Friday 16May 2014

$300,000 safety boost for eight taxi ranks

  • Eight councils to share in funding of $300,000 to improve seating, signage and pedestrian barriers
  • Councils and community working together to identify safety improvements
  • Victorian Coalition Government building a safer Victoria

Eight local councils across Victoria will once again receive funding to enhance security and safety at taxi ranks thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s Taxi Rank Safety Program, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced today.

“Glenelg, Stonnington, Manningham, Mitchell, Baw Baw, Warrnambool, Geelong and Wodonga councils will share in over $300,000 from the Taxi Rank Safety Program,” Mr Mulder said.

“Funding will assist in upgrading seating, signage, pedestrian barriers and for the first time under the program, implementing new technology.

“Since 2011-12 this program has achieved a lot, with 28 councils receiving more than $2 million in funding.

“Upgrades to seating, signage, barriers and other amenities will always be at the forefront of this program.

“This year however we have seen innovative additions, with Geelong Council expanding their submission to include technology based safety features.

“Of the eight councils funded, Geelong City Council will be the first to implement technology as a way of making taxi ranks safer.

“This new technology will enable taxi marshals managing late night taxi ranks to carry portable equipment that allows them to record taxi and passenger details electronically, making it safer for everyone,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Mulder said this program is just one of the many ways the Coalition Government is committed to improving the taxi industry.

“Victoria is leading the country in taxi reform that benefits both passengers and drivers,” Mr Mulder said.

“Earlier this year we halved the cost of paying by credit card from 10 to 5 per cent, reducing the hidden fees that passengers have been stung with for far too long. Other states are also now following suit.

“From 30 June 2014, competition within the taxi industry will drive further improvements, with restrictions on taxi licence numbers being relaxed, making it easier to get into the industry, and providing more choice for passengers.”

A full listing of TRSP funding recipients can be found on the Taxi Services Commission website

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