Following a safety audit by the Point to Point Transport Commissioner, rideshare provider Didi has been fined more than $97,000.
The Commissioner prosecuted DiDi for two safety offences of failing to ensure one of its drivers was eligible to drive. The Magistrate convicted DiDi and imposed fines totalling $15,400.
The Commissioner has also issued penalty notices for various incidences of failing to report notifiable occurrences as required by point to point transport law totalling more than $82,000.
NSW has strong safety laws to ensure the safety of rideshare, taxi and hire vehicle passenger services, and every provider, no matter the size, business model or location, must comply with these safety standards.
All service providers must ensure their drivers clear a series of background checks before they can provide passenger services and that all vehicles are appropriately registered and safe to be driven on the road.
The Commissioner directed DiDi to improve its systems and processes, including how it conducts its driver onboarding and ongoing driver checks. DiDi has since complied with these directions.
“Safety is my priority, which is why my team routinely audits rideshare, taxi and other point to point transport service providers to ensure the point to point transport law is complied with – and as seen in the case of DiDi, there are penalties for non-compliance.”
“I note DiDi’s cooperation in responding to my directions following the audit, and its commitment to improving its safety systems and processes.
I will continue to hold all service providers to account for their safety obligations, through audits, on-street compliance and investigations, and prosecutions to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers in the point to point transport industry” Mr Wing finished.
Background on the Point to Point Transport Commissioner
The Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing, is the independent regulator for taxis, hire vehicles and rideshare, in NSW. The Commissioner's main role is to administer and enforce point to point transport law, including safety standards for the industry.
The Commissioner works with the point to point transport industry to ensure they have the knowledge and capability to implement systems for managing safety; focusing particularly on compliance through education and information, and undertaking advisory, audit and enforcement activities.
For more information see the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s website.
Media Enquiries
Alex Thompson m. 0499 612 089
Alexandra.thompson@transport.nsw.gov.au