Uber legal in Perth?
Uber is set to become legal in Western Australia, with the government looking to change the system to allow more competition and service in the local market.
The changes are aimed at increasing accountability, competition and service quality from all transport providers and safer, more reliable and affordable services for customers, a media release said.
The changes are proposed as part of a green paper into WA’s transport industry.
“Changing customer expectations, the emergence of new market entrants and three separate reports into WA’s taxi industry have highlighted the need for a significant overhaul of the current rules and regulations for on-demand transport and taxis in this State,” Dean Nalder said.
“The proposed reforms will reduce red tape, address cost disparities and unnecessary operating conditions imposed on current metropolitan government-leased taxi plate holders and privately owned taxi plate holders in both metropolitan and regional areas.
“We believe WA’s on-demand or taxi industry will continue to grow, provided drivers and owners adopt innovation and technology to provide a better service and accept greater accountability for the services they provide to the community.”
Taxi Industry Forum chief executive Howard Lance told the ABC he was in shock.
“I am absolutely disgusted and somewhat mortified,” he said.
7 News Perth video report
WA's taxi industry set to undergo its biggest overhaul with ride sharing services like Uber to be legalised #7News https://t.co/K2Hj8KzrVW
— 7 News Perth (@7NewsPerth) December 18, 2015
Last days to have your say on taxi industry reforms. http://t.co/X6bOenbDHP pic.twitter.com/TuWA0YQLUO
— Dean Nalder (@DeanNalder) October 14, 2015
Uber Perth released an email to users as the news broke:
“Today, the Western Australian Government announced that ridesharing has a future in our state,” Uber Perth said.
“Your support, and the support of hundreds of thousands of Perth riders, helped make this vision a reality.”
“Join us in congratulating the Western Australian Government.”
Congratulations @ColinBarnett and @DeanNalder for securing the future of ridesharing in Perth! #YesUberX
— Uber Perth (@Uber_Perth) December 18, 2015
Uber to be legalised in WA, reactions
Legalising Uber in WA is critical to ensuring masses of cab drivers NEVER descend on Parliament House again. @Uber_Perth #wapol
— Colin Barnett (@PremierofWA) December 18, 2015
How much time was wasted within govt working out the best way to 'allow' consumers to choose @Uber_Perth 'legally'? #yourtaxes
— Brent M. Fleeton (@BrentMFleeton) December 18, 2015
"It's the end of the taxi Industry as we know it" – 40 year veteran of Perth taxi industry on gov't decision to legalise Uber. #perthnews
— Graeme Powell (@GraemePowell3) December 17, 2015
Congratulations @UBER for securing the future of ridesharing in Perth! #YesUberX
— Vince Stackpole (@stacky66) December 18, 2015
"Transportation as reliable as running water, everywhere, for everyone" we can now tick Perth off that list. @Uber #ThankyouPerth #Regulated
— Lucy Ross (@TheLucyRoss) December 18, 2015
@thewest_com_au @tweetperth pity Uber don't pat tax, those funds could be used on the infrastructure of #Perth they are making profit from
— Terrence Chester (@udderrunner) December 18, 2015
