The Marshall Government is introducing reforms that would allow ridesharing services to expand their operations into regions like the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and McLaren Vale.
The would enable rideshare companies to operate lawfully outside the Adelaide metropolitan area if the rideshare company and vehicle operators comply with certain conditions.
The new pathway is expected to be available for rideshare operators to access in the next six weeks.
Conditions are needed to ensure the safe operation of point to point transport services in country areas.
“The Marshall Government is introducing reforms that will allow ridesharing services to operate in the regions,” said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll.
“We want to help provide more choice for people living in or visiting regions like the Adelaide Hills and that’s why we believe they should have access to ridesharing services.
“In the wake of the devastation caused by the bushfires, improving connectivity and access to these regions will be a shot in the arm for the tourism industry, businesses and local jobs.
“We need to be doing everything we can to help get people back into these regions to support local businesses and jobs while they get back on their feet.
“The BookThemOut campaign is helping to get the message out there that these regions and businesses are open for business.
“When the former Government set the boundaries for ridesharing services a few years ago, they excluded them from the regions like the Adelaide Hills.
“We want to get these services into the Adelaide Hills and regions to give people more choice and flexibility to get around faster and cheaper.”
These arrangements are being put in place on a trial basis while the State Government considers broader reforms to the taxi, chauffer and rideshare industry to provide a more level playing field, in line with other Australian jurisdictions.
“This is a very complex and highly regulated area that has resulted in much red tape and confusion,” said Minster Knoll.
“We will be looking to reform this sector with the view of further deregulation so we can level the playing field for the taxi, chauffer and rideshare industry.”
