45 More Taxis for Brisbane

The Queensland Government is providing an extra 45 taxis for Brisbane to slash waiting times and taxi rank queues during busy periods.

Acting Transport and Main Roads Minister John Mickel said tenders for the new licences had been called and the extra cabs will be on Brisbane streets as soon as possible.

“Queensland Transport has offered the licences for sale by public tender, closing on April 24,” Mr Mickel said.

“Of the new taxi licences, 35 are for new dual wheelchair-accessible taxis. Of course, wheelchair-accessible taxis can also be used to transport other passengers as well, so this will mean better service for everybody.

“The first of the new taxis should be on the road by late August, with all 45 in service by the end of the year to cater for the Christmas festive season,” Mr Mickel said.

“The State Government is determined to continue to reduce taxi response times for passengers - especially for wheelchair passengers.

“The issue of the new wheelchair-accessible taxi licences is a vital part of the Government's strategy to improve the delivery of accessible taxi services.

"The 10 new conventional taxis will be people-movers capable of providing travel for at least seven people at a time," Mr Mickel said.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942