Translink said Landsborough falls in SC area
By Kirra Livingstone
TRANSLINK has debunked Suncoast Cabs’ defence that they left a customer stranded in Landsborough due to lack of licenses.
This comes after Patrick Wiggins pre-booked a cab to pick him up from the Landsborough train station at 11:30pm, only to be told his taxi would not arrive after several calls and waiting for an extended time.
While Translink confirmed Suncoast Cabs’ claim they only have one licensed driver in the Glass House/Beerwah region and one in the Maleny area, a Translink spokesperson said Landsborough falls within the Sunshine Coast service area, which has 110 licenses.
“This allows Suncoast Cabs to dispatch a taxi licensed for the Sunshine Coast service area to pick up passengers from the (Landsborough) train station,” they said.
The Translink spokesperson added, “taxis are not required to be provided to customers 24/7” and that it was a commercial decision.
Suncoast Cabs General Manager, Adam Stewart, said despite Landsborough being classified in the Sunshine Coast service area, it was much closer to Glasshouse and Beerwah.
In terms of demand in the hinterland region, the Translink spokesperson said they were not aware of elevated need for the service, with Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) not having been made aware “of any significant taxi service level issues in Beerwah or Maleny.”
“TMR has previously approved peak demand management plans in these areas and would be happy to work further with the taxi operator to understand current supply and demand in the area, and to ensure their current peak demand management plans match those needs,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Stewart told GC&M News previously that they “try hard” to deliver a taxi service, which is why the company accepts all bookings made.
“In the event that we can’t (after trying) we then advise passengers that we can’t deliver,” he said.
“The Queensland Government has not increased the number of taxis in Queensland for over 12 years.”
TMR is currently reviewing the taxi licensing framework, which are no longer being issued, to ensure the approach to taxi licensing is “supporting the provision of taxi services that meet customer needs”.
This includes considering whether additional taxi service licences might be required and how they should be issued.
Mr Stewart said he believes there should be more drivers in the hinterland area, and supports a review of the licensing framework.
“Yes, [they should] complete a voluntary buyback of taxi licences funded by a per trip levy on taxis and rideshare and then uncap taxi licence numbers so the taxi industry can grow and provide better service to the community,” he said.
