Rideshare drivers called for action on February 13 after Uber driver Scott Cabrie was killed in Queensland, allegedly by a passenger. The 聽(RDN) said more attention was needed to ensure聽drivers and passengers鈥 safety.
RDN said drivers have their driving history and criminal record checks, as well as having to undergo facial recognition technology to confirm their identity. But passengers are not screened.
Some Queensland drivers have been penalised, with fines of up to $5750, for installing in-car cameras.
鈥淓veryday in Australia, rideshare drivers working for Uber, Ola, DiDi and others work hard to make sure the public gets to their destination efficiently and safely,鈥 RDN said. 鈥淏ut safety is a two-way street. There is no means for drivers to report threatening behaviour by passengers that will provide them with an immediate response or protection.鈥
RDN said rideshare companies failed to follow up on bad passenger behaviour, while reports on drivers are addressed.
It said Cabrie鈥檚 murder of is 鈥渁n example of the lack of care鈥 by rideshare companies and the Queensland government.