The Taxi Council continued to provide Concierges at temporary taxi ranks during major events and in busy periods at busy ranks. Concierges were used at the Hungry Jack’s rank on Pulteney Street and the North Terrace taxi rank outside of the Hyatt and SkyCity Casino during December and New Year’s Eve. Taxi Council Concierges are experienced taxi drivers and know how to arrange multi-hiring, creating a win-win situation for drivers and importantly the travelling public.
The Concierge program proved to be so successful that passengers would head for this rank from all parts of the city. Due to the popularity of the Concierge program the Taxi Council decided to continue the program on the North Terrace rank during peak taxi demand periods. With the completion of the new Adelaide Airport Terminal, the Concierge program recommenced at the Adelaide Airport. Although the Taxi Council does not currently manage it, the Concierges are providing an excellent value added service to airline passengers.
Taxi Concierges experienced in operating at Secure Taxi Ranks together with security guards if needed, can be monitored by the police and close circuit CCTV to provide a safe and secure environment for people to access taxis, to ease traffic congestion and prevent problems between potential passengers vying to get away after a late night out. They can feel confident that they can access a taxi safely and hassle free. Taxi drivers can feel happier in the knowledge that customers will be seeking only licensed taxis in a safe environment.
Concierges wear highly visible uniforms and are experienced in crowd control and traffic management.
Passenger can be confident that the taxis are fully licensed and accredited and have a safe, well lit taxi rank.
At any of the secure taxi rank locations passengers are expected to queue in an appropriate and orderly manner. The taxi Rank Concierges will allocate passengers to taxis. Good lighting signage and street furniture will make secure taxi ranks even better.
Abusive or inappropriate behaviour towards taxi Concierges, security guards or other patrons waiting in the secured taxi rank queue will not be tolerated. People who behave in this manner will be asked to leave the rank and the police will be called in cases of continuing abusive or inappropriate behaviour
The taxi Concierge would work normally between the hours of 11 pm to 4 am or until the queue is cleared, operating on Fridays and Saturdays.
To ensure fairness and civility there is a Code of Practice for Concierges to follow and a complaints procedure.
The Scheme would form an important part of the partnership approach to street problems aiming to make a safer place for all who want to come and enjoy the vibrant and dynamic night life of the City. It would provide more customers for late night businesses as people will come to town at night if it is safe.
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