Uber: Government’s ‘Red Tape’ Still Gets In The Way Of South Australian Launch

The South Australian Government today announced the legalisation of ride-sharing apps in the state, paving the ways for operators like GoCatch’s GoCar and of course, UberX.

Uber has received the news less than enthusiastically, stating “We will review the detail of the Government’s proposal and decide whether or not we launch uberX in South Australia. We hope the Government will consider the removal of arbitrary red tape, including unnecessary costs or time delays, that would prevent South Australians from being able to access flexible work when they need it.”

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Tom White General Manager of Uber Adelaide told Gizmodo “We welcome the Government’s recognition that there is an overdue need for reform of the point to point transport industry in South Australia and that services like ridesharing need to be welcomed to the State.”

The current proposals in place appear to be in response to pressure from the incumbent industry, rather than focused on opening up opportunity and choice, says Uber, with parts of the process proposed by the Government not as affordable and seamless as they could be.

In NSW the cost for accreditation is $45, and in the ACT it takes only a few days. The anticipated costs and the length of time it would take for an Adelaidean to become a part-time ridesharing driver is “far in excess of the cost and time” of other states Uber says.

Uber says it is keen to work with the Government on opening up opportunity and choice, not limiting it.

“South Australians who need access to flexible paid work should be able to do so without paying hundreds of dollars in fees or waiting months for their application to be processed.”

This is in stark contrast to GoCar, who welcomed the changes with open arms, stating “This move will enable greater choice and convenience for passengers looking to get from A to B and create new opportunities for drivers to supplement their income.”


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