Community Guidelines

Koogle's Fair Treatment and Respect Policy for Drivers & Riders

Discrimination

Whether you are a driver or a rider, everyone should always feel safe and welcome. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.

Treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their culture, language, religion, accent, gender, speech patterns, disability, age, colour, marital status, national origin, race, sex or sexual orientation.

Inappropriate Behaviour, Physical Contact & Sexual Assault

Hitting, hurting, or attempting to hurt anyone is never allowed. Everyone is expected to respect each other's personal space and privacy at all times.

Examples of inappropriate behaviour include, but are not limited to:

  • Do not touch or flirt with anyone while using the Koogle platform.

  • Do not make comments or behave inappropriately in ways that may make another person uncomfortable, including whistling, nudging, winking or making sexual gestures.

  • Always remain professional. Conversations that seem harmless to you may be perceived as offensive by another person.

  • Do not ask unnecessary or unrelated personal questions.

  • Avoid discussing or commenting on your own or another person's sexual life.

  • Sexual assault, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct of any kind is strictly prohibited.

  • Threatening, rude, disrespectful, aggressive, confrontational or harassing behaviour is not permitted.

  • Remain calm and avoid arguments or confrontations.

  • Speak clearly and respectfully so passengers can understand you.

  • Do not respond to insults or offensive language with further aggression.

Zero Tolerance for Drugs & Alcohol

Koogle has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.

Drivers must never use drugs or consume alcohol before or while using the Koogle platform.

What may lead to deactivation?

Any driver found driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have their account permanently deactivated. Koogle may also deactivate the account of a driver who receives multiple complaints relating to drug or alcohol use, even where some complaints cannot be independently confirmed.

Use of Dash Cams (Video and/or Audio Recording)

Depending on your local laws and regulations, drivers may choose to install and use a dash cam. Recordings may assist Koogle, law enforcement or insurance providers if an incident occurs.

Please note:

  • Riders may have concerns about how recordings, images or conversations are used.

  • In some states or territories, consent may be required before recording audio or video. Drivers are responsible for complying with local laws.

  • Drivers may submit recordings to Koogle where permitted by law. Koogle will review any footage in accordance with these Community Guidelines and our Terms of Use.

  • Sharing or streaming another person's image, video or audio recording on social media or any public platform without proper authority is a breach of these Community Guidelines and may result in further investigation or account deactivation.

Soliciting & Touting

Ride-share drivers must not offer transport services without a booking made through the Koogle platform.

Drivers should only transport passengers who have made a valid booking through the app.

What is soliciting or touting?

Soliciting or touting includes:

  • Approaching members of the public to offer transport services.

  • Calling out to people asking if they require a ride.

  • Attempting to persuade people to travel without making a booking through the app.

Why is it prohibited?

Point-to-point transport legislation across Australian states prohibits drivers from soliciting or touting for passengers.

Reasons include:

  • Safety: There is no assurance that the passenger service has been properly booked or documented, or that appropriate safety checks have been completed.

  • Harassment: Soliciting can be considered unwanted behaviour and may amount to harassment.

  • Public Safety: At airports, train stations and busy public areas, soliciting creates unnecessary safety risks.

  • Fair Competition: Soliciting undermines authorised operators and drivers who follow the law.

Exception

It is not considered soliciting when a driver approaches someone to confirm they are the passenger who has already made a pre-booked trip.

For example, a driver may display a sign with the passenger's name for an airport pickup.

Penalties

Penalties vary between states and territories.

Drivers should refer to their relevant state transport authority for further information.

Driver Distractions

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road crashes.

Even a brief distraction can have serious consequences.

Common distractions include:

  • Talking on a mobile phone.

  • Reading or sending text messages.

  • Changing music or radio stations.

  • Attending to children in the back seat.

  • Holding or resting a mobile phone on any part of your body while driving.

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal throughout Australia.

Drivers caught offending may receive significant fines and demerit points.

Tips to Reduce Distractions

  • Install a legal phone mount.

  • Set your GPS and music before starting your trip.

  • Keep your attention on the road at all times.

  • Be aware that in some states, younger or learner drivers have stricter mobile phone restrictions, including hands-free use.

For additional information, visit your state road authority.

Driving While Tired (Fatigue)

Driving while tired significantly increases the risk of a crash.

It is important to recognise the signs of fatigue and manage them appropriately.

Signs of Fatigue

  • Frequent yawning

  • Heavy eyes

  • Body stiffness or cramps

  • Microsleeps

  • Difficulty holding your head up

  • Feeling tired, drowsy or exhausted

Effects of Fatigue

Fatigue can:

  • Reduce concentration

  • Slow reaction times

  • Affect judgement and decision making

Before Going Online

Before going online with Koogle, assess whether you are well-rested and fit to drive.

Do not accept trips if you are fatigued.

Managing Fatigue

  • Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep.

  • Take a 15-minute break after every 2 hours of continuous driving.

  • Never consume alcohol before driving.

  • Be aware of medications that may cause drowsiness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if unsure.

Fatigue Management Policy

Koogle requires all driver-partners to manage fatigue responsibly.

State transport authorities also require drivers to actively manage health and safety risks, including fatigue.

The Koogle app assists by monitoring online driving hours. Drivers will automatically be taken offline for 8 hours after 12 cumulative hours online without receiving an 8-hour continuous break.

Ultimately, it remains every driver's legal responsibility not to drive while fatigued.

Your safety, and the safety of your passengers and other road users, comes first.

Comply with State Laws & Transport Regulations

All drivers and riders using the Koogle platform must comply with all applicable Commonwealth, State and Territory laws, regulations and licensing requirements.

For the latest information relating to point-to-point transport, road safety, fatigue management, driver obligations and passenger safety, please refer to your relevant transport authority:

Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or these Community Guidelines may result in warnings, suspension, permanent deactivation from the Koogle platform, and/or reporting to the relevant authorities where required.