Secure transport for Gold Coast schoolies

Secure taxi ranks for the Gold Coast, and a major boost to TransLink bus services, will be in place for this weekend’s start to schoolies week, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, announced on the Gold Coast today.

Mr Lucas said the State Government had worked hard with the taxi industry and Gold Coast City Council to ensure the secure ranks would be in place to protect party-goers during Schoolies Week.

“Secure night-time taxi ranks for party areas were promised by the State Government during the September election campaign and will remain after schoolies for Gold Coast revellers,” Mr Lucas said.

“Secure taxi ranks, staffed by security officers and taxi marshals, will operate every Friday and Saturday night from this weekend at Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise, and the Oasis Precinct, Broadbeach.

“Also from this Friday night, and right through Schoolies Week, TransLink will provide an extra 107 bus services to cater for the visitors and to relieve congestion on the buses for Gold Coast residents.

“Schoolies will be able to make use of the route 700 high frequency service that operates around the clock along the Gold Coast Highway between Coolangatta and Southport.

“Route 700 is one of Australia's best all-night bus routes, with a 30 minute service frequency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“This route, combined with other service improvements, means a five minute frequency for buses between Southport and Burleigh Heads,” Mr Lucas said.

He said the State Government had provided a $6 million boost to Gold Coast bus services in May. The extra services enabled the system to cope better with major events like schoolies.

“Secure taxi ranks have proven very effective at combating rank-rage and cutting taxi waiting times since their introduction in Brisbane on November 1 last year.

“It's about increased safety for passengers and taxi drivers, but other benefits achieved in Brisbane included waiting times greatly reduced – in some cases halved; less vandalism of taxis and a greater confidence for people using the system.

“To encourage more taxi drivers to work late night shifts, a $2 late night surcharge will be introduced for all Gold Coast taxi services between midnight and 5am, except for ANZAC Day,” Mr Lucas said.

For information about secure taxi ranks, visit www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/PubTrans.nsf/index/securetaxiranks

For up-to-date information on public transport services, ticket types and fares during schoolies, phone TransLink on 13 12 30 or visit www.translink.com.au.

Media Inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942