Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly has written to the Point to Point Commissioner Anthony Wing to request permission for the Illawarra Taxi Network to operate a rank & hail service in our area.
Local operator Kiama Cabs shut down earlier this year, after serving our municipality, including a rank & hail service, for 30 years. (Kiama Cabs continues to operate a veteran transport and booked group transport service.)
Cr Reilly has extended his gratitude to Gavin McClure and Kay McNiven from Kiama Cabs for 30 years of service in our municipality.
Illawarra Taxi Network has now commenced a booked car service in Kiama.
However, at present this is a limited, daytime service. The owners of Illawarra Taxi Service have stated that if sufficient demand exists they will increase the number of cars operating in the area and their hours of operation.
State regulations currently prevent Illawarra Taxi Network from operating a rank & hail taxi service in Kiama.
“Our region has a significant elderly and disabled population who rely on taxis to access essential services including medical appointments and grocery shopping,” said Cr Reilly
“The local nightlife and some of our tourism offerings are also reliant on a taxi service, and businesses are suffering in its absence. There is also concern that this will lead to an increase in unsafe road use.”
Mayor Reilly has written to the Point to Point Commissioner Anthony Wing requesting that permission be granted as soon as possible.
“With the cessation of the Kiama Cabs service, Council are aware that this closure poses a serious issue for people who rely on taxis,” said Cr Reilly.
“I urge Commissioner Wing to provide this permission as a matter or urgency, so that we can assure the people of Kiama, as well as our many visitors and tourists, of a reliable taxi service in our municipality.”
