Important COVID-19 update for point to point transport service providers

Published

Please note that the information in this article was accurate at time of publication and is subject to change. Visit the NSW Government website for the latest advice and information.

On Saturday the Commission shared information on the increased restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 Delta strain that impacted directly on the point to point transport industry. Below is some further information and points of clarification that may assist in understanding how the Public Health Order applies to your business and operations.

What you should know

Changes for point to point transport drivers who live in Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool local government areas now in effect

  • Under the Public Health Order, residents of Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool LGAs (see the full list of affected suburbs here) cannot leave their local areas for work. The only people exempt are authorised workers identified by NSW Government - taxi, rideshare and hire car drivers are not authorised workers.
  • This means that taxi, rideshare and hire car drivers as well as staff that work at service providers cannot leave these LGAs to work.

Can drivers provide passenger services within their local government area?

  • Point to point transport drivers who live in these LGAs can provide a passenger service within the LGA they live in if someone needs to travel for an essential reason, as outlined in the Public Health Order. Drivers and passengers must comply with the Public Health Order and restrictions such as, checking in using QR codes and wearing a mask during the provision of passenger services.

Can drivers provide health care and social assistance passenger services outside of the three LGAs?

  • Under the Authorised Workers notice as published by NSW Health, anyone transporting passengers solely for the specified health care and social assistance activities listed is exempt when providing the services necessary for that activity.
  • This means a driver who lives one of the 3 LGAs would be permitted to leave their LGA to provide health care and social assistance services. This includes, for example:
    • Department of Veteran Affairs
    • Healthshare NSW
    • Family violence and sexual assault services`
    • Booked transport for Wheelchair passengers
  • Drivers are only considered an Authorised Worker while providing the health care and social assistance passenger services listed – no additional work can be conducted outside the LGA.
  • Drivers should carry evidence that the passenger service complies with the list of specified activities outlined in the Authorised Workers notice.
  • If you live in the Fairfield LGA and must leave the area as an authorised worker, you must have COVID-19 test once every 72 hours (3 days) to be allowed to go to work as an authorised worker. You must have proof of your COVID-19 test such as an SMS text message on your phone or an email addressed to you.

Carpooling

  • The Public Health Order has prohibited carpooling in Greater Sydney. Taxis, hire vehicles and rideshare can only provide passenger services to people from within the same household.
  • This does not apply to vehicles being used
    • to provide public transport
    • for work (e.g. Police, Ambulance)
    • to provide care and assistance to a vulnerable person
    • for an emergency or for compassionate reasons

Financial assistance

  • The NSW Government and Australian Government provide financial assistance and support to those impacted by COVID-19 and experiencing financial difficulties. Individuals seeking financial assistance should visit the NSW Government website and Services Australia for more information.

    Don’t forget - Please stay vigilant

    • Drivers and passengers must wear a mask while passenger services are being provided, fines apply
    • Do not travel if unwell, stay home and get tested immediately.
    • Drivers and passengers travelling in a taxi should check in using the QR code in the taxi
    • Practise good hygiene
    • Set the air conditioning to external airflow rather than to recirculation, or have windows open where appropriate
    • Passengers should sit in the backseat of the vehicle
    • Encourage passengers to use contactless payments where possible
    • Passengers should handle their own luggage where possible
    • We encourage drivers who are eligible to get vaccinated, for more information on vaccinations please go here.
    • Vehicle Sanitisation Stations are available at multiple locations throughout the state. This is a complimentary service for all point to point transport vehicles, for up to two sanitisations, per vehicle, per day to help reduce the spread of illness and assist with maintaining driver and passenger safety.
    • Complimentary disposable masks are available at Vehicle Sanitisation Stations (VSS) and if you live in a regional areas via the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s Industry Portal.

    The Commission appreciate your patience and thank you for continuing to help protect the community. We will continue to keep you updated, however, the NSW Government COVID-19 web page provides the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 rules and restrictions