Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding announces Uber due to hit Tasmanian roads before Christmas

RIDE-sharing service Uber is free to begin operating in Tasmania and is expected to be up and running by the end of the year.

Dan Feeger, of Blackmans Bay, plans to use his new Holden Colorado to provide an Uber service. Picture: KIM EISZELE

RIDE-sharing service Uber is free to begin operating in Tasmania.

The state’s Transport Commissioner has this week exempted ride-sharing drivers from requiring taxi or vehicle hiring licenses.

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said he believed Uber could establish in Tasmania before Christmas, and he expected an announcement from the company “in the near future”.

“I am delighted to announce that ride-sharing is now legal in Tasmania,” Mr Hidding said.

“This outcome was made possible by the Hodgman Government’s progressive legislation to enable ride-sharing to begin operation in Tasmania with protections for passengers, drivers and the general public.

“The sharing economy offers greater competition, consumer choice, efficiency and lower transaction costs — benefits that Tasmanians and visitors to our state increasingly expect.”

Uber uses a smartphone application to connect passengers with Uber drivers.

An Uber spokesman said the company welcomed the announcement, which would mean increased transport choice and economic opportunities for Tasmanians.

“We’ll continue working closely with the Tasmanian Government as we look to bring ride-sharing to the state as soon as possible,” he said.

Originally published as Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding announces Uber due to hit Tasmanian roads before Christmas