THE Sunshine Coast's busiest taxi ranks now run more smoothly thanks to government-funded taxi marshals but it is too early to tell if they have made late-night queues safer.
Taxi marshals and their accompanying security contractors have taken control of ranks in Caloundra (Minchinton Street), Noosa (Noosa Drive-Hastings Street) and Mooloolaba Esplanade (outside Oceans Resort and the Wharf Tavern).

Their service has been well received by people waiting for one of the Coast's 103 taxis, says Suncoast Cabs director Clark Chappell, who was not aware of any reports of trouble at the ranks since marshal operations began.

"From all reports the marshals said the customers certainly appreciated having that service there, that they knew the marshals were on the two-way to call taxis and move people out of the area as quickly as possible," he said.
"And they certainly appreciated there was a security presence.

"I wouldn't say the ranks they work at are problem spots. They've always been the community taxi ranks and of course late at night, if you get a pile of people who have had a bit to drink waiting for taxis to come, then things sometimes boil over.

"Having someone there working to get a cab for those people pacifies the passengers and of course the female patrons are appreciative of the extra security."

From next month, Queensland Transport will introduce a new $2 surcharge for taxi rides between midnight and 5am every night of the year except Anzac Day.

Mr Chappell said the new surcharge would help pay for the marshal program.
 
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