What it does
The Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Act 2001 (ACT) establishes the regulatory framework for all public passenger services operating in or partly in the Australian Capital Territory. Its objects, set out in section 2, are to provide for the accreditation of operators of public passenger services and transport booking services; to provide for the licensing of vehicles used as taxis, rideshare vehicles and hire cars; to foster an innovative, competitive and reliable industry; to create a legislative framework adaptable to changes in technology and business models; and to encourage services that meet community expectations for safety, responsiveness, reliability and efficiency. The Act covers a wide spectrum of services: bus services (regular route, tour and charter, and long-distance), light rail services, taxi services, ridesharing services, hire car services, and demand responsive services. For each service type the Act sets out separate accreditation, licensing and regulatory regimes. It also regulates transport booking services (the digital platforms that connect passengers with drivers) and imposes compulsory third-party property damage insurance for all public passenger vehicles. The Act contains significant delegation to regulations: many operational details are left to the Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Regulation and other subordinate instruments. The road transport authority administers the accreditation schemes, licensing schemes and demand responsive service authorisations, and keeps registers of all accredited persons, licensed vehicles and authorised operators. The Act also contains an enforcement part (Part 9) that confers powers on police officers and authorised persons to inspect vehicles and premises, require records and information, and attach noncompliance notices. The unauthorised operation of a public passenger service is an offence under section 125, carrying a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units.