TAMWORTH’S taxi directors have said the recent legalisation of ride-sharing app UberX won’t have an effect on the city’s cab services.
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“We have a very good service right now, and it’s the right thing for people in Tamworth,” Tamworth taxi cooperative director Neil Driver said.
The are 26 taxis operating in Tamworth, including five wheelchair friendly vehicles, and Mr Driver said he doubted Uber would take off in the region.
While Mr Driver was doubtful that the app would threaten the taxi industry in Tamworth, he said the competition would be good for business and would ensure taxis constantly better themselves and look to lift their game.
“It’s time for change and competition would make the service better for customers,” he said.
The taxi director did air some concerns regarding metering in Uber rides.
“I have some concern for young customers using an Uber ride not knowing what they will pay,” Mr Driver said.
He said the taxi’s metered fare was still regulated and would be more affordable.
Mr Driver could see positives coming for customers with Uber’s legalisation in NSW.
“We knew it was coming and we will be better set up for it.
“It’s a win-win for customers,” Mr Driver said.
Fellow Tamworth taxi director Greg Rowland agreed with Mr Driver and said Uber costing was a minefield.
Mr Rowland also thought the ride-sharing app would have a bigger influences in the capital cities.
“There’s major dispatch problems in the city emanating from drivers cherry picking work and refusing certain fares,” he said.
Mr Rowland also said deregulations handed down by the state government would not have a great effect on cabs in Tamworth.
Taxi co-operatives in country towns like Dubbo, Lismore, Wagga Wagga and Tamworth are largely self-regulated, enforcing their own by-laws and codes of conduct, according to Mr Rowland.
