The New South Wales government has issued a decisive mandate to ridesharing corporations, including industry leaders Uber and DiDi, compelling them to implement enhanced protective protocols for female passengers. This regulatory action follows concerning data revealing that women continue to experience disproportionately high rates of inappropriate conduct during hired vehicle journeys.
Official state surveys indicate that while most trips conclude without incident, female passengers remain vulnerable to various forms of unwanted behavior. These include intrusive personal questioning, inappropriate commentary, prolonged staring, and violations of personal space. The findings highlight a critical safety gap that the new Women’s Safety Industry Guidelines seek to address.
Administered by the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner, the comprehensive framework requires transportation providers to establish robust systems for passenger protection. Key provisions mandate specialized driver training to identify and prevent offensive or unprofessional conduct toward women. The guidelines further compel companies to streamline incident reporting mechanisms and improve passenger awareness of existing safety features within digital applications and vehicles.
Transport Minister John Graham emphasized corporate accountability, stating: “Every passenger deserves to feel secure and respected, whether traveling across town during daylight hours or navigating our vibrant nighttime urban landscape. This initiative establishes clear expectations for all hired transportation services.”
Women’s Minister Jodie Harrison characterized reports of harassment as “utterly unacceptable,” adding: “The industry must prioritize women’s safety and acknowledge their obligations. These guidelines provide necessary support for service providers to implement proper safety systems and handle behavioral reports appropriately.”
Commissioner Anthony Wing will oversee targeted enforcement through compliance programs, working collaboratively with providers to ensure safety management systems align with updated standards.
Industry responses have been uniformly supportive. Uber Australia’s Head of Safety, Nicole Ashcroft, affirmed that women’s safety represents the company’s “top priority,” welcoming the standardized approach. Both DiDi and the NSW Taxi Council echoed this sentiment, with Council CEO Nick Abrahim noting the industry’s existing “high standards and expectations regarding safe and respectful service, particularly concerning women’s safety.”