State Government to expand secure Northbridge taxi hub

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien has announced the State Government's expansion and enhancement of the Milligan Street rank in Northbridge, transforming it into a secure taxi hub during peak Friday and Saturday night periods.

"Consistent with the Liberal-National Government's policy of making Northbridge a safe and secure entertainment precinct, the Government has committed to considerably enhance the existing Milligan Street rank to ensure Northbridge patrons can depart the area during peak periods in the safest and most timely manner," Mr O'Brien said. 

"It is not only important that people come out and enjoy themselves in Perth's entertainment precincts, but that they also have a safe way of getting home again.

"The State Government has allocated an initial amount of $600,000 to turn Milligan Street into Northbridge's main secure taxi hub. This is in addition to the $270,000 that the Government spends to provide physical security services at ranks in Northbridge and Fremantle."

Enhanced features to be considered for inclusion at the rank are:

·          improved lighting

·          CCTV coverage

·          doubling the number of covered queuing barriers

·          roadwork

·          footpath widening

·          traffic management

·          enhanced signage

"The Milligan Street rank will be doubled in size, with ranks to operate during the Friday and Saturday night peak period time on both the east and west sides of the street," he said.

The Minister said that as the size of the rank would be doubled, it was only appropriate that a physical security presence also be enhanced.

"In order to ensure the security and safety of revellers exiting the Northbridge, precinct the Government has committed additional funds to increase the number of security guards at the Milligan Street rank, as well as extend the current taxi marshal trial to also cover the busy Christmas and New Year period," he said.

"The marshals' key role has been to quickly allocate passengers, co-ordinate taxi vehicle and passenger queuing as well as provide taxi-specific information to patrons.

"Feedback received suggests that the taxi marshal service is having a positive effect and has resulted in more efficient passenger movements out of Northbridge.

"The more streamlined and efficient passenger-management approach has helped reduce antisocial behaviour by clearing patrons more quickly at this high-demand rank.

"I urge those exiting the Northbridge area during the peak Friday and Saturday night period to take advantage of the Milligan Street rank, both for their personal safety and to ensure that they get a taxi in the timeliest manner.

"New prominent signage will be installed in and around Northbridge to direct passengers to the Milligan Street hub."