<p>The internet promised to revolutionise how we get around, delivering a modern, efficient, and affordable break from the old ways. But did the revolution simply bring an unstable, exploitative gig economy, offering the illusion of flexibility with almost zero protections?</p><p>Helping us look at how technology disrupted taxis is Rod Barton, a former Victorian Member of Parliament and founder of the Transport Matters Party.</p><p><a href="https://rodbarton.com.au" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠https://rodbarton.com.au⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://linkedin.com/in/rod-barton" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠https://linkedin.com/in/rod-barton⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://facebook.com/RodBarton08" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠https://facebook.com/RodBarton08⁠</a> </p><p>Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not. </p><p>Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at <a href="https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, or support us at <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠</a> </p><p>In this episode, Rod joins us to explore the impact of the internet on the Victorian taxi industry and the wider gig economy, the challenges faced by traditional taxi services as they compete with rideshare apps, the regulatory environment, and safety concerns in rideshare services.</p><p>We also look at the rights of gig economy workers, the need for better protections, and the importance of government regulation in ensuring fair practices in the taxi industry and beyond.</p><p>00:00 The Impact of the Internet on the Taxi Industry</p><p>03:01 The Taxi Industry Before Uber</p><p>05:52 Regulations and Challenges in the Taxi Industry</p><p>08:57 Safety and Insurance in Rideshare Services</p><p>12:13 The Gig Economy and Worker Rights</p><p>15:05 Customer Service in the Age of Rideshare</p><p>17:50 The Future of the Gig Economy</p><p>21:00 The Role of Government in Regulating the Industry</p><p>23:55 The Path Forward for Taxi and Rideshare Services</p><p>taxi industry, rideshare, Uber, gig economy, worker rights, exploitation, regulations, ridesharing, customer service, government policy, transport industry, class action</p>