Taxi drivers and those wanting to use ridesharing services like UberX can attend an industry briefing on the new transport rules next week.
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In December, the government released a series of reforms of the point to point transport industry – which included taxis, hire cars and ridesharing services.
Among the changes is the effective legalisation of services like UberX, where private citizens can use their own car to ferry passengers.
Rideshare drivers now need a driver authority and a criminal check.
For taxi drivers, there is no legal obligation for them to wear uniforms or keep their taxi clean – the idea is increased competition will encourage this to happen.
Taxis will still have exclusive access to ranks and will also be the only vehicles passengers can hail in the street.
Briefings on the changes will be occurring across the state, with Wollongong’s update taking place on February 16 at the Illawarra Leagues Club.
“We’re committed to ensuring a sustainable and modern point to point transport industry, and we’ll do this by cutting red tape, embracing new business models and working with the industry to adjust to this new environment,” Transport Minister Andrew Constance said.
“These changes are wide-ranging and require discussion with the industry. The government wants to ensure taxis remain a crucial part of the NSW transport network.”