Changes affecting Qld Uber, taxi drivers

RIDE-SHARING SERVICE UBER WILL BE LEGALISED IN QUEENSLAND FROM SEPTEMBER 5. HERE'S WHAT THE CHANGES WILL MEAN:

- Uber cars must be signed.

- Uber cars must undergo a safety inspection every 12 months.

- A new driver authorisation category, BHTX (Booked Hire Taxi), to be created and held by all drivers (taxi and Uber).

- Uber drivers must wear seatbelts (under Queensland law, taxi drivers are exempt from wearing seatbelts).

- Taxis to retain exclusive access to ranks and hail jobs.

- Fines for soliciting and touting for business will be doubled from $243 to $487.

- Uber drivers must provide itemised receipts if requested.

- Fare estimate for booked hire must be provided or price agreed up-front.

- Taxi licence owners receive $20,000 compensation per licence (capped at two licences per owner).

- Taxis no longer have to be retired because of vehicle age limits and limousines can continue to operate beyond age limits.

- Many taxi and limousine fees to be waived for 12 months.

- Government requesting a review of third party insurance for Uber, taxi and limousine drivers.