Green light for extended taxi service over festive season

20/12/95

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has given the green light for taxis to extend their service over the festive season by operating exclusively in the metropolitan area on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Mr Charlton said that under the conditions which applied to Peak Period Restricted Taxis (PPRTs) it was appropriate that the additional cabs be brought into service to meet the expected heavy demand.

"Up to 50 extra maxi-taxis will be available for multi-hiring to cater for patrons attending pre-Christmas functions, with each vehicle capable of carrying between seven and 13 passengers," he said.

The Minister said the maxi-taxis would be allowed on the road from 6 pm Thursday (December 21) until 6 am Friday (December 22).

The anticipated taxi shortage on Christmas Day will be addressed with PPRTs running from 10 am Monday (December 25) until 2 am Tuesday (December 26).

Mr Charlton said in addition, the general shortage of taxis on New Year's Eve and to and from the races on New Year's Day would necessitate the maxi-taxis being brought into service from 6 pm Sunday (December 31) until 9 pm Monday (January 1).

"Regardless of the number of taxis on the road, it is unrealistic to expect a once-a-year demand by nearly 40,000 people during a one-hour period from midnight to be adequately serviced," he said.

Mr Charlton said customers would benefit from waiting at the secure ranks - the Wellington Street Bus Station and Adelaide Street near the Fremantle Town Hall - or in well-lit areas, behaving calmly and refraining from drunken or abusive behaviour.

"Patrons can also assist by asking the driver the likely fare for the journey and offering to pay a deposit up front," he said.

Mr Charlton said since Christmas 1994, more than 100 additional taxi plates had been issued for use in the metropolitan area, all of which had to operate during the Friday and Saturday peak periods.

"The additional four days the PPRTs will be in service over the Christmas-New Year period were intended to further reduce customer waiting times and substantially contribute to safer roads," the Minister said.

Media contact: Ian Hasleby 321 7333