FIVE new secure taxi ranks will be introduced across NSW, the State Government has announced.

The ranks, staffed by trained security guards, will be trialled at Penrith, west of Sydney, at Kiama and Batemans Bay in the state's south, and at Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay in the north.

NSW Transport Minister John Watkins said the nine security ranks already operating in NSW had proved successful.

"Formal evaluations found patronage increased, passenger safety improved, there was more multiple-hiring and fewer anti-social incidents including vandalism, violence and assaults," Mr Watkins said.

A one-off special rank has also been approved to help people get home safely after a race day at Dubbo on November 4.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,20643083-5005962,00.html