Maroochydore bus station taxi trial

A new late-night taxi pick-up zone will provide a safer place to wait for a cab on the Sunshine Coast.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the new taxi zone would be trialled for 12 months alongside the new Maroochydore Bus Station.

“Under the trial, pre-booked taxis will now pick up passengers between 10pm and 4am on Friday and Saturday nights from the new Maroochydore Bus Station,” Mr Emerson said.

“It made sense to utilise the new bus station’s facilities after Fiona raised concerns with me about the lack of security at the taxi stop outside the TAFE campus.

“This trial is another way the Newman Government is keeping its promise to deliver frontline services to Queenslanders and ensuring they get home safely.

“The trial will commence on Friday 30 May.”

Ms Simpson welcomed the trial that would improve safety over the weekend.

“This new taxi zone will ensure people can wait in an area with plenty of lighting and CCTV,” Ms Simpson said.

“Pre-booked taxis will stop on the new station’s northbound platform, in front of Sunshine Plaza and there will be clear signage advising exactly where to wait for a taxi.

“Anyone enjoying a night out at local venues need only walk a short distance to the bus station and then have the choice to either catch one of the hourly late-night buses on route 600 or catch a taxi.

“If you haven’t pre-booked, taxis will remain available from the existing rank on Ocean Street.”

Mr Emerson said as part of the trial, taxis would no longer service the taxi stop area outside the TAFE campus from 10pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday.

“Taxis will also not service the southbound bus station platform (near Hungry Jack’s),” he said.

TransLink will work with industry groups including Sunbus and Suncoast Cabs prior to implementation.

For more information, visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, anytime.

[ENDS] 23 April 2014

Media contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637