Comprehensive changes to taxis, hire cars and ride sharing have come into effect, including a new chain of responsibility framework, more stringent safety requirements and an updated licensing framework, under the Queensland Government’s Personalised Transport Reforms.

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the changes were a part of Stage 2 of the government’s reforms to the industry.

“Since September last year, we have worked with industry to create a new, modern framework for how drivers, operators, licence holders, and booking entities deliver personalised transport services,” Mr Bailey said.

“Our reforms provide certainty for taxi, limousine and ride-booking operators whilst at the same time creating a framework that improves safety and creates choice for passengers.”

Mr Bailey said under the new framework all personalised transport operators and booking entities were required to pass the same eligibility test and the Department of Transport and Main Roads had the power to cancel and suspend licences.

“This allows us to ensure all parties are fit and proper to provide services that are of the high standard that Queenslanders expect when using a taxi or ride-booking service,” he said.

“If operators, licence holders, drivers, or any parties in the industry fail to adhere to the new regulatory requirements, we will act swiftly to revoke licences or issue financial penalties as appropriate.

“Whilst industry has been allowed time to comply with licencing and authorisation requirements, we are encouraging operators to apply early to ensure they are fully compliant by the deadline.”

Under the new regulations:

• Providers of a booked hire service in a vehicle other than a taxi or limousine must to apply for a booked hire service licence.
  • Applications open on 1 October 2017 and providers must have a booked hire service licence by 15 January 2018.
• Providers of a booked hire service, (including pre-booked services in taxis, limousines or booked hire vehicles) need to apply to become an authorised booking entity.
  • Applications open on 1 October 2017 and providers must hold authorisation by 1 December 2017.
• Improved signage requirements apply to booked hire vehicles.
• New general safety duty requirements commence for all parties in the chain of responsibility to ensure the safety of taxi and booked hire services.
• Electronic payment surcharges in taxis are capped at 5%.
• A new class of compulsory third-party insurance for booked hire and limousines applies.
• Security cameras are required in all vehicles that meet a certain risk profile.