Name: Melbourne introduces tougher fines for rideshare price gouging
Uploaded: 2026-01-17T06:22:37.493Z
Duration: 2 min
Description: New laws in Melbourne aim to protect those going to the Australian Open from overpriced rideshare and cab rides. Operators will now have to pay over $800 for overcharging.

New laws in Melbourne aim to protect those going to the Australian Open from overpriced rideshare and cab rides. Operators will now have to pay over $800 for overcharging.

Melbourne

Authorities in Melbourne have implemented stricter regulations to address price gouging by cab and rideshare operators during major events such as the Australian Open. Fines for operators caught overcharging have been increased to over $800, up from last year's $500, and all vehicles must now display QR codes to inform passengers of their rights and provide direct access to the complaint process.

These measures come as thousands attend the Australian Open, with the state government emphasizing the importance of fair fares and safe transport for both locals and visitors. The event also featured Kids' Tennis Day, where young fans met Australian tennis legends, ahead of the tournament's main draw.

Melbourne introduces tougher fines for rideshare price gouging

Catching transport to a major event like the Australian Open can be costly. I think it's an expensive day out for families and they're already spending a lot on public transport. I don't think any additional charging is required or, yeah, I just think there's no need for it. But new laws are set to protect punters from dodgy drivers. Cab and rideshare operators caught price gouging. Fans attending the tennis could be hit with fines of more than $800, an increase from last year's fine of just over $500. We just want to come see the tennis. We shouldn't pay arm and leg to just come see the tennis. It should be fair. It will also be mandatory for cabs and Ubers to display QR codes for the public to be informed of their rights and direct access to the complaint process. The state government says whether you're a Victorian or a visitor to our state attending the Australian Open, everyone deserves a fair fare and a safe trip. Ripping off passengers won't be tolerated. It comes as thousands descend on Melbourne Park. It's kids' tennis day in full swing. Young ones given the chance to pick up a racket and rub shoulders with Australian tennis legends Casey DeLacqua and Pat Cash. You meet youngsters like these kids here today that role models are so important for them to look up to and I just get so much joy out of seeing everyone get the experiences. I love their expression when somebody goes, this is Pat Cash, and they went, ah, don't know. The parents are going, oh, oh, OK. A once in a lifetime opportunity for those in the Force for Good Foundation. I recognised him and then I heard Pat Cash and I'm like, what? Really? It was insane. It's amazing to be here and be in this group. It's just, yeah, it's pretty cool. Kids' tennis day wraps up opening week here at Melbourne Park. All eyes now turn to the main draw which kicks off tomorrow where some of the world's best tennis players will grace the court in the hunt for that Grand Slam title. With Aussie hopeful Alex Dimonor taking on Matteo Berentini in a first round blockbuster. Jack Perry, Ten News.

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