Secure taxi ranks for Sunshine Coast revellers

Secure taxi ranks for SunshineCoast revellers would be available every Friday and Saturday night from this weekend, Transport and Main Roads Minister, Paul Lucas, said today.

Mr Lucas said the State Government had worked hard with the taxi industry and local councils to ensure the secure ranks were in place for Schoolies Week.

“Secure night-time taxi ranks for party areas in the SunshineCoast, Townsville, Cairns and the Gold Coast were promised by the Government during the September election campaign,” Mr Lucas said.

“The SunshineCoast secure ranks, staffed by security officers and taxi marshals, will be at Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra.

“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 drivers to work late night shifts, a $2 late night surcharge will be introduced for all SunshineCoast taxi services between midnight and 5am, except for Anzac Day,” Mr Lucas said.

He said the secure taxi ranks would be at:

• NOOSA – outside the Noosa car park, at the intersection of Hastings Street and Noosa Parade
• MOOLOOLABA – on the left hand side of Mooloolaba Esplanade (heading north), near Venning Street (outside Oceans)
• CALOUNDRA – on the left hand side of Minchinton Street, 20 metres from the Bulcock Street intersection (heading north).

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

Media Inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942