Uber gains limited approval to offer Adelaide services

CONTROVERSIAL passenger service Uber can now operate part of its service legally in SA after agreeing to meet State Government safety regulations.

CONTROVERSIAL passenger service Uber can now operate part of its service legally in SA after agreeing to meet State Government safety regulations.

When the service was first launched in August the State Government declared it put passengers’ safety at risk and threatened legal action against operators.

The Accreditation and Licensing Centre in September wrote to five operators and six drivers demanding information about their Uber-associated activities.

Now, however, Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said the company can offer UberBlack services provided by accredited hire car drivers using accredited vehicles.

UberX services offered by members of the public using unregulated vehicles remain illegal.

Uber can be accessed by using a smartphone app to order and pay for a car, with geolocating technology connecting the customer to the nearest driver.

It is already operating in 200 cities across 45 countries.

“After agreeing to comply with safety regulations, Uber Australia have been approved to operate their UberBlack service, Mr Mullighan said.

“I am pleased that Uber has been able to satisfy our requirements, making sure both drivers and vehicles have the necessary checks in place, and that these drivers have more options in providing their services to the public”

Mr Mullighan said UberX “remains unable to legally operate in this state, given the significant shortcomings the service has with regards to passenger and driver safety’’.

Uber Australia general manager David Rohrsheim was unavailable for comment about the Government’s decision, but he previously told Advertiser.com.au the company was looking to cash in on the high demand for passenger services during the festive season.

In September, Uber advertised work in Adelaide to drivers with “no previous experience required’’.

Advertiser.com.au has previously revealed University of South Australia research scientist Dr Tony Aitchison’s image had been used, without his approval, on Uber marketing as ‘Tony”, a driver with a Holden Caprice.