Driving towards ride-sharing in the Territory

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p2168-Nicole-ManisonLETTER TO THE EDITOR
 
Sir – Territorians will have access to increased commercial passenger choices to get them home this time next festive season with work on the introduction of ride-sharing continuing on track.
 
Bringing ridesharing to the Territory was an election commitment by Territory Labor.
 
The industry-wide Ridesharing Steering Committee has met three times since November. We want to ensure we have a strong taxi industry in the future as well as ridesharing in the NT.
 
The recent survey canvassing issues such as safety and security including inspections and criminal history checks, regulation and licencing fees, attracted 3,200 responses.
 
Of those participating in the survey, 75% indicated they would use a ridesharing service when available in the Territory.
 
A final report from the 20-member steering committee will incorporate the feedback gained through the survey and is expected to be provided to Government in early 2017.
 
The long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the commercial passenger vehicle industry is a priority in this process.
 
The steering committee includes drivers, taxi operators, the Taxi Council, minibus and private hire industries, and organisations representing the disability, indigenous, youth, and seniors sectors as well as the Transport Workers’ Union, business groups, economic experts and Uber.
 
Nicole Manison
Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (pictured)
 
 

2 COMMENTS

  1. Interesting that the “ride sharing steering committee” has met three times since November. Pity the current government can’t find the same commitment for far more important issues.

  2. Alice doesn’t need ridesharing.
    Period.
    Like so many other things regulated by government, our current CPV industry is seriously in need of being encouraged to behave itself. Stories abound around the behaviour of certain elements of the CPV industry, the government seemingly relying on trust and self regulation, which the industry cannot manage.
    Customers complain, but it falls on deaf ears. The complaint system seems to be oriented toward settling squabbles between participants, no one wants to help a disgruntled customer with their issue.
    Others resort to Facebook, which has no effect.
    Bribery, by a number of names, is rife, as is a number of activities that would have the ACCC in a state of apoplexy, yet our Aussie way of worrying about the cost ensures that no one with appropriate authority will come take a look.
    Wobetide any new player in the game, with almost closed-shop conditions by the existing players, like many other businesses, that start up and then go away, you need a lot of tenacity, your very existence becomes the subject of a “let’s keep it a secret” action by the old hands: Your advertising will disappear, lies will be told about your pricing and service capabilities, and even physical steps taken to prevent potential customers getting near.
    But the regulators can’t see it.
    There is plenty of work to go around in the CPV area, and plenty more available.
    People respect that for electrical work, you get a sparkie in, for pipes and drains, a plumber, etc etc, but common is the cry of hey, I’ll run you in my car, save you the cost of a cab – even though the CPV drivers are trained, insured, and regulated and DIY would actually cost you more. Even governments waste $$$ on that one.
    Or do people hold a grudge against CPV operators earning a living, eating and housing?
    Here’s a thought: Take up a suitable strategic position beside our roads, and see how many single-occupant vehicles enter the CBD area each morning. Track them and see where they all spend the day.
    Marvel at the full carparks, with no space for actual customers, those going ’round and ’round looking for a spot to dump their jalopy while they shop or see the doc.
    Why don’t we see car pooling in use? Oh wait, that’s now ridesharing!
    Yes, ridesharing was never meant to be an alternate taxi service, it’s a modernised version of car-pooling, where you find your ride to work, with a stranger, and toss him/her a few bob for the consideration.
    Let the CPV industry operate as it should, but with a little more commonsense, each doing what they do best, and the sinners be suitably chastised.
    I could ramble on.

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