Fatigue is one of the most common problems among rideshare, taxi, hire car and limousine drivers. Drivers often experience long hours, vast distances of travel and unusual work hours that may result in tiredness, a lack of concentration and depleted energy.

A study by the Queensland government showed that being awake for 17 hours had a similar effect on performance as having a blood alcohol reading of 0.05 which is the equivalent of two standard drinks. Many deaths and serious injuries on our roads have been due to fatigue related vehicle accidents.

Transport Alliance Australia (TAA) is an alliance of individuals and entities with an interest in the Australian commercial passenger transport sector.

This includes drivers, owners, operators, networks, booking service providers, depots, fleets, associations, industry services and suppliers.

​TAA has its roots in the Victorian Hire Car and Taxi industry. As pressures were put on the industry by the illegal operations of Uber, and as the Victorian government tried and failed to adequately address these issues, the forerunner of TAA, the VHCA, was reinvigorated by Rod Barton and André Baruch.

Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) has announced the changes to the state’s Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) to allow Uber’s casual rideshare drivers to transport aged, elderly and incapacitated people.

The $60 million MPTP provides a subsidy for vulnerable and disabled people who are unable to use public transport, paying half the cost of a taxi trip up to the value of $60.
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Until recently, the scheme relied on regulated, accredited taxis, including specialist vehicles for wheelchair and incapacitated passengers. 

I first got my driver’s licence – legally – as a 15 year old in New Zealand. While we all thought that driving was a right, a rite of passage if you will, the authorities thought differently and drummed it into us that driving was a privilege – and that it came with great responsibilities.

We were taught about the absolute power and danger that we were in control of, trying to master a beast that weighed approximately a tonne and that only responded to our inputs. We were taught about the consequences of our actions – how and when to brake, how to steer etc.