Bid to beat ride sharing
A FLAT fare taxi rank has been flagged as a possible solution to Townsville’s underground ride- sharing scene, by encouraging more patrons in the CBD to use legitimate cabs instead of unregulated operators.
The Bulletin yesterday revealed Facebook groups were being used to co- ordinate illegal ridesharing across the city, despite the drivers failing to comply with the regulations set down for taxi and Uber operators.
Safe Night Townsville CBD Precinct president Jodie Bell said the board had been aware of the trend and viewed a flat fare taxi rank as an initiative that could discourage it.
“All avenues need to be explored to ensure that once the venues close, patrons have options in getting transported safely, efficiently and cost effectively out of the area as soon as possible,” she said.
“As part of the precinct’s plans to facilitate efficient movement of patrons from the area, we are looking to implement firstly a flat fare taxi rank, with the possibility of the same concept coming later down the track within the bus service. A flat fa fare taxi rank is a rank, m mainly serviced by maxi taxis, where people pay a flat fare and share a ride home with others going in the same direction to reduce the cost of getting home.
“This leads to quicker, more ficient passenger movements.”
Townsville MP Scott Stewart yesterday urged people to avoid getting into any illegal rideshare vehicles.
“People are taking their safety into their own hands as well as drivers,” he said. “You’ve got no idea who’s getting into your car, or vice versa, and if any accident happens there’s no procedures or safety measures in place.”
Mr Stewart said taxi companies were looking for a level playing field.
“When you look at the costs of owning and running a cab in Townsville they are very expensive, including the significantly higher cost of insurance,” he said. “They have many more restrictions placed on them in terms of cameras ... for the safety for both the driver and passengers.”
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