Uber’s plan to introduce fixed-rate fares to their service presents an existential threat to taxiing, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins and transport spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Cummins said:
“Taxi drivers are being pushed out of their livelihoods by the greed of multinational corporations, who are allowed to act with impunity despite the implications for thousands of workers.
“Not only will approximately 18,000 workers and their families be affected, it will in turn have a negative impact on consumers, who will be waiting longer times for taxis due to a reduction in supply, if they can even get one.
“This situation would escalate during the Christmas period, leaving the thousands who avail of taxi services around this time every year stranded.
“Lower prices mean little if services become inaccessible due to dwindling numbers of taxis on our streets.
“Taxi drivers must be able to make a decent living to support themselves and their families, which becomes unsustainable if they are forced to accept lower fares to keep up with the likes of Uber.”
Deputy Whitmore said:
“Multinational taxi services have been given unbridled power, and their disruption to the sector is causing chaos – it’s a race to the bottom, and it’s threatening the careers of drivers around the country.
“I support the call for greater regulation of the industry to protect the viability of taxiing – the NTA’s regulated fare system must be made obligatory for all taxi services.
“If Uber is allowed to go ahead with its fixed-rate plan, the taxi sector could fall into a level of disarray beyond the control of government, and is therefore vulnerable to exploitation.”
November 25th, 2025