Industry Update 2026: How We Are Leading the Charge on Safety & Compliance

A response to the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s First Newsletter of 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

The NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner has released his first newsletter for 2026, outlining a strict roadmap for the year ahead. At Cars on Demand, we welcome this vigilance. As the industry regulator tightens safety standards and cracks down on non-compliant operators, it highlights exactly why premium corporate clients choose professional chauffeur services over gig-economy alternatives.

Here is our breakdown of the Commissioner’s latest update and what it means for your next journey.

1. The Crackdown on Ineligible Drivers

The News: The Commissioner highlighted a significant enforcement outcome where Uber was convicted and fined $250,000 for allowing ineligible drivers to provide passenger services. Additionally, a service provider trading as Apex Cabs had their authorization cancelled entirely due to safety management failures.

The Cars on Demand Standard: This serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with massive gig-economy platforms where drivers can become just numbers in a database. At Cars on Demand, we operate differently.

• Closer Driver Relationships: Because we are a specialized operation rather than a mass-market app, we maintain close, direct relationships with our driving team. We know who is behind the wheel, ensuring a level of accountability that algorithms simply cannot match.
• Real-Time Quality Control: We utilize a strict rating system with instant alerts. In the extremely rare event of a low rating, our management team is notified immediately to investigate and resolve the issue. This human oversight ensures that safety and service standards are maintained on every single trip.

Why this matters to you: When you book with us, you aren’t just trusting an app; you are trusting a team that is personally invested in your safety.

2. Pricing Certainty: The Fixed Fare Trial vs. Our Guarantee

The News: To combat overcharging, the NSW Government has introduced a Fixed Fare Trial for taxis from Sydney Airport to the CBD ($60 for standard, $80 for Maxi). This comes alongside increased fines ($3,000) for drivers caught overcharging or refusing fares.

The Cars on Demand Standard: While the taxi industry is trialling fixed fares for one specific route to fix a trust issue, Cars on Demand has offered fixed, transparent pricing on every route for 35 years.

• No Meters, No Estimates: Whether you are going from Sydney Airport to the CBD, or from Parramatta to Penrith, the price you see is the price you pay.
• No Refusals: Our drivers do not “refuse” short trips or complex routes. If you book it, we drive it.

3. Operational Readiness: The New Sydney Fish Market

The News: The iconic Sydney Fish Market has moved to its new purpose-built location. The Commissioner has issued strict new pickup/drop-off protocols, warning that the new layout (off Wentworth Park Road) has strict 2-minute stopping limits.

The Cars on Demand Standard: Navigating new infrastructure requires preparation. Our drivers are already briefed on the new Bridge Road indented bay access and the strict “No U-Turn” policy at the car park entrance. While casual drivers may get confused by the new layout — risking delays or fines — Cars on Demand drivers are prepared with the correct routing to get you to your lunch meeting or event seamlessly.

4. The 2026 Priorities: Women’s Safety & WSI

The Commissioner’s Welcome to 2026 Video outlines a focus on Women’s Safety and the integration of Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport.

We are actively aligned with these goals:

• Women’s Safety: We continue to champion the safest environment for female travelers through our RideMinder tracking technology and professional driver standards.
• WSI Integration: As Western Sydney International prepares to open, Cars on Demand is already mapping our service capabilities to ensure seamless connections for corporate travelers from Day 1.

Summary: Compliance is Our Culture

We thank Commissioner Anthony Wing for his continued vigilance. The recent fines issued to major rideshare players ($250,000) and the cancellation of non-compliant operators send a clear message: Safety is not optional.

For our corporate clients, these regulatory updates reinforce why you partner with Cars on Demand. You aren’t just booking a car; you are booking a service that treats compliance as a baseline, not a burden.

Experience the difference of a fully compliant, professional service. Register for a corporate account here