Canberra welcomes Uber

Uber will have its first fully regulated ride anywhere in Canberra today. ACT has legalised the ride-sharing service despite opposition from taxi drivers.

Uber regulations have officially been implemented in ACT, while Tasmania recently announced an intention to embrace sharing-economy businesses like Uber. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said that prospective drivers in ACT showed “significant interest,” and more details will be discussed with Uber once the laws get implemented, reports The Canberra Times.

Barr said that about 280 drivers passed the government police and vehicle checks, and starting today, more details will be asked from Uber.

While the presence of Uber in Canberra marks the end of taxi monopoly in the state, Uber drivers will have to go through processes that will ensure the safety of passengers. Uber drivers should pass police, health and vehicle checks and should have insurance. People who have had their licence suspended or disqualified from driving will not be allowed to offer Uber services. In some cases, medical certificates will be required, specifically for drivers 70 years or older. Drivers should also be drug-free and have zero-alcohol reading.

While Uber fare is still unclear as of the moment, the company claimed that its rides would be 25 to 35 percent cheaper than Canberra taxis.

Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman will outline how the state plans to utilise sharing-economy businesses like Uber. On hisState Address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, transport services within the sharing economy will be presented.

Uber services continue to grow, with almost 60 countries embracing the app and the service. The app allows the public to book transport service with the use of their smartphones and no cash involved as it is automatically paid for via credit card.

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