Ride-sharing service Uber keen to recruit in Adelaide if it’s allowed to operate in Adelaide

RIDE-sharing service Uber wants to recruit across Adelaide, arguing it could provide much-needed jobs in areas hit by industrial decline — if it were allowed to operate here. What do you think - vote now

RIDE-sharing service Uber is holding recruiting sessions in Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs, arguing it could provide a much-needed jobs boost to areas hit by manufacturing decline — if it were allowed to operate here.

The company says it has registrations of interest from more than 5300 people wanting to drive for UberX.

However, current regulations mean the ride-sharing service - which allows private individuals to use their own cars to drive passengers for a fee - cannot operate in SA.

Only its premium service Uber Black, which uses registered hire care drivers, is allowed to operate in SA.

The company is lobbying Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan to change the regulations and says it is still preparing to introduce UberX to SA.

It already operates in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

Mr Mullighan last month announced a review into the taxi and hire care industries, which will also consider new technologies and booking services such as Uber, goCatch and Ingogo.

Uber public policy director Brad Kitschke said the review did not go far enough in opening up economic opportunities through the “share economy” and only tinkered with existing models.

In letters to Mr Mullighan last month, Mr Kitschke called for regulations which “recognise the distinct differences between the incumbent industry model and ridesharing that can open up increased economic opportunity”.

Mr Kitschke said people were “missing out” on jobs because the Government was “not acting” to approve UberX.

Mr Mullighan told The Advertiser the review would consider opportunities for innovation and “for new participants to get into the industry”.

“This is not about entrenching any existing operators or vested interests,” he said.
Uber has said it could create 20,000 new jobs around the country through its ride-sharing service. Drivers must undergo police and driving history checks and third-party vehicle inspection.

The company says it is has attracted about 450 people to information sessions in Adelaide. SA faces a looming jobs crisis if it does not find ways to counter the loss of carmaker Holden in 2017.

Mr Kitschke said Uber was “putting together the necessary internal infrastructure to ... launch ridesharing” in SA and the fact that current regulations do not specifically provide for ridesharing was “not enough to prohibit its immediate lawful operation” in SA.
Mr Mullighan said Uber was asking for “a particular arrangement which would benefit their business” but could allow lower standards.