Dept Transport opens up review to ensure adequate hinterland transport options
By Kirra Livingstone
New taxi licences could be released to ensure better services in the hinterland following reports in GC&M News that customers were being left stranded.
As reported in late April, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is reviewing its taxi licensing framework to enhance the experience for both passengers and drivers.
A TMR spokesperson said the review aimed to ensure the current licensing approach “supports the provision of taxi services that meet customer needs.”
“This includes considering the circumstances of where the release of additional taxi service licences might be required and how they should be issued,” the spokesperson said.
The review stems from an evaluation of the personalised transport reforms, which identified that the reforms had delivered significant benefits in safety, choice and flexibility.
“The evaluation also recognised further opportunities to review specific issues as part of the ongoing regulation of the industry,” the spokesperson said.
This includes a review of the taxi licensing framework to ensure it is supporting the taxi industry’s ability to compete effectively within the personalised transport industry.
TMR has consulted with the taxi industry, with findings currently under consideration. The department says the outcomes of the review will be announced soon.
The review could have significant implications for Sunshine Coast hinterland residents, where only one taxi licence operates in Maleny and another in Glasshouse/Beerwah.
By contrast, Landsborough is classified within the broader Sunshine Coast taxi licensing area, which supports 110 licences.
GC&M News reader Matthew Gibson said a review of transport services was overdue, noting that hinterland residents cannot rely on public transport to attend events in Brisbane.
Despite these concerns, TMR said it had not received negative feedback regarding taxi availability in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
“TMR has not previously been made aware of any significant taxi service level issues in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, with the exception that wheelchair-accessible taxi vehicles have had mechanical issues in the past, but these have been resolved,” they said.