Hon Craig Foss

Associate Minister of Transport

23 May 2016 Media Statement

New Zealand leading world in app-based transport

A new report by the International Transport Forum (ITF) shows New Zealand is leading the world in its approach to regulating app-based transport services, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss says.

Mr Foss attended the ITF Ministerial Summit in Leipzig, Germany last week where the 'App-Based Ride and Taxi Services' report was launched.

"The ITF's recommendations and principles endorse the changes the Government announced last month," says Mr Foss.

The report recommends governments:

• Encourage innovative and more flexible regulation of for-hire transport services

• Keep the regulation framework of for-hire passenger transport services as simple and uniform as possible

• Focus policy regarding for-hire passenger transport on the needs of consumers and society

• Embrace data-led regulation to improve societal outcomes

"By simplifying the rules and maintaining a strong safety focus, New Zealand has become the standard-bearer for international best practice in this sector,” says Mr Foss.

"While many other Governments are coming under pressure to regulate, our flexible and innovative approach is enabling all New Zealanders and businesses based in New Zealand to enjoy the benefits of new technology."

The ITF report and more information about the Small Passenger Services Review is available at: www.transport.govt.nz/land/small-passenger-services-review

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