Drivers hail city mega-rank
Reid Sexton
January 25, 2012

The main taxi owners' organisation has said the introduction of a city mega-rank is a great success.

The rank was introduced in Queen Street last month just before Christmas to improve safety and make it easier to get a cab. The number of people wanting taxis surged before the holiday break.

The rank features traffic marshals, wardens, security staff, a 24-hour toilet and a regular police presence, with the Salvation Army offering free tea and coffee for drivers.

Victorian Taxi Association's David Samuel said its introduction had boosted taxi use over the holidays. He said it was a prime example of what the industry could achieve when working with partners such as the City of Melbourne. ''The new rank has delivered a win-win for drivers and passengers, with the public finding it easier to access taxis during busy late-night periods and drivers feeling safer,'' he said.

''The taxi association has argued for some time that properly designed taxi infrastructure has been the missing link in driver and passenger safety. These locations are not just taxi ranks, but double as safe areas for people in the heart of the city at night."

Photo: Paul Rovere

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/drivers-hail-city-megarank-20120124-1qfqq.html

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