The State Government has announced it will this week drop the boundaries and restrictions for Metro taxi and rideshare drivers, which will allow drivers to take fares statewide.
Once changes are gazetted this week, rideshare and chauffer drivers will no longer required to apply for a separate accreditation to operate outside of the metropolitan boundary.
Until now, metropolitan accredited drivers could finish a trip outside of the boundary – which extended as far north as Gawler and to Mount Barker to the east – but could not have a trip both start and end outside the boundary without an additional accreditation.
While Uber was eligible to seek an exemption to operate outside the boundary, none was ever sought.
Only country taxi operators can currently operate outside of the metropolitan boundary, but legislation is currently before parliament that if passed will extend these arrangements to include all taxis, as part of a suite of wider changes flowing from the Government’s landmark Passenger Transport Act review.
Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick has welcomed the change for his Murraylands and Strathalbyn constituents following years of advocacy on the issue as a Liberal MP.
“This is a great step forward for regional South Australia,” Pederick said.
“For too long, communities outside of Adelaide have been disadvantaged when it comes to transport options. The expansion of rideshare services will provide locals and visitors with greater choice, convenience, and accessibility.”
Meantime Member for Finniss David Basham in the Fleurieu Peninsula has called for caution.
“This regional area is fortunate to have private chauffeur operators, local taxi and Dial-A-Ride (bus) services that provide point-to-point transportation, and other public bus services,” Basham said.
“We need to ensure we continue to support the transport services who have been supporting us, otherwise we risk losing the valuable transport options we currently enjoy.”
Previously, rideshare services like Uber could operate in regional areas only by obtaining an exemption permit for approximately $300 annually.
The Liberal MP said ridesharing businesses have been hesitant to operate in the Fleurieu region, likely due to challenges such as long distances, smaller populations, and cost-prohibitive pricing models.
“Transport is a vital and intricate issue that regions must tackle decisively. The challenges of longer distances, smaller populations, and lower disposable incomes, combined with urban expectations, require a strategic approach.”
