Media release
August 02, 2019
The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is a highlight in the Brisbane events’ calendar, attracting on average 400,000 people from across the State and beyond. However, as throngs of people brave winter westerlies and the flu to enjoy the Show this year, Queensland’s peak taxi industry body fears that many with mobility challenges will be severely disadvantaged by the relocation of the taxi rank far away from the main entrance.
The Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ) believes the RNA simply has not thought through their decision to move the Ekka rank from Costin Street near Gate 1 over into O’Connell Terrace. The RNA’s plan appears only half baked with the new taxi rank location near Gate 5 not even included on the official 2019 Ekka map published on the Ekka website. It is a significant concern for TCQ because taxi customers will likely be heading out of the main entrance at the end of their day looking to grab a cab at the nearby rank, as they have done for years, only to find they then have to go back all the way over to the O’Connell Terrace exit. It is not the news that mums and dads with young children in tow and armfuls of show bags will be wanting to hear at the end of the day.
TCQ CEO, Blair Davies says the RNA also seems to have ignored the rights of people with disability to conveniently catch a cab from a taxi rank like anyone else in the community. The Gate 5 location is a considerable distance from the main entrance and getting there will involve traversing uneven ground and inclines. That may be of little concern for anyone who is young and fit, but it’s a huge deal for the elderly and for people with disability, especially those using wheelchairs.
“We’re disappointed for all our customers, but especially those who use wheelchairs or have other mobility challenges. Moving the rank from outside the main entrance over to O’Connell Terrance will be particularly challenging for them. It puts obstacles of distance and terrain in the way of people who really deserve better consideration,” Mr Davies said.
“Taxi ranks should be located where everyone can get to them, not just those who can easily negotiate their way through crowds and across uneven terrain. Those who are used to catching a taxi from outside the Main Gate will apparently be told they have to go back up over to O’Connell Terrace. This is going to be an unnecessary inconvenience to all our customers, especially when they will likely have armfuls of show bags and gear and simply want to make their way home safely and quickly.
“The Ekka is one of Brisbane’s biggest events, and the RNA has a responsibility to put in place arrangements that don’t lead to patrons experiencing discrimination. In the case of people with disability simply wanting to catch a cab home at the end of their day from the Show, that means having a taxi rank located as conveniently as possible to the main entrance. In doing so, the RNA would not only be looking after people with disability, they would also be catering for all Show goers who use taxis for convenience and want to catch one at a familiar location,” Mr Davies continued.
Notwithstanding the RNA’s poor planing, Brisbane cabbies will be ready and waiting to help customers get to and from the Ekka safely and enjoyably, whether their services are booked by app or phone, or hired from a rank.
Taxis remain an important part of the public transport system and an essential service for many in the community who need but do not have accessible bus or train services reasonably available.
“The Queensland taxi industry has a proud history when it comes to transporting people with disability, and especially those who need to travel with their wheelchairs. We aim to give them access to the same quick, safe and reliable taxi services as every other member of the community that we serve and the RNA should do the same,” Mr Davies said.
ENDS