RIDE-sharing services could put Border taxi drivers out of business amid discussion about regulating the industry.
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Amalgamated Taxis Wodonga chairman Scott Cowie said he had been monitoring a Victorian inquiry into ride sourcing “very closely”.
He said a private member’s bill, introduced by Australian Sex Party leader Fiona Patten, would address the inevitable rise in ride-sharing.
The document, to be debated in Victorian Parliament on Wednesday, aims to provide a framework for organisations such as Uber and create a level playing field among drivers.
Wodonga is serviced by 17 taxis, an amount Mr Cowie said kept drivers “reasonably busy”.
He said workers’ incomes could be slashed if more vehicles were in operation.
If you have 35 cars, everyone’s income will be cut in half and no one makes a living.
- Scott Cowie
“If you have 35 cars, everyone’s income will be cut in half and no one makes a living,” Mr Cowie said.
“That's the reason it’s regulated and towns have a certain amount of taxis.
“If they make the same rules for everyone we have no problem - but that hasn't happened anywhere and Uber don’t like any rules.” Mr Cowie admitted it was unlikely Uber would come to the area “anytime soon” but had heard of a similar start-up organisation being developed on the Border.
He said ride-sharing featured heavily in Wodonga taxi drivers’ conversations. Mr Cowie also said safety would be a major concern as people could masquerade as Uber operators.
“That passenger could be in trouble and that’s the really scary thing, when people pretend to be drivers - it’s very insecure but it’s another cost cutting measure,” he said.
“We have to pay roadworthys, get medicals for drivers, have cameras in the car - we have to do all those things to make sure things are safe for the passenger and the diver.”
Ms Patten said the government “does not know what to do” about the taxi industry and ride-sharing needed to be regulated in a “modern” and “progressive” way, tailored to Victoria.
“They are not supporting ride-sharing, not supporting regulation and not keeping passengers and drivers safe, which they could do,” she said.
The Victorian Taxi Association has made a submission to the inquiry, open until August 8, on behalf of all its members. The NSW government legalised ride-sharing in December.
