Since the beginning of lockdown, public transport, including taxis and rideshare services, have been classed as essential workers in the ACT.

Unlike standard public transport, rideshare drivers are particularly financially vulnerable, given that their income is solely based on how many people require a lift in their area.

Local Uber driver, Imran, can confirm that with everyone staying home, that number is hardly enough to cover daily living expenses.

“Nowadays there is no business. Every day I’m starting at four or five in the morning, where I would usually start around seven or eight.”

Imran, the sole provider of his family in Australia, said he would usually work until 3pm, ample time to earn enough to support him and his wife. 

“Right now, it’s hard to get eight to 10 rides in a day.” Around 9am he noted his fifth ride of the day, after working for four hours straight. “Before lockdown I would have 15 or 16 passengers by now.”

“In normal times, the requests would come frequently, and you could easily earn the money within eight to 10 hours. Now, that’s difficult. After 9am, there is no business. I go back home and wait for people to request me there.”

Imran was excited about the recently announced COVID-19 Business Support Grant, noting that his revenue was certainly down by more than 30%.

“At least you can pay your rent this way,” he said about the grant.

The ACT Government announced that until 7 October, eligible non-employing businesses can receive up to $4,000 in financial support over the lockdown period.

However, to be considered eligible, applicants must demonstrate not only a 30% loss of revenue during lockdown, but also have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 in either 2019 or 2020.

Due to the flexibility of the job, it’s difficult to pinpoint any one Uber driver’s income. According to Money Australia, Uber drivers earn about $31.75 per hour nationally – with Uber taking a cut of 27.5%. In that case, the upcoming numbers might not crunch well for drivers like Imran.

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