JUST NOT FARE
Uber driver’s anger after copping $120 fine for dropping passenger off at a bus and taxi zone
UBER driver Amber-Yvonne Harris isn’t happy about a $120 fine she received for dropping a passenger off in a Broadbeach bus and taxi zone.
But it’s not the cost of the fine she’s incensed about – Ms Harris believes Uber vehicles should be considered taxis too because she has a taxi licence.
The 56-year-old, who relies on Uber-driving as her full-time income, is appealing against the fine but it could all be in vain after the Department of Transport and Main Roads said it was unlawful for Ubers to stand in a taxi zone.
There are no plans to update taxi zone signage to allow use by ride-sharing vehicles.
A Transport Department spokesman said Uber was considered a pre-booked service.
“The distinction between vehicles that can provide rank and hail journeys and vehicles that cannot has been an important part of personalised transport reforms,” he said.
Ms Harris said she wasn’t buying it, especially with her services expected to skyrocket in demand when the Commonwealth Games come around in April.
“Uber drivers are going to get stung and what will that do for congestion if ride sharing services can’t skip the queues?” she said. “At the moment Uber drivers are in a bit of a limbo phase.”
Ms Harris has been ridesharing for the past 18 months and said Uber drivers should be included in the taxi category as they were a ride-sharing service.
“We are having to jump through all these hoops but not getting the pay-off. Why can’t we drive where taxis drive?’’ she said.
“The passenger I had in my car at the time when I got the ticket couldn’t believe it. She looked shocked that the Gold Coast couldn’t make space for one of the most popular modes of transport. We look backwards.
“Sure they can dress up the meaning of ‘taxi zone’ and use colourful language but you still book a taxi and I don’t know anyone who is reckless enough not to. I’m taking this all the way to court.
“There is a whole lane dedicated to Ubers at Coolangatta airport.’’
Transport Department said designated Uber areas at the Gold Coast Airport were not the same as taxi zones.
“Also, the Coolangatta airport is private land and similar zones exist at other airports,” he said.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey’s office said the minister could not comment on the operational process of the issue.