Rideshare drivers on notice over offensive behaviour
One in four women have experienced inappropriate behavior from rideshare and taxi drivers as the new rules are designed to keep people safe.
Survey data released by the NSW government showed only six in 10 women who experienced aggressive behavior reported incidents such as unwanted conversations, being asked personal and sexual questions and being stared at by a driver.
New guidelines will be issued to service providers, including Didi and Uber, by the state’s Point-to-Point Commissioner, including driver training on what constitutes offensive behavior towards women.
But the NSW opposition has renewed calls for a QR code system on taxis for a clearer record to back up complaints, saying this is not enough action.
The guidelines will require driver training on offensive and unacceptable behavior and will also give providers the authority to take action to determine best practices for incident management.
“Whether you’re cruising around town by day or enjoying our vibrant city at night, this initiative will help ensure every traveler feels safe and respected on every carpool, taxi and rental car trip,” said Transport Minister John Graham.
“I asked the commissioner as a top priority to continue strengthening safety standards and fostering a culture of accountability in the point-to-point transportation industry, and I am very pleased to support these new guidelines in line with that priority.”
Uber, Didi and the NSW Taxi Council also supported the guidelines.
“We believe consistent, industry-wide rules play an important role in helping women feel safer when travelling,” said Nicole Ashton, head of safety for Uber Australia and New Zealand.
“Ongoing collaboration between government, industry and women’s safety experts will be critical to ensuring these efforts are effective.”
The NSW Taxi Council also backed the NSW opposition’s proposal for a QR code system in taxis.
The code will connect to the driver and vehicle, providing real-time trip verification, fare transparency and creating a clear record to support investigations into complaints.
Opposition MP Natalie Ward said: “It’s a shame that more than one in four women have been subjected to inappropriate behavior and the government’s response has been so poor it’s all talk and no accountability.”
“Government can’t be in every booth all the time, but there can be a QR code. Training modules won’t stop bad behavior right now (but) real accountability will stop it.”
