NSW has reach 80% double vaccination target, and as result the state will take further steps to reopening. The point to point transport industry has already started to get back on the road since NSW reached the 70% double vaccination target, and the good news is that the industry can continue to provide passenger services in a COVID safe way – reaching 80% doesn’t change what you have been doing since 11 October.
As the industry can expect an increase in demand for passenger services, we’d like to remind our service providers of the importance of ensuring their Safety Management Systems are up-to-date and they have a COVID safety plan to make sure their drivers, vehicles and passengers are back on the road in a safe and compliant way.
What should you know and FAQS for the industry
- Masks remain mandatory for drivers and passengers. Masks must be worn at all times by drivers and passengers when travelling in taxis, hire vehicles and rideshare when a passenger service is being provided.
- Mandatory mask wearing does not apply to children 12 and under, and persons with a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability that makes wearing a fitted face covering unsuitable. Exemptions must be carried.
- NSW Government QR codes to remain mandatory in all point to point transport vehicles.
- QR code check-in is still mandatory for drivers and passengers. Drivers must check-in using the vehicle’s NSW Government QR code at the start of the shift and they should also check out when their shift is finished. Drivers should encourage passengers to check-in using the NSW Government QR code in their vehicle.
- Vehicle Sanitisation Stations are still be available. Drivers are strongly encouraged to utilise the VSS closest to them. This service is free and each vehicle can be sanitised up to twice a day.
Do drivers and passengers need to be vaccinated?
All drivers and passengers are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. However, there is currently no mandated requirement for drivers or passengers to be vaccinated.
Drivers do not need to ask passengers for proof of vaccination status.
Do drivers still need a travel permit to leave Greater Sydney?
No.
- Drivers from Greater Sydney (including Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast) no longer require a travel permit to travel outside Greater Sydney for the purpose of work.
Is there a limit to how many passengers a driver can carry in their vehicle?
- Currently, under the Public Health Order there are no passenger limitations placed on point to point transport vehicles.
- It is recommended, where possible, passengers sit in the back of the vehicle and follow the COVID Safe advice that is in place and available on our website.
What are the rules for close contacts?
- Everyone, vaccinated and not vaccinated, must get tested if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 and immediately self-isolate until a negative result is received.
- Whether a driver or employee is vaccinated or not vaccinated if they test positive for COVID-19 they must self-isolate for 14 days.
- The advice currently stands that if a driver is a close contact of a positive case and vaccinated, they must get tested and self-isolate for seven days. On day six after exposure, they must get tested again. If a negative result is received and the driver is well, they can end isolation after day seven. This advice may change in which case we will update you.
- If a driver is a close contact of a positive case and not fully vaccinated they must get tested and immediately self-isolate for 14 days. On day 12, they should get tested again. If a negative result is received, they can end isolation after day 14
- Businesses must inform NSW Health if three or more employees test positive for COVID-19 in a seven-day period.
- Reporting positive COVID-19 cases, service providers still need to notify the Commissioner when they become aware that a driver has tested positive for COVID-19 by completing the COVID-19 reporting form on the Industry Portal.
|
Requirement |
Update |
| Mask wearing | No change - masks remain mandatory for drivers and passengers |
| QR Codes and checking into point to point transport vehicles | No change - drivers and passengers must continue to check-in |
| LGAs of concern and Authorised Workers |
|
| Drivers within Greater Sydney (including Shellharbour, Central Coast, Wollongong, Blue Mountains) | All point to point transport drivers in Greater Sydney can provide passenger services within Greater Sydney |
| Regional NSW drivers | All point to point transport drivers in regional NSW can provide passenger services within regional NSW and enter Greater Sydney. |
| Vaccination requirements | Being fully vaccinated is strongly encouraged; however, there is currently no requirement for drivers or passengers to be vaccinated. |
| Travel between Greater Sydney and Regional LGAs | Drivers who live in Greater Sydney no longer require a travel permit from Service NSW to provide passenger services outside of Greater Sydney. |
| Number of passengers permitted |
|
We’ve created a new webpage – Point to Point Transport NSW Roadmap here you will find all the information you need to know regarding the latest PHO updates along with resources to help you get back on the road safely.
Please note: the information contained in this email is correct at time of publication. This advice is subject to change if the Public Health Order was to be amended by NSW Government.
COVID Safe tips for the point to point transport industry
- Passengers should sit in the back seat
- Use contactless payment methods where available
- Do not travel if unwell, stay home and get tested immediately
- Passengers should handle their own luggage
- Drivers are encouraged to sanitise their vehicle at the end of each shift at a minimum.
Stay up to date
We will continue to update you as soon as more information comes to hand, particularly if there are any changes to the Public Health Order.
We thank the Industry for staying the course and for its continued commitment to keep passengers, drivers and the community safe. It is pleasing for everyone that restrictions easing will allow the industry to start getting back to normal but it is important safety remains the top priority
This website will continue to be updated with the latest information and how it applies to the Industry.