Managed taxi ranks to return to the city next week
Night-time commuters travelling from taxi ranks will soon see dedicated concierges as ranks return across Adelaide’s CBD and in Glenelg, with the promise of better safety in late-night hotspots.
South Australian taxis in the Adelaide CBD. Picture Jason Katsaras/InDaily
The State Government says the ranks will return from December 2, with the Taxi Council of South Australia managing the ranks at “priority locations” until 2026, through an $860,000 grant.
The change, which was a Labor election commitment, will see a dedicated concierge at each selected taxi rank, tasked with allocating taxis to commuters in an orderly fashion, and preventing queue jumping.
The government says the managed taxi ranks help to “improve the flow of patrons leaving events and deter anti-social behaviour”.
The new services will be offered at ranks including Hindley Street, the Adelaide Casino, Glenelg, Rundle Mall and at the corner of Pulteney and Rundle Street.
At the time of the axing in 2018, the former government claimed the change would save almost $200,000 a year.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said managed taxi ranks should be a key component of quick and efficient travel.
“[We committed] to restoring this measure that improves convenience and safety for everyone enjoying a night out – from families enjoying events at night to those wishing to visit our great entertainment precincts,” Koutsantonis said.
“Ensuring passenger and driver safety at night facilitates a good night out and helps support local businesses.”
Taxi Council President John Trainer said he was very pleased at the announcement and said that the managed ranks mean drivers will not need to drive around looking for fares.
“Passengers will have a safe place they can go with the security of CCTV monitored areas which are well lit, and have that concierge there,” he said.
On October 31, taxis lifted passenger fares by six per cent after the government authorised the first price rise for the industry in six years.
At the time of the announcement Koutsantonis, a former taxi driver himself, said the government had to give the industry its “fair share”.
“The industry has made a compelling case that they are struggling to meet running costs and attract drivers, with the problems they’ve faced exacerbated by increased fuel prices experienced in 2022,” Koutsantonis said.
