Spruce up the Cruiser –
Uber gets the green light to go beyond city limits
Country folks might soon have more options than thumbing a ride or begging the missus for a pub pickup. The South Australian government is lifting restrictions on metropolitan rideshare and chauffeur drivers, allowing them to operate statewide.
So if you’ve been dreaming of turning your trusty workhorse into a money-making machine, now might be your chance – that’s if Uber cares about their country cousins enough to jump on board.
The lift is set to take place this week is in preparation for AFL Gather Round, which will spill out into the Barossa Valley in April. It’s also part of a “suite of wider changes flowing from the Government’s landmark Passenger Transport Act review.”
But will Uber allow Jimmy to morph into James and offer his “bus” as an Uber rideshare option in the country? The company has been eligible to seek an exemption to operate outside the boundary in the past, but hasn’t done so, and hasn’t yet indicated intentions to go beyond city limits.
Legislation is also currently before parliament, to extend boundaries for taxis. Currently only country taxi drivers can operate outside of the metropolitan boundary, which will only get you as far north as Gawler or up the hill to Mount Barker.
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis believes these changes will be a “major boon” for regional communities, enhancing transport options for locals and tourists.
“Our thorough and wide-ranging review recognised that current arrangements needed to adapt to better service outer-urban and regional residents, as well as to support greater tourism and access to popular regional attractions and events such as Gather Round,” he said.
“I expect to see chauffer and rideshare operators embrace the change and provide flexible and better services for more South Australians and our visitors. This is what operators have been calling for, and the onus is now on them to deliver.”
Getting around during Gather Round
Extra services being put in place to cater for the expected Gather Round crowds include a City to Barossa Park bus shuttle, a range of Park ‘n’ Ride bus shuttles from around the Barossa, as well as additional Gawler train services linking with busses through to Barossa Park. Travel will be free all day for valid event day ticket holders.
