Furious taxi drivers blocked the Melbourne CBD on Tuesday asking the state government to rein in ridesharing service, Uber.
The taxi industry representatives say they are facing significant financial losses due to the “illegal” ridesharing service operated by Uber.
David Singh spoke to SBS Punjabi and listed the demands the industry has put before the Victorian government.He said the taxi industry wants Uber drivers to pay a $40,000 license fee that the VHA drivers pay in order to operate their hire cars.
“We consider it to be fair and reasonable for anyone to pay the license fee to operate their own car.”
The industry representatives are also opposing any “rank or a zone” at the airport for Uber “anywhere in Victoria. “If they want to have a rank, then basically you are a taxi and therefore they have to pay $150,000-200,000 for a plate,” said Mr. Singh.
He also demanded that all drivers should be paying the $2700 fee to the TAC as all taxi drivers have to towards their registration.
He also called for an investigation by the ASIC, Fair Trading and Consumer Affair into Uber’s current practice. “Their current practice is illegal and unfair.”
Taxi drivers also want Uber drivers to undergo the “Knowledge of Melbourne” test like all taxi drivers. David Singh says currently, Uber drivers are only required to have a license and they go out and drive, which “increases the risk of accidents.”
Taxi drivers have also demanded an investigation into whether Prof. Alan Fells, while working with the state government, was also working with Uber.
Uber declined the request for a comment.
The industry has rejected the proposal of a $10 surcharge which the drivers feel they don't want at this stage.
Drivers have vowed to continue the demonstrations and blockades until the government brings in regulation for Uber in Victoria.
They are demanding Uber drivers pay a plate fee of $10,000 annually, and that Uber cars be fitted with security cameras.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the legislation is currently under review.
"The Minister for Public Transport is running a process engaging many different industry stakeholders, and we'll have an announcement to make once that work it done," Mr Andrews said.
