Taxis

Taxis services are a transport resource that could be utilised to greater community benefit. Robust alternatives to the private car are needed to reduce car dependence and support mode shifts to more sustainable modes.

As well as general mobility, taxi services are vital for:

• visitors
• late night services after public transport has stopped
• supported transport for people who are deemed by a medical practitioner unable to use public transport, in which case half the fare is charged (multi purpose taxi program)

In many rural areas taxis perform a complex quasi public transport service where there are limited alternatives to car.

In recent years, industry and regulation changes have increased the size and scope of the taxi fleet. Taxis have significant potential to augment community mobility, and this can be recognised and fostered within an integrated transport strategy. As well as the particular markets identified above, taxis have the potential to:

• benefit road safety as an alternative to drink driving
• provide additional mobility to supplement reduced car ownership
• offer lower cost options through multi trip pricing

Local governments currently work with providers to allocate suitable kerbside space. In addition, recognition and development of the role of taxis in the transport function is a low cost opportunity for local governments to improve mobility options and also benefit taxi providers. By incorporating taxis into an integrated transport strategy, local governments could

What local governments can do
Local governments can find themselves extending their role in transport when acting in community best interest. Additional activities may not be expensive and can provide a real local benefit.

Institutions and agencies
A summary of the roles of federal, state and other agencies

Available tools and resources
There are a number of useful resources to help local governments

Learn from others
Look at work done elsewhere to get ideas for your area.