WA taxi sector circumspect on Uber changes

As Western Australia moves to follow NSW in legalising the ride-sharing service Uber, the taxi industry says the devil will be in the detail of the proposed reforms.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder says the changes will be introduced in two stages, with the interim measures - largely achieved through regulation amendments - to be introduced in July next year.

They include creating a new omnibus licence category to encourage new market entrant drivers and vehicle owners to comply with essential requirements, Mr Nalder says.

"The devil is in the detail as it often is with these things," Taxi Industry Forum chief executive Howard Lance told 6PR on Friday.

"But I want to urge ... my fellow colleagues in the industry not to get too upset because this is not UberX as we know it being legalised. This is Uber being told they have a raft of conditions that they have to meet."

Whether the rules would be enforced was a key question, he said.

Mr Lance was also cautious in responding to proposed compensation arrangements, described by Mr Nalder as a transition assistance program and hardship fund.

"Once again, the devil will be in the detail," Mr Lance said.

"My colleagues would like, if they're going to be compensated for their plate, they would like it to be in the region of the market value of their plates before Uber came to town.

"It was up around about $320,000."

Federal Labor MP Alannah MacTiernan welcomed the legalisation of the ride-sharing service, but said more needed to be done to ensure an even playing field.

"The Australian Tax Office says ride-sharing drivers are required to pay GST on every trip, but there is little sign of this being enforced," Ms MacTiernan said.

In a statement, Uber said the "forward-thinking" decision by the state government would help revolutionise how people were able to get around the state.

"We applaud the government's leadership in listening to the people and embracing the future."