPR/status/929021331391303680

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/abcmelbourne/status/932777957894053888

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/westaustralian/status/933224101124046848

[techblitz]

its one thing to call yourself smart when you code a multibillion dollar app/startup but the reality is your not even close to smart if you cannot secure it from hackers.
Your actually more dumber prior to coming up with the idea....

new name for them >> NOOBER......

[ozbob]

its one thing to call yourself smart when you code a multibillion dollar app/startup but the reality is your not even close to smart if you cannot secure it from hackers.
Your actually more dumber prior to coming up with the idea....

new name for them >> NOOBER......

[Mozz]

Word on the street is come 1 December 2017, Uber will be recouping 27.5% of every fare up from the current 22% rate.

It may have an impact on the number and quality of uber services, particularly when combined with financial, taxation and other measures that have been and potentially will be required of uber drivers, past, present and future.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/brisbanetimes/status/938985488316219398