Taxi drivers will have the chance to accept hires ahead of ride-share operators and the fares for each mode of transportation will align, MPs heard today.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, told the House of Assembly that set limits will control the times during which ride-share can be used as its introduction aims to complement the existing network and plug gaps.

His comments came after the Motor Car (Ride-sharing) Regulations 2026 and Motor Taxi (Taxi Dispatching Service) Amendment Regulations 2026 were laid before legislators.

Mr Darrell said that safety was a “foundational pillar” of implementing ride-share, which will involve a private motor vehicle used by a licensed operator to transport passengers between arranged collection and drop-off points.

MPs heard that the system will run through apps, with no cash payments allowed.

“Operators will be clearly identifiable both digitally and physically, including through the display of a public service vehicle badge, a designated ride-sharing licence plate and official vehicle decals,” the minister said.

“In addition, ride-sharing vehicles must meet strict insurance and regulatory requirements.

“Once a ride-sharing request is accepted, the digital network will provide the passenger with key information, including the operator’s photograph, contact details, vehicle description and estimated time of arrival.

“Passengers will also receive an electronic receipt following each journey, detailing the origin and destination, distance travelled, time taken and fare charged.

“These measures ensure that both residents and visitors can use the service with confidence.”

Mr Darrell said that operators will be required to follow a conduct and dress code.

He added: “The regulations also introduce clear limits on operator working hours.

“A ride-sharing operator may not operate continuously for more than five hours, nor exceed ten hours within a 24-hour period.

“These provisions are designed to reduce fatigue and further strengthen passenger safety.”

The House heard that ride-sharing operations will be permitted at all times between April 1 and September 30.

From October 1 to March 31, however, they will be restricted to running between 10pm and 6am on weekdays, with unlimited operating hours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

The minister responsible for transport can make an order to vary the dates and times where necessary in response to increased demand.

Mr Darrell said: “Importantly, ride-sharing fares will align with taxi rates.

“This ensures there is no undercutting of the taxi industry and reinforces a level playing field across the sector.”

He explained that the taxi dispatching service amendment regulations set out a “clear and structured process” for the handling of ride requests.

“Under this framework, all requests received via the digital network must first be transmitted to taxi operators,” the minister said.

“Only if the request is not accepted within 60 seconds will it then be made available to ride-sharing operators.

“This ensures that taxi operators are always given the first opportunity to accept fares, while also expanding access to transportation when taxis are not readily available.

“Some may suggest that 60 seconds is a short period of time. However, this decision was not made arbitrarily.

“Dispatch data indicates that the average response time for operators was 8.22 seconds in 2024 and 9.74 seconds in 2025.

“This means that the 60-second window provides more than sufficient time for operators to respond.

“In addition, general benchmarks indicate that individuals typically respond to a call on their cellphones within six to eight seconds.

“This approach is therefore both practical and grounded in real data.”

Dispatching services will be required to maintain detailed records, MPs heard.

Mr Darrell said that the regulations help to make sure that transportation options remain for residents and visitors when taxis are unavailable.

He added: “There are also clear provisions for oversight and enforcement.

“Complaints may be made to the Transport Control Department and, where necessary, investigations may be conducted, with the ability to suspend or revoke permits.

“Breaches of these regulations may result in penalties of up to $10,000, reinforcing the importance of compliance within this framework.”

Dwayne Robinson, the shadow transport minister, asked: “We heard from the data that acceptance times weren’t really an issue, it was more so the wait times, so how does a 60-second acceptance help with the wait-time issue?”

Mr Darrell replied: “The fact that there are more options now becoming available will force the market to act accordingly and that is the point of increasing additional transportation options while still allowing taxis first preference.

“Simply how markets work.”

When pressed for more information by Mr Robinson, the minister responded: “Taxis will be first, then rides will be opened up to ride-share.

“If the dispatch companies that are monitoring their service levels are seeing that their individuals are not adhering to proper procedures, I think first and foremost it will be the dispatch companies that will have a conversation with the people that are doing work for them.”

He added: “The enforcement may come from the dispatch company itself.

“If the dispatch company does not have any success then it will be a report, an official report, made to the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board, which will then take the necessary steps under law to discipline any driver, whether it be ride-share or taxi operator.”

The minister said that if waiting times became unacceptable to customers, there would be options to cancel the ride and submit a fresh request.

• To see the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media

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Regulation of Ridesharing Services statement.pdf