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Uber Suspends Australian Transport Inspector Accounts To Block Stings

Posted by samzenpus on from the fine-me-once-shame-on-you dept.

jaa101 writes In Australia Uber is reportedly suspending the accounts used by government transport inspectors conducting sting operations. The article suggests that a new handset, credit card and email account are all needed to get a new, unblocked account. If inspectors can only issue one or two fines before they're blocked then the sting operations will cost more than the fines. Presumably the Uber app can block based on IMEI, SIM and/or phone number.

2 of 299 comments (clear)

  1. Re:The most beautiful thing ever! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Australia REQUIRES hire car and taxi drivers to be operating under commercial licenses and insurance (this is not optional), private insurance for drivers is considered invalid if you are operating as a for hire service here and hence you are uninsured. It isn't specifically uber that is unlicensed and uninsured it is the drivers. Your normal drivers license and insurance is not valid for operating such a service in Australia.

  2. Re:The most beautiful thing ever! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    "Uber Australia requires a K class (taxi/charter vehicle) license to be a driver, so they are covered for that situation."

    False.

    I had a look at Uber's signup system for Brisbane, QLD

    UberX
    ---------
    You Are...
    At least 21 years old, with an Australian drivers license and comprehensive insurance.
    (ie: illegally driving commercially)

    Never asked me about whether I was licensed to carry commercial passengers.

    UberBlack:
    ---------------
    You Are...
    A professional chauffeur with a commercial license and commercial auto insurance.
    (legal)