A state government initiative designed to give commuters a taste of big city convenience could inadvertently run taxi drivers off the road.
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On Thursday morning, Deputy Premier John Barilaro revealed expressions of interest were being sought from regional areas to extend Sydney’s On Demand transport trials.
The scheme allows commuters to book shuttle buses to take them to existing transport hubs, schools, universities, hospitals or places of interest. Prices for the Uber-style public transport trial in Sydney ranged from $2.60 to $5.60 and Mr Barilaro said it put the customer at the centre of the system.
“We want to provide a new model of transport for rural and regional NSW that satisfies the individual and unique needs of local towns and rural cities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I really would like to see regional companies putting their hand up for this trial, because often its country businesses who know best how to deliver for country people… those who know the local area and understand what local transport customers need.”
People in regional areas like Wagga had long called for ride-sharing service Uber to come to town, despite the app’s worldwide impact on the taxi industry. On Tuesday, Victorian taxi drivers revealed they were considering a class action against Uber. A similar class action was launched against Uber in Canada in January, while in September, Uber was banned from operating in London based on safety concerns.
When asked whether On Demand would have a similar impact to Uber in Wagga, taxi driver Ken Chappelow said it would make life difficult.
“I only work a few days a week for pocket money, but for the ones where it’s their income it would impinge quite considerably,” Mr Chappelow said.
“There’s a shuttle bus around that takes quite a lot of work from us.”
However, Transport Minister Andrew Constance said On Demand would play a big part in the future of public transport and it was critical to bring it to regional areas.
“Instead of relying on timetables, On Demand brings transport to you –when you want and where you want,” Mr Constance said.
“This is a major opportunity for industry to partner with government to improve and personalise transport all over the state.”
Regional pilot programs were expected to be operational by the end of 2018.