Uber struggles to solve Broome's late-night transport issues

Residents and tourists in Broome, a remote town in Western Australia, have been voicing frustration over the lack of reliable transport options late at night. Despite the introduction of Uber as a potential solution, many claim they have had difficulties securing a ride through the app. Police emphasize that the challenge of finding a taxi should not be used as an excuse for drink driving.

Uber, a global rideshare giant, has been unable to fill the void left by the closure of buses and taxi services at night in Broome, which is approximately 2,000 kilometers north of Perth.

While buses cease operations at 7pm during peak tourist season, and many taxi operators stop their services around the same time, some drivers continue working throughout the night. However, residents say they are met with long wait times and high fares. Uber was anticipated to address this issue when it launched in Broome in July, yet town residents report that the app has had minimal impact.

Jenny Antonipillai, who recently visited Broome from Perth, attempted to find a ride home from a local pub but faced limited choices. She and her boyfriend resorted to using an e-scooter, but her boyfriend ended up falling off. Noah Clancy and Orlando Dixon, two other travelers, also struggled to find rides through Uber and opted for e-scooters instead. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of availability, stating, "There was nothing available at all in the area."

Lili Walker, a resident, recounted the common experience of waiting on the curb for extended periods only to be met with expensive fares. The state government increased the flexibility of taxi authorization in 2020, leading to some drivers offering private services throughout the evening. However, these drivers are not always easily accessible, and patrons often wait outside the pubs for help.

Matty Arai, a security guard at a local pub, admitted that it is common to see people huddled outside, searching for a way home after closing time. Some reliable drivers do remain throughout the night, but securing their services can be challenging. Partygoers contend that the combination of expensive fares, long wait times, and limited options creates a dangerous incentive for drink driving.

Kimberley District traffic Sergeant Tony Di Giuseppe acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents but stressed that inconvenience alone is not a justification for violating the law. He emphasized that it is unacceptable, and the police are actively working to educate the community about the same road rules that apply to e-scooters as they do to vehicles.

Broome and Karratha were the first regions in Western Australia to receive Uber's regional expansion in July. Broome Private Taxis owner Paul Rewell expressed disappointment with the rideshare service's lackluster performance, stating that if even his business, which has been operating for six years, has struggled to find drivers, it is unlikely that Uber will fare any better.

He also mentioned that his business had previously experimented with evening operations but had to close early due to repeated incidents of damage caused by passengers.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti recognized the challenges faced by taxi services in remote towns and affirmed the government's commitment to providing accessible and affordable public transport for regional communities. However, she noted that the Public Transport Authority must carefully consider a multitude of factors to ensure that bus services best meet the needs of the community while working within the available resources.