Ride-booking service standards

The Queensland Government has made changes to strengthen customer, driver and vehicle safety standards relating to all ride-booking services, including GoCatch, Ola, Shebah and Uber.

Ride-booking services are commonly known as ride-booking, ride-sourcing and ride-sharing.

Significant changes have occurred since the legalisation of the service in 2016. New laws on picking-up passengers, vehicle signage requirements, vehicle safety requirements, and transport and criminal history checks on all drivers play an important part in ensuring the safe operation of booked hire services in Queensland.

Ride booking service safety

• You must pre-book your booked hire vehicle using the booking options provided by the service provider, for example an app provided by the booking entity.
• You cannot hail a ride-booking vehicle from the street or from a taxi rank.
• Your booked hire driver cannot drop you off at a taxi rank.
• It’s illegal to book your vehicle directly with a driver, unless they also have approval to operate as a booking entity.
• It’s illegal for your driver to make arrangements with you for future bookings, unless they also have approval to operate as a booking entity.
• You can identify your ride-booking vehicle by signs displayed on the front and rear windscreens.
• For safety, check the number plate of your ride-booking vehicle matches the one on your app.
• All vehicles must pass safety inspections every year.
• The Queensland Government does not regulate the age of passengers who use these services. Please check with your service provider for any passenger age restrictions.
• Your ride-booking vehicle must have an approved security cameras installed if they meet a certain risk criteria, for example: driver/passenger is anonymous, payment made in cash and or EFTPOS/credit card.

Booked hire service driver requirements

• All authorised drivers undergo criminal and traffic history checks before becoming a driver. They are also continually monitored once they start.
• Your driver must comply with zero alcohol and drug limits.
• Your driver cannot drive while fatigued.

Booked hire service and fares

• Ride-booking fares are not regulated by the Queensland Government.
• A fare estimate must be provided unless there is a reasonable excuse. For example, the hirer opts out of receiving it.
• You can receive assistance to board the vehicle, leave the vehicle and to load and unload your luggage without additional charge.
• You can request a receipt which must include a break-down of your total fare and any payment surcharges.

Passenger responsibilities

• You cannot consume alcohol during the journey.
• You are responsible for wearing a seatbelt.
• If you have a child with you (under 16 years of age), you must ensure they are properly restrained. If you have your own child restraint, check with your ride-booking provider if it can be installed in the vehicle.

Accessibility information

• You can be accompanied by an assistance animal if required.