Ride sharing service Uber remains uncertain about when to move into Victoria’s regional cities as the Andrews government introduces reforms to parliament.
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An Uber spokesman said the company had been looking closely at demand for ride sharing in Bendigo for some time.
“We would like to bring the benefits of increased choice, competition and transport access to local residents at some stage in the future,” he said.
When exactly Uber would begin servicing Bendigo was not clear, with the Uber spokesman citing uncertainty around the government’s reform process and the possible introduction of a $2 levy per trip.
“This is disappointing because we know there are many people in Bendigo struggling with the high cost of living as well as poor access to local transport,” the spokesman said.
Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said a proposed levy would replace annual licence fees which sometimes cost operators up to $23,000 a year.
She said the levy would also help fund a “a significant compensation package” for the taxi industry.
The bill contained funding for $494 million in assistance for the existing taxi and hire car industry, which Ms Allan said was the largest transition and support package in Australia.
The package also included $50 million in targeted assistance for industry participants experiencing significant financial hardship, $25 million to ensure services continue to be provided for passengers with disabilities, and a rebate for annual licence fees.
“In recognition of that we felt (it was appropriate operators) pay an industry based contribution to fund that package.”
This week an online poll of Bendigo Advertiser readers found 65 per cent would prefer riding with Uber to catching a taxi.
Many Facebook users argued Uber’s service was more reliable and cheaper.
Some said they had waited hours for taxis. Others said they had ordered cabs that had never turned up.
Not everyone on Facebook was critical of taxis, with some saying they’d had great experiences with friendly drivers.
Inglewood’s Jack Dennis said he used taxis to get to Bendigo for medical appointments.
“We have found all the Bendigo Drivers to be most helpful and courteous. We have never struck a dirty cab and all very clean,” he said.
Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
