Rideshare giants including Uber and DiDi have been put on notice as the NSW government introduces new guidelines aimed at improving the safety of hundreds of thousands of women.
A survey by the NSW government found that while most rideshare journeys were safe, women still faced a greater risk of unwanted behaviour, including intrusive personal questions, inappropriate comments, staring and having their personal space invaded.
New guidelines set to be introduced by the state’s Point to Point Commissioner aim to ensure companies have strong systems in place protect women, including training for drivers in what constitutes offensive or unprofessional behaviour towards women.
The guidelines, which cover taxis companies, will also seek to ensure providers effectively handle incidents and complaints, as well as raise aware to passengers of existing in-app and in-car safety features.
Transport Minister John Graham said providers had a clear responsibility.
“Whether you are travelling around town in the daytime, or out enjoying our vibrant city at night, this initiative will help ensure that every passenger on every rideshare, taxi and hire vehicle journey feels safe and respected,” he said.
Women’s Minister Jodie Harrison said reports of harassment or inappropriate behaviour were “unacceptable”.
“It’s time the industry prioritise women’s safety and are aware of their obligations,” she said.
“These guidelines will help support service providers to make sure proper safety systems are in place and they are equipped to appropriately with reports of offensive or unacceptable behaviour.”
The Point to Point Commissioner will undertake targeted enforcement as part of its compliance program.
Commissioner Anthony Wing said he would continue to work with service providers to ensure resources are used and that safety management systems were updated in line with the guidelines.
Uber Australia Head of Safety Nicole Ashcroft said the safety of women was the “top priority”.
“We welcome the Point-to-Point Transport Commissioner’s efforts to strengthen safety standards across the industry,” she said.
“We believe that consistent, industry-wide guidelines play an important role in helping women feel safer when they travel.
“Ongoing collaboration between government, industry and women’s safety experts will be critical to ensuring these efforts are effective.”
DiDi and the NSW Taxi Council mirrored those remarks.
Taxi Council chief executive Nick Abrahim said the industry applied a “high standard and expectation on drivers around safe and respectful service, particularly when it comes to women’s safety.
“That is why the NSW Taxi Council supports and embraces the Women’s Safety Industry Guidelines released by the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner.”
