QLD RIDE-SHARE DRIVERS SAY FARES MUST RISE

The organisation representing ride-sharing drivers says companies such as Uber need to lift their fares to give drivers a “fair and equitable” wage.

The Ride Share Drivers’ Association of Australia made the submission to the Queensland Public Works and Utilities Committee during public hearings on the second phase of the state government’s ride-sharing reforms on Thursday.

The legislation aims to create a level playing field for the personalised transport industry, including taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber.

Association secretary Les Johnson said one way to do that would be to ensure ride-sharing drivers were paid more.

“For ride-sharing to be viable ongoing, the rates need to go up considerably,” he said outside the hearing.

“Based on figures published by the RACQ, to operate a vehicle on a per-kilometre rate, plus the fact we have to pay GST on every dollar we earn, plus the fact that we pay a 25 per cent commission to Uber, most drivers are running at a loss.”

Mr Johnson said calls for the government to legislate to ensure ride-sharing cars had the same safety features as taxis, such as CCTV and GPS tracking, would only add to their costs.

But Taxi Council of Queensland chief executive Benjamin Wash, who also made a submission at the hearing, said it was the only way for the industry to move forward.

“Taxis do have a great deal of extra protections built in, but if someone chooses a cheaper ride-share service that person should reasonably expect that there’s at least a minimum amount of protection,” he said outside the hearing.

“Right now, with the bill as drafted, they can’t be assured that will be the case.”