FlatFare taxis take home 100,000th passenger

Brisbane's popular NightLink FlatFare taxis will take home their 100,000^th passenger this weekend.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said the milestone was proof of how popular the service had become with Brisbane’s party people.

“FlatFare taxis were launched along with NightLink bus and train services in December 2005, to provide safe and efficient transport home from CBD and Valley night spots on Friday and Saturday nights and for special events,” Mr Lucas said.

“At the time, FlatFare was on trial only, but it very soon became obvious that people wanted the service to continue, and they have supported it every weekend since.

“The FlatFare service is now averaging 2000 passengers each weekend.”

The State Government’s NightLink bus, train and taxi services have carried more than 250,000 people since they were introduced in December 2005.

Mr Lucas said Queensland Transport expected the 100,000^th passenger to board a FlatFare taxi sometime tonight or tomorrow night. Taxi marshals were keeping tally at each rank and would identify the landmark passenger from their count.

“That lucky person will be given a gold cinema pass for two to mark the occasion – and everyone aboard the taxi will have their fare home paid for,” Mr Lucas said.

“FlatFare taxis consistently average more than six passengers each trip – the vehicles have capacity for between seven and 10 passengers at a time.

“That makes a massive dent in taxi queues and waiting times and takes an enormous burden off the normal metered taxi service,” he said.

“Rank marshals at the secure FlatFare ranks organise passengers travelling in the same direction to share maxi taxis. Passengers pay the fare to the rank marshal – not the taxi driver – before the trip begins.

“Fares are determined on TransLink's zonal system and on how many passengers are sharing the taxi. For each passenger, the fare works out at less than a normal metered taxi but more than a NightLink bus fare," Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas said Queensland Transport provided security guards and marshals for all four Brisbane FlatFare taxi ranks. Most are also monitored by closed circuit television.

The NightLink FlatFare ranks are at:

• George Street, City (outside the Casino)
• Eagle Street, City (outside Friday's)
• Queen Street, City (outside MacArthur Chambers)
• Warner Street, Fortitude Valley (approaching Wickham Street).

The Valley rank is by far the most popular, averaging more than half the total passengers carried each weekend.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942