21 Apr 2016

One rule for fee-charging rides

7:56 pm on 21 April 2016

Taxi and ride-sharing companies such as Uber are to be governed by one set of rules, after pressure for a shake-up from both sides.

Uber app

Uber allows users to request rides from private drivers using its mobile apps. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss announced the changes tonight, which include the right for drivers to request not to have cameras fixed in their cars.

There is no change to the need for all drivers who ferry passengers for a fee to undergo a police check.

Another amendment is that drivers won't need to know about the area they're working in, because they can use GPS technology instead.

The government said it had created one set of rules under the category of what it called "small passenger services".

Previously there were different categories for taxis, private hire, shuttles and rideshare operators.

Access the details of the changes, via the Ministry of Transport

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