Uber has been fined $250,000 after admitting that unlicensed and inexperienced Uber Eats drivers provided passenger trips in New South Wales. The NSW Point to Point Transport Commission discovered that 57 Uber Eats drivers had conducted over 100 passenger trips on separate occasions, as reported by Uber and in the media.
Investigations revealed that these drivers did not have sufficient Australian driving experience, and in some cases did not hold an Australian driver’s licence. The Commission noted that while strong safety standards exist for passenger trip drivers, similar requirements are absent for delivery drivers.
Uber pleaded guilty to 57 offences and was fined $250,000 in Sydney Local Court on Friday. Magistrate Arthur Aguirre emphasized that deterrence was critical because the legislation exists to protect public safety.
Commissioner Anthony Wing stated that the Commission proactively monitors ground operations through audits, investigations, and on-street operations. “This outcome sends a clear message that safety cannot be compromised and that breaches of the law will have serious consequences,” he said.
Wing added that NSW has strong laws to protect passengers, and every provider must comply. “All passengers should be able to trust that every ride is a safe ride. We will continue to monitor Uber’s services to ensure these issues have been addressed and do not re-occur.”
