Gawler residents’ issues obtaining reliable and accessible taxi services has been heard in State Parliament this week.
While speaking on the Passenger Transport (Point to Point Transport Services) Amendment Bill in support of the bill, Member of Parliament Tony Piccolo MP still voiced his concerns around the current state of passenger transport in the area.
“The greatest concern I have is that the Gawler area was, for better or worse, put into the metropolitan point-to-point area some time ago by the previous government,” said Mr Piccolo.
“The previous government also allowed one operator a licence for that area.”
Mr Piccolo pointed out that competition between Adelaide-based taxi services and local operators has led to an unsustainable situation, with profitable trips being taken by the former and less profitable trips left for the latter.
One of Mr Piccolo's main concerns is the impact of rideshare services, which tend to pick and choose their trips, leaving short trips in areas like Gawler underserved.
“For that person, it means whether they can actually leave their home and do what they need to do—go to the doctor, go shopping or whatever the case may be," said Mr Piccolo.
Another issue raised by Piccolo is access to cabs for people with disabilities.
"I have heard a number of people complain about the access cabs being either late, by hours and hours, or not turning up," said Mr Piccolo.
The bill aims to reform the point-to-point passenger transport industry, including taxi, chauffeur, and rideshare services, by implementing recommendations from a government review and elements of the taxi industry support package.
"While I believe the bill is well-intentioned and has some sound objectives, I am not yet 100 per cent convinced that this bill will address some of the issues raised in my electorate," said Mr Piccolo.
"We will just keep some things under review because I am still concerned, particularly for those peri-urban areas like my own seat, where some of these reforms may or may not work given the unique circumstances and nature of those communities.”