Media Release
December 3, 2020
After eight months closed off from Australia’s most populous states, Queensland’s border restrictions lifted on Tuesday seeing 6,000 interstate visitors touch down in the Sunshine State on that day alone.
It’s a welcome sight for the frontline of the tourism industry, Queensland cabbies, who have well and truly felt the impact of reduced interstate travel during the most restrictive periods of 2020.
The Taxi Council of Queensland’s (TCQ) CEO, Blair Davies, has welcomed the State Government’s move to deliver on its promise and reunite families and welcome visitors from across the border. TCQ says travelers can have confidence that taxis are ready and waiting to help them to get to where they need to be.
“The day the borders opened was a huge milestone on the path to economic recovery,” says Mr Davies. “Cabbies all over Queensland welcomed an influx of passengers at major airports. It was a privilege to be helping so many passengers journeying on to the homes of relatives and friends for long overdue catchups.
“Like virtually every other business that services the tourism sector, month after month this year our taxi operators had to struggle to keep vehicles on the road and available for local customers. Unlike some of our competitors, it just wasn’t part of the taxi industry’s DNA to abandon their social responsibility and leave local communities without essential transport. It’s something that we would urge visitors to consider when choosing a transport option these holidays, one that not only benefits them, but also the local community.
“It has been a tough year for everybody, so being able to provide our customers with a service that has no hidden surprises is a top priority for us,” explains Mr Davies. “It’s core to the way taxis service their communities’ needs and we’re happy to offer the same to visitors as well.
“Taxis have always charged reliable prices that are subject to maximums set by the State Government in line with community expectations and affordability. That means grabbing a cab comes without fare surprises or unpredictable hikes, even when it gets a little busy.
“Taxis also come in standard and extra-large sizes, which is a tremendous advantage if travelling as a large family or group of friends or with a mobility device like a wheelchair. Over twenty percent of the Queensland taxi fleet are wheelchair accessible vehicles that can carry up to ten passengers and two wheelchairs and with the Queensland Government’s commitment to support replacement of older wheelchair accessible vehicles in the fleet, the Queensland taxi industry is well placed to continue leading the world in quality accessible transportation services,” Mr Davies continues.
“With the border now open, things are looking up for more and more businesses in Queensland,” says Mr Davies. “Hopefully we will see consumers preferencing local Queensland suppliers in their buying decisions, like the local taxi service, as they get out and about and start spending again. Go on Queensland and grab a cab.
ENDS