goCatch hits out at Uber ahead of NSW election

Uber rival calls for "leadership" on ridesharing

Taxi-booking app goCatch has called for "clear leadership" on the legal status of Uber's 'uberX' service ahead of the NSW state election.

"It's the elephant in the room this election campaign," goCatch CEO Ned Moorfield said.

"Passengers are booking lifts with regular drivers in their own cars, which is illegal. It’s a contravention of the Passenger Transport Act."

"What's really lacking is clear leadership on how NSW is going to deal with new entrants like Uber X and ride sharing in general," Moorfield said in a statement.

"Inaction and confusion is playing into the hands of Uber which has the capacity to pay fines and fund lengthy and expensive legal action."

Uber last week called for its customers to contact state MPs and push for regulatory reform in NSW

"The taxi industry has been pressuring politicians and candidates to shut down Uber," stated an email sent to NSW Uber users by the company.

"They want to stop you from having a choice about how you get around your city."

The ridesharing service has faced an uphill regulatory battle in NSW, including last year a police raid on its office.

UberX drivers have faced thousands of dollars of fines.

"Whoever is elected on 28th March will get to decide the future of ridesharing in Sydney. It is important that they hear from you, and they are put on notice that you want their support," a blog entry posted by Uber stated.

"No matter who wins next weekend’s election – surely the travelling public of NSW deserves better clarity around the future of how this industry will be regulated," goCatch's CEO said.

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