Aregional taxi spokesperson has questioned the viability of rideshare companies such as Uber operating in the Limestone Coast.
Country Taxis SA chair Chris Brougham, who represents regional taxi drivers in SA, spoke to The SE Voice after it was announced that a review of the state’s taxi, chauffeur and rideshare industries has proposed allowing Uber to operate in regional areas, including the Limestone Coast.
The landmark review recommends sweeping reforms for taxi, access cab, chauffeur and rideshare industries such as better security, stronger vehicle identification and removing barriers for service delivery in regional South Australia.
Mr Brougham said he was not surprised the door would be opened for rideshare companies to start operating in regional SA.
“I think the review, the Minister has wanted this to happen – there are two main things, one to do with metro taxis … the second was specifically to give rideshare access around the state,” he said.
“Personally I would query the logic of this.
“Practically in terms of what it means in the country, thus far there has not been much of the rideshare people, Uber in particular, in regional areas of SA, some of them do work in the Adelaide Hills.”
Mr Brougham said rideshare operators looking to establish new markets would face similar challenges to the taxi companies already operating in those areas.
“They will have the same problems as our industry, they will have to find people who work for not very much money and drive their owns cars,” Mr Brougham said.
“This relies on supply and demand and critical mass.
“Is there enough work in Mount Gambier, in the South East, in regional areas to justify an Uber presence? There’s not that much work to go round.
“While they may say it’s a great idea and the public might think it would be wonderful, practically if you have not got someone to be available to do it at whatever price, I’m not sure there will be a lot of difference in the short term.”
Mr Brougham also flagged a risk to Access cabs for people with disabilities.
“One of the bigger issues is that rideshare companies, Uber and the rest of them, are not required to look after people in wheelchairs or who are mobility impaired,” he said.
“Access taxis … actually provide a service, they cost more money to run and they are generally sponsored or supported by the general taxi industry recognising they have a role to play.
“I have not seen Uber or any of them do that.
“If Uber dents the taxi companies’ income there is a real risk that it will put at risk the wheelchair taxis.”
Mr Brougham urged the community to keep in mind local taxis were operated by local people.
“I do not know of a regional taxi company that does not support the community, I would like to think the local community will continue to support them … we are part of the community, we have been there for a long time,” he said.
“The reality is sometimes people have short memories.
“Please keep supporting your locals, some communities are better than that than others.”
