Uber suspension triggers national online campaign

Following the suspension of UberX’s drivers on Monday, a new national online campaign has been initiated, to call on public opinion on whether Uber should adhere to the same state and federal regulations as taxi services.

The online campaign started on change.org and is called “controversial ride-sharing app that's generating media headlines – with governments deciding whether to crack down on the service.”

The campaign then asks Australians to vote against their service if they felt that Uber’s services have been illegal and have undermined the taxi industry. It further mentions whether Australians agree that Uber has been unsafe and has been avoiding tax obligations.

It also provides another option, giving way for Uber supporters. It states "support Australia's right to choose Uber because it's cheaper, provides competition for taxis and is reliable.”

Any person is eligible to start online petitions at Change.org. This online campaign has been initiated by Cairns taxis driver trainer Chris Balsom. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Uber declined to comment on whether it had connections with petition up on Charge.org supporting Uber services.

The online campaign was triggered after Canberra government announced it as the first Australian jurisdiction to regulate ride-sharing. The government felt that Uber should operate legally while following the same safety and insurance regulations as existing taxi services. However, Uber has always argued that it should be facing same rules as the taxi industry as it a technology based company.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has said he is "concerned" that the must seek ways to properly regulate the “pre-booked only trade.”

Uber faces suspension notice for 40 drivers put forward by the NSW Roads and Maritime Services on Monday. The company claimed the suspension was given without any “due process.” It is now leading a legal inquiry to reverse the decision of suspension, with questions being raised as to who controls the NSW government: the people or the taxi association. As many as 40 UberX licences were put on suspension notice by the RMS NSW after the drivers of the ride-sharing service were allegedly caught using private vehicles while working for the popular app Uber.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has praised Uber as part of the "agile" economy of Australia that he has been hoping to achieve.

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