Minister must not fast-track legislation to appease Uber

Media Release: Wednesday 30 November

Minister must not fast-track legislation to appease Uber’s unlawful operations

Blue Bubble Chief Executive Bob Wilkinson says “the suggestion that Minister Bridges might fast-track changes to regulation that are designed to protect the safety of the public just in order to appease Uber and its unlawful operations is a disgrace.

“P-endorsements are to protect the public from drivers who should not be driving. We know of Uber drivers who are facing criminal charges and also who are medically unfit and would not pass a P-endorsement test. They should not be allowed to put the New Zealand public at risk.

“It is our mothers and fathers, our children, our wives and husbands whose lives are at risk because the Government will not enforce its own regulations.

“For the Minister to suggest that public safety should be compromised is unacceptable.

“The only way to ensure enforcement is for the Government to change the law and have the right to impound vehicles operated by drivers without proper safety checks. This threat of impounding is crucial to enforcing standards, and protecting the public.

“I disagree with Minister Bridges that both P endorsement courses should go. We believe that all drivers working for reward must understand how to complete a log book. They must also have an understanding of fatigue management and like all other commercial drivers sit the course on work time hours and fatigue management. We agree that the other course could be suspended.

“It is a separate issue whether the NZTA is able to introduce an online log book via an app. We would fully support that. After all we too have an app for customers to book our drivers.

“Uber’s so called independent advice is a sham,” says Wilkinson.

“Rushing through changes to P-endorsement before the Select Committee has reported back on the legislation flies in the face of good consultation.

“I am extremely concerned that the safety and protection of drivers and passengers will be put at risk. Without P Endorsement there is no assurance of safety.

“It is simple – there must be appropriate regulation to ensure the safety of New Zealanders who use taxis or other small passenger service vehicles.

“As a New Zealand company we comply with the legislation and rules that govern our industry, however we know that other companies break New Zealand legislation.

“The Minister must act to ensure this does not continue to happen,” says Wilkinson.

“There have been no guarantees provided by unlawfully operating companies that they would comply with the proposed new legislation.

Responding to reports that MPs are “clueless” about ride sharing services, Wilkinson says “MPs know exactly what ride sharing companies are. The questions do not stem from ignorance, but from an acute awareness that these companies do not operate like they claim to, or follow the rules.”

About Blue Bubble:

Blue Bubble Alliance Ltd is a group of 16 Taxi Companies throughout New Zealand. We operate around 2,000 taxis in 16 cities across New Zealand, and have around 3,000 drivers. Blue Bubble offers a range of services to the community including 24/7 availability; booking through our app, phone, online or hail; we accept Eftpos, Credit Cards, TaxiCharge and cash; airport transfers; vehicle options including vans and mobility vehicles; hybrid vehicles and Carbon Zero Certified cars; and a companion service for medial or shopping needs.

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