Page 3650 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 18 September 2018
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Finally, we looked at a range of other issues, such as the adequacy of regulation around emerging business models like designated driver services, as well as cross-border arrangements, given that the New South Wales regulatory framework for taxis has recently changed.
We heard from the community and industry in order to understand the impacts of the reforms. We received significant input from passengers, including people with a disability and others with mobility issues. We heard from a range of peak bodies across the community and industry sectors.
We talked directly with drivers, vehicle owners, transport booking services and representatives of traditional and emerging business models, as well as receiving surveys from industry participants across all of these groups. Finally, we heard from 15 of the larger hotels across our city, the Canberra Airport and the holders of perpetual and government-leased taxi licences. We also sought advice from the largest Australian government agencies in Canberra about their use of on-demand transport services.
We received input from the community through both detailed and simple surveys on the your say website, in addition to detailed written submissions and face-to-face meetings. In all, we received more than 2,500 responses to surveys, 10 formal written submissions and we held meetings with 13 groups and key individuals. Among those surveyed, more than 670 members of the taxi subsidy scheme told the government about their use of WAT services. Lastly, we received economic analysis and modelling from a third-party industry expert, the Centre for International Economics.
We sought the views of a wide variety of people and groups across the city. We have listened to these views and they underpin the government’s announcements.
The ACT government’s 2015 taxi innovation reforms have contributed to improved outcomes for the community, with net economic benefits, new employment opportunities and new services and activities. Overall, the reforms have been positive for consumers of on-demand transport services, in terms of both service and economics. The arrival of ride share in the ACT has seen greater differentiation in prices for services and high levels of consumer support and satisfaction.
Consumer take-up of ride-share services has been strong—and, in fact, greater than originally estimated. Further, as a result of increased choice and lower fares overall, a new cohort of Canberrans are using on-demand transport who did not previously use hire cars or taxis. Surveys indicate that passengers are pleased with ride share in Canberra as it provides new fare structures and levels, new ways to provide feedback on drivers, a new way to track vehicles and a new service experience overall. Surveys also indicate that ride-share passengers are positive about safety, wait time and the accessibility aspects of ride share, too.
Consumers also now have more choices about booking their trip across all modes of on-demand travel. Since the reforms Uber has been joined by three more ride-share services, booking services for standard taxi services have increased from two to six,
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