Finniss MP David Basham has called for local caution in light of the state government’s announcement to remove restrictions on metropolitan rideshare and chauffer drivers and allow them to operate statewide.

On Monday 24 February Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the restrictions would be removed of to facilitate upcoming AFL Gather Round matches in the Barossa Valley.

“This regional area is fortunate to have private chauffeur operators, local taxi and Dial-A-Ride (bus) services that provide point-to-point transportation, and other public bus services,” Mr Basham says.

“Moreover, many local establishments take responsibility by offering a courtesy bus to ensure safe travel home after events.”

“We need to ensure we continue to support the transport services who have been supporting us, otherwise we risk losing the valuable transport options we currently enjoy.”

Rideshare services, such as Uber, have previously been able to operate in regional areas with an exemption permit obtained for approximately $300 annually.

Mr Basham says he understands that ride-sharing businesses up to now had been reluctant to operate in the Fleurieu region, likely because the distances and demographics were unsuitable for their cost and pricing models.

“Transport is a vital and intricate issue that regions must tackle decisively. The challenges of longer distances, smaller populations, and lower disposable incomes, combined with urban expectations, requires a strategic approach.”

Mr Basham says that while the government is responsible for ensuring drivers and vehicles adhere to safety and accreditation standards, transport services like taxis and rideshares are commercial enterprises that operate to make a profit.

“Private businesses must cover expenses such as staff salaries, fuel and other costs, so they will make informed decisions about their operational viability in this landscape.

“This is not the quick fix for regional transport the Government is espousing.”

“I will continue to work with transport services in the Finniss region to ensure effective planning and informed decisions are made to support the current operators as well as providing for the transport needs of our growing community as it evolves.”

The changes will be gazetted this week, with rideshare and chauffer drivers no longer required to apply for a separate accreditation to operate outside of the metropolitan boundary.

Until now, metropolitan accredited drivers could finish a trip outside of the boundary - which extended as far north as Gawler and to Mount Barker to the east – but could not have a trip both start and end outside the boundary without an additional accreditation.

While Uber was eligible to seek an exemption to operate outside the boundary, none was ever sought.

Only country taxi operators can currently operate outside of the metropolitan boundary, but legislation is currently before parliament that if passed will extend these arrangements to include all taxis.