Reliable taxi services arriving

RESIDENTS of Springfield Lakes, Springfield, Brookwater, Camira, Carole Park, Wacol and Gailes will no longer suffer from unreliable taxi services.

Taxi boundaries between Ipswich and Brisbane are to be altered to provide residents with a more consistent service.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said last week that previously Brisbane taxis were only permitted to drop passengers off in the Ipswich area, not pick them up.

“I have had feedback from residents in the new fringe suburbs of Brisbane and Ipswich that the current boundary between the two areas didn't allow customers in these growing areas access to a reliable service,” she said.

Member for Bundamba, Jo-Ann Miller, said the new boundaries mean that both Brisbane and Ipswich cabs will be able to pick up and drop off in the suburbs of Springfield Lakes, Springfield Central, Brookwater, Springfield, Camira, Gailes, Carole Park and Wacol.

“This change will be come into force on Monday, August 30, and customers should see an improvement in services from this date,” she said.

“I expect to see a vast improvement in the taxi service in these areas. More taxis servicing the area will mean quicker response times.

“Springfield is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and it is important residents are properly served by a reliable taxi service.”

Ms Nolan said the change came about after representations from local taxi drivers who said the local taxi system could perform better.

“Local taxi drivers came to me and highlighted that these bustling suburbs weren't being adequately serviced so these changes should make a big difference,” she said.

“Transport and Main Roads has worked with the relevant taxi booking companies to develop the shared zone and the change is supported by both companies.”

Ms Miller said this was a win for those residents in the area who rely on taxis for daily tasks such as ferrying home the groceries and travelling to medical appointments.

“More taxis doing pick ups means a better, faster and more reliable service for local residents,” she said.

For more information on the new taxi service area boundaries go to http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/.