Staff Reporter –
The government has sought public opinion on its proposal to make a number of changes to those operating small passenger services such as taxis, hired vehicles, shuttles and ride-hiring.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss released a Consultation Paper on December 14, 2015, as a follow-up of a review conducted earlier in the year.
Evolving technology
According to Mr Bridges, the review was aimed at ensuring that regulations were flexible and in line with the new technologies available.
“The review found that the regulations, established in 1980s, need to be updated due to changes in technology, the range of services now offered and changing consumer expectations. Technology such as smart phones and apps are changing the range of services offered and the way they operated,” he said.
Mr Foss appealed to the public to respond before February 12, 2016.
“We want to make sure that we have the right rules in place for the right services. Consumers should have a range of services to choose from and feel safe and well-informed, no matter what service they are using. Drivers should also feel safe in their place of work,” he said.
Everybody wins
Cabchooze Director Bhopinder Kumar Sharma welcomed the Discussion Paper, describing it as a ‘win-win situation.’
“New Zealand’s taxi ecosystem is already quite good and is the least regulated in the world. However, there are still problems, which the proposed changes will address. These include high fares & inconsistent fees; Long waiting times; drivers not taking the most cost-effective routes and variable fare tariffs,” he said.
Mr Sharma said that the proposed changes will not affect his company.
“For example, we already have in place most of the changes, like fixed fares. When implemented, the new regulations will require (a) everyone in the industry to carry out background checks on drivers (b) drivers to keep log books and limit the number of hours of their work (c) every vehicle to hold a certificate of fitness and (d) every vehicle to have a security camera or apply for an exemption. I expect the changes to be fully implemented by the end of 2016,” he said.
The Consultation Paper can be accessed at www.transport.govt.nz/spsreview
