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24.01.2022 UBER-X LEGALISED IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA FROM TODAY? OMG! We do hope this is only a rumour!... WE ARE NEARLY ALWAYS FIRST WITH THE NEWS. WHEN THE NEXT STATE MOVES TO LEGALISE UBER-X, WE MAY GIVE ADVANCE WARNING! It seems all our Christmas's are coming - AT ONCE!

23.01.2022 UBER-X IMMEDIATELY LEGALISED IN NEW SOUTH WALES - FROM TODAY! OUR PREDICTIONS ARE COMING TRUE - ONE STEP AT A TIME! SLOWLY! SLOWLY! SLOWLY!... Taxi plate owners to be paid $20,000 compensation per plate by government (a maximum of two plates to be compensated where two or more perpetual taxi plates are held). In Victoria, the Andrews Labor government is dragging its feet and will now be under enormous public pressure to follow the Australian Capita Territory and New South Wales. Even Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory may beat Victoria. ____________________________________________________ "Uber is officially legal in NSW, with the Baird government giving the ride sharing service the go ahead in cabinet. Premier Mike Baird’s cabinet today agreed to legalise the service immediately, as well as establish a compensation plan for taxi owners, who expect to see a significant drop in revenue. According to the Daily Telegraph, about 5800 perpetual plate owners will be given a $20,000 flat fee while a compensation fund will be distributed on a case-by-case basis for plate owners who only recently entered the industry." Read more at http://ow.ly/W0mgb _____________________________________________________ CUSTOMERS FIRST! SERVICE! SAFETY! CHOICE!

21.01.2022 APPLICATIONS FOR PAYMENTS FROM THE TAXI REFORM HARDSHIP FUND OPENED THURSDAY 19th NOVEMBER 2015 AND WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12th 2016. =============================================== There was a suggestion by Professor Allan Fels that targeted compensation should be considered by the Liberal/National coalition government and that targeted funding should be directed only to those taxi licence holders who had purchased taxi licences in recent times and who could clearly d...emonstrate severe financial hardship as a direct result of the adopted recommendations for reform of the taxi industry. That idea from Allan Fels was rejected by the Liberal/National coalition government. Recently, Allan said that the Liberal/National coalition government would not pay compensation and we presume that Allan discussed the prospect of wider compensation with the (then) government. It must be stated that the decision NOT to pay any compensation was not that of the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry - it was the decision of the Liberal/National coalition government. In its submission to the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry in 2011 the Department of Treasury and Finance also suggested that similarly targeted compensation might be considered. The Labor government now in power made a pre-election statement that it would consider targeted payments for those licence holders who could demonstrate financial distress following the adoption of the taxi inquiry's recommendations. An amount of $4,000,000 was provided in the last (Labor) budget - $1,000,000 a year for each of the next four years. On 19th November 2015, the Victorian Transport Minister Jacinta Allan announced that applications for payments from the Taxi Reform Hardship Fund had opened and that final date for the lodgement of applications would be Friday 12th February 2016. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Former Transport Accident Commission chief executive Janet Dore has been appointed to administer the fund and will assess applications with a team of externally appointed auditors." and "Perpetual taxi licence owners who meet the eligibility criteria and can demonstrate severe financial distress as a result of the reforms may be eligible for payments from the fund." . Read more at http://ow.ly/UQipS .

19.01.2022 UBER-X MELBOURNE MAGISTRATES COURT CASE DECISION DUE TODAY. WATCH FOR A BIG SURPRISE! VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT WILL SOON ANNOUNCE THE LEGALISATION OF UBER-X SERVICES THROUGHOUT VICTORIA.... _____________________________________________________ Melbourne Magistrates' Court Case No E13198286 Hearing Date/Time Friday, 4 December 2015 10:00 AM Prosecuting Agency Taxi Services Commission Informant Morris, D Prosecutor Representative Not Represented Accused Brenner, Nathan Accused Representative Not Represented Hearing Type Hearing Plea No Plea Taken Court Room 31

18.01.2022 UBER-X Melbourne Magistrates' Court Case No E13198286 ... Hearing Date/Time Tuesday, 17 November 2015 9:30 AM Prosecuting Agency Taxi Services Commission Informant Morris, D Prosecutor Representative Not Represented Accused Brenner, Nathan Accused Representative Not Represented Hearing Type Hearing Plea No Plea Taken Court Room 31 ********************************************************************* The test case regarding Uber drivers and their vehicles drags on while Rome burns. The waste of government money, the futility of the whole affair and the waste of valuable court time is a disgrace. Certainty about the future of so-called ride sharing is what is needed. We believe that a decision could be made regarding Uber-X (and like providers) without waiting for the court case to be finalised. After all, this court case is a matter around the CURRENT laws and regulations and what is needed are FUTURE laws and regulations. Get on with it! Enough!

17.01.2022 UBER-X . AUSTRALIAN STATES & TERRITORIES SET TO LEGALISE UBER-X SERVICES AS ALL JURISDICTIONS FALL OVER LIKE DOMINOES AS THE PUBLIC PRESSURE FOR NEW CHOICES, BETTER VALUE-FOR-MONEY, RELIABLE SERVICE, DRIVER RATING INPUT (BY CUSTOMERS) AND FAST PICK-UPS OVERWHELM THE STRUGGLING TAXI INDUSTRY. EACH STATE & TERRITORY WILL NOW MOVE TO LEGALISE UBER-X SERVICES - ANY JURISDICTION THAT FAILS TO DO SO WILL RUN AN ENORMOUS POLITICAL RISK AS THE PUBLIC WANT UBER AND THEY ARE TURNING ...AWAY FROM TAXIS. THE 'BATTLE' IS OVER AS THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLING PUBLIC "VOTE WITH THEIR FEET" AND SEND AN IRREPRESIBLE MESSAGE TO ALL POLITICIANS OF ALL POLITICAL PERSUASIONS:- We want:- * CUSTOMERS FIRST! and * SERVICE! * SAFETY! * CHOICE! We want 'single owner/drivers' in their OWN UBER- vehicles and we wanted the taxi industry to also give us the 'single owner/driver' business model BUT THE TAXI INDUSTRY TURNED A BLIND EYE, DID NOT LISTEN TO US (THE CONSUMERS) AND NOW ARE WAY BEHIND THE PLAY! A "level playing field" will now make no difference - THE PREMIERSHIP IS "IN THE BAG" WITH UBER THE PUNTERS' FAVORITE TO TAKE OUT THE FLAG - THIS YEAR, NEXT YEAR, THE YEAR AFTER ......... ================================================== REPORT: Uber-X may be legalised in New South Wales "Divisive ride-sharing service Uber is set to be legalised by the NSW government under drastic reforms to the taxi industry." Read more at http://ow.ly/UWR6L ================================================== Victoria could legalise Uber like other states "Uber is set to be legalised in NSW with the government announcing changes to the taxi industry to allow the controversial ride-sharing service. The change was seen as "inevitable", a NSW government source was quoted as saying. NSW is the second state to regulate Uber after the Australian Captial Territory passed legislation in October to allow ride-share services, like Uber, to operate. The head of the Victorian Taxi Association believes a workable solution similar to what's being done in NSW is not far off for Victoria. "I think it's inevitable, guys, that this service will be regulated. I don't think there can be any doubt about that."

17.01.2022 PRICE FIXING IS ILLEGAL UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF 'THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER & COMPETITION ACT 2010.' It is disturbing to read that taxi licence holders are being encouraged to set a common price for monthly licence assignment fees. Words, such as "we should all unite now" (on pricing?) are cause for significant concern.... Of course, the MARKET will decide what is the AFFORDABLE rent as a lot of additional competition comes into play (Uber-X as a legal alternative - which will happen real soon in Victoria), other providers like Uber-X (Lyft, etc.) and the trains, trams and buses run all night every Friday & Saturday night (starting just a few days from now). Of course, existing hire cars (VHA & VHB) continue to win an enormous amount of work away from taxis - this is not a new phenomenon as hire cars have been quietly 'stealing' market share from taxis for several years! Maximum regulated taxi fares will be reviewed by 28th June 2016 and it is quite possible that fares for the Melbourne and urban (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Frankston, Dandenong & Mornington Peninsula) zones will be REDUCED - that will put pressure on the supply of 'contracted' taxi drivers (they will not drive for LESS!) and it will drive taxi assignment rents DOWN! Competition will see THE END OF HIGH TAXI LICENCE ASSIGNMENT RENTS. It is expected that the rents could fall as low as the annual fee for a Uber-X permit in the Australian Capital Territory - $100 PER YEAR! In the meantime, it is important to ensure that there is no dialogue that might suggest collusion on pricing of the assignment rents.

14.01.2022 UBER-X IN VICTORIA ANDREWS GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO MOVE VERY QUICKLY TO ANNOUNCE ITS DECISION TO REGULATE (AND SO 'LEGITIMISE') UBER-X SERVICES IN VICTORIA. IF THE GOVERNMENT FAILS TO DO SO IMMEDIATELY TAXI SERVICES COMMISSION COMPLIANCE OFFICERS WILL NEED TO HIT THE STREETS IN DROVES AND FINE HUNDREDS OF UBER-X 'PARTNER' DRIVERS - EVERY DAY AND EVERY NIGHT!... THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TAXI SERVICES COMMISSION COMPLIANCE OFFICERS TO HANDLE THE NUMBERS OF UBER-X MISCREANT 'PARTNER' DRIVERS - THAT MAY REQUIRE DIVERTING SIGNIFICANT POLICE RESOURCES TO ENSURE THAT THE COURT DECISION IS COMPLIED WITH (UNDER EXISTING LAW!). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Andrews Labor government has created and maintained uncertainty by its reluctance to "bite the bullet" on the matter of regulating Uber-X services. The decision to do so is being HIDDEN FROM THE CITIZENS OF VICTORIA. This government is a prime example of a "smoke and mirrors" administration. TOO SCARED TO ACT AND ANNOUNCE ITS DECISION TO LEGALISE UBER-X SERVICES! _______________________________________________________________ ""Daniel Andrews has now had a year to provide certainty and stability to tens of thousands of Victorians who work in the taxi and ride-sharing industry," Mr Guy said. "His government has been all talk and no action. "New services in the peer economy like Uber, Freelancer and Airbnb are a part of our economic future." and "The decision will have wide-ranging ramifications for the Andrews government, which has grappled with the battle between Uber and the taxi industry,

13.01.2022 UBER-X TO BE LEGALISED ACROSS AUSTRALIA AS ALL STATES & TERRITORIES MOVE TO REGULATE THE SO-CALLED 'RIDE SHARING' SERVICE. NOTHING WILL NOW STOP UBER-X AS THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLING PUBLIC LOUDLY CALL FOR CHOICE, SERVICE, SAFETY AND A LONG-OVERDUE ALTERNATIVE TO AN AILING TAXI INDUSTRY. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE URGED TO USE UBER-X TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER FARES WHICH WILL SAVE TAXPAYERS' MONEY.... THE WELCOMING MATS ARE OUT FOR UBER-X RIGHT AROUND AUSTRALIA AND NOTHING WILL MAKE THE TAXI INDUSTRY IMPROVE SERVICES LIKE A GOOD DOSE OF REAL COMPETITION! VICTORIAN TAXI ASSOCIATION GIVES UP 'FIGHTING' THE ARRIVAL OF A LEGALISED UBER-X AND SAYS THA TAXIS MUST IMPROVE SERVICES, PROVIDE BETTER VALUE-FOR-MONEY AND GIVE PASSENGERS REASONS TO PATRONISE TAXIS. ================================================== Uber Is Taking Steps Towards Being Legalised In Australia "With recent talk of federal politicians potentially being allowed to use Uber for business, it seems like Uber is here to stay." and "The ACT’s regulation and subsequent legalisation of Uber was a landmark for the ridesharing service in Australia, which came with reform for all taxi operators and hire car owners. Taxi registration fees have been halved as of October 30, and will be halved again at a later date. Hire car fees have also been slashed, and both taxis and hire cars will be able to offer their services through the Uber network if they so wish. I’m calling on other leaders around the country to look at the ACT model and put that in place across the country, said Chief Minister Andrew Barr, because it will enhance productivity, it will support innovation and it will lead to better outcomes for Australians regardless of where they live. ACT is even seeing rival businesses OnTap and GoCatch beginning operation beside Uber." Read more at http://ow.ly/UpzMd

08.01.2022 UBER-X & TAXIS IN MELBOURNE TO GET A LOT OF HELP FROM TRAINS, TRAMS & BUSES WHICH WILL OPERATE ALL NIGHT EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT COMMENCING FRIDAY 1st JANUARY 2016 (JUST 10 DAYS FROM NOW!). MELBOURNE ALREADY HAS THE GREATEST NUMBER OF UBER-X DRIVERS ANYWHERE IN AUSTRALIA - EVEN MORE THAN SYDNEY AND THERE IS ALMOST 500,000 REGISTERED UBER-X USERS IN MELBOURNE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...Continue reading

05.01.2022 VICTORIAN TAXI REFORM HARDSHIP FUND. * Eligibility criteria; * Application Form for a claim;... * Guidance Notes ************************************************************************ The Victorian government has established a Taxi Reform Hardship Fund and eligibility criteria, details about the fund administration and the role of external independent auditors, an application form and the information session planned for Monday 7th December 2015 can all be found at the link provided below. The eligibility criteria are clearly outlined:- Eligibility Perpetual taxi licence owners who meet the following criteria may be eligible for payments from the fund. Persons who had an ownership interest in a taxi licence between 28 March 2011 and 1 July 2013 and as a direct result of the Taxi Industry Inquiry and subsequent reforms are currently experiencing both: A deficiency in income that would not allow provision for either themselves or their immediate family the necessities of food, shelter, clothing, medical expenses, education for children and other basic requirements; and An inability to liquidate assets in order to either meet the costs of those necessities outlined above or to pay outstanding debts as and when they fall due. To establish if an applicant meets this criteria, applications will be means tested and assessed against a set of guidelines supporting the criteria outlined above. Read more at http://ow.ly/VivRa

05.01.2022 UBER-X TO SOON BE REGULATED IN TASMANIA, THE NORTHERN TERRITORY AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA. It is now expected that the services offered by Uber-X vehicles and 'partner' drivers will be made legitimate in Tasmania, the Northern Territory and South Australia within a very short time - some maybe as soon as two to four weeks from now. Victoria and Queensland are both dragging the chain but they will also be overpowered by the weight of public opinion, political reality and common-sens...e. The pressure is building on the Andrews Labor government in Victoria to announce a decision to bring Uber-X 'into the tent' and, by doing so, demonstrate that the government has treated those with vested interests in Victorian taxis with shameful disdain. We cannot understand why any government would get itself into a position where it has promoted false hopes for those seriously affected by taxi, hire car and other point-to-point transport reforms. Was it political expediency that drove such a foolhardy endeavour - before the 2014 election? What has caused the long delay since the government was provided with advice in July 2015 regarding Uber-X? A fear of the small taxi lobby? Here we have a government that is impotent and unable to endorse the will of the people - the travelling public is desperately waiting for the Andrews Labor government to act. Victoria was proudly the first state to move on taxi, hire car and other point-to-point transport reforms (excluding Uber-X). WILL VICTORIA BE THE LAST STATE AND/OR TERRITORY TO REGULATE UBER-X SERVICES? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Last week, the company's ridesharing service, Uber X was finally declared legal in the nation's most populous state - New South Wales, as well as in Western Australia. That followed Uber's breakthrough approval in the ACT in September." But Uber hasn't got its way everywhere in Australia. Yet." and "..... global experience suggests that when the Uber gets into a fight with authorities, more often than not, it wins. That is in no small part because consumers, who can't get enough of the product, are well and truly on its side." Read more at http://ow.ly/W9K16 . .

02.01.2022 UBER-X SOON TO BE LEGALISED IN VICTORIA - UBER CARS WILL COME OUT IN DROVES EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT WHEN IT IS BUSY. TRAINS, TRAMS & BUSES TO RUN ALL NIGHT EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT - TOGETHER WITH UBER-X, THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROVIDERS WILL ENSURE THAT PUNTERS GET HOME INEXPENSIVELY AND WILL HAVE RELIABLE SERVICE (NO MORE "CHERRY PICKING" OF JOBS BY TAXI DRIVERS). WE WILL NEED LESS TAXIS - A LOT LESS THAN WE HAVE NOW!...Continue reading

01.01.2022 UBER - TAXIS UNABLE TO COMPETE AND RUN TO THE COURTS FOR SALVATION! THE TAXI INDUSTRY HAS A HUGE MILLSTONE AROUND ITS NECK - HIGH TAXI LICENCE (MEDALLION) CAPITAL COSTS AND EXHORBITANT TAXI LICENCE RENTS. The taxi industry will need to walk away from all of the money invested in taxi licences (medallions).... UNLESS THE TAXI INDUSTRY TREATS LICENCES AS BEING WORTHLESS, IT WILL NOT SURVIVE. ================================================== As new suppliers of point-to-point transport services embrace the very latest technology and offer what CUSTOMERS want the taxi industry will see its grasp on the market progressively weakened. As CUSTOMERS learn that better value-for-money is not to be found by using TAXIS, they will seek a range of alternatives to provide what they want. Price will be a key driver of demand - LOWER PRICES, BETTER SERVICE AND PERCEIVED GREATER 'VALUE-FOR-MONEY' WILL CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO DESERT TAXIS. ================================================== Taxi owners sue New York City over Uber "According to the complaint, the number of Uber rides in the "core" of Manhattan increased by 3.82 million from April to June 2015 compared with a year earlier, while medallion cab pickups fell by 3.83 million." and "Uber's rise also contributed to the July 22 bankruptcy of 22 companies run by taxi magnate Evgeny Freidman, and the state's Sept. 18 seizure of Montauk Credit Union, which specialised in medallion loans, the complaint said." and "According to the complaint, the number of Uber rides in the "core" of Manhattan increased by 3.82 million from April to June 2015 compared with a year earlier, while medallion cab pickups fell by 3.83 million." Read more at http://ow.ly/UMtXb