Helping people get home safely is the aim of a new late-night taxi pick-up zone at the Maroochydore bus station from Friday night.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson, who championed the move, said the 12-month trial was in response to community concerns.
“This new taxi zone will ensure people can wait in an area with plenty of lighting and CCTV,” Ms Simpson said.
“Under the trial, pre-booked taxis will now pick up passengers between 10pm and 4am on Friday and Saturday nights from the station’s northbound platform, in front of Sunshine Plaza.
“Taxis have been using a temporary pick-up point on Horton Parade outside the TAFE College that is not as well lit.
“This is the first time taxis will be allowed to pick up customers from a bus station, thus the reason for the trial, so I will welcome people’s feedback.
“There will also be representatives from Suncoast Cabs on-site at the bus station from 10pm-4am on Friday and Saturday nights for the first month of operation to assist passengers.
“This 12-month trial is a great way to fully utilise existing government infrastructure to deliver a great result for the Sunshine Coast community with less buses travelling at that time of night.
“The Sunshine Coast was named recently as one of 15 ‘Safe Night Precincts’ to run a 12-month trial program aimed at reducing drug and alcohol fuelled violence.
Taxis will remain available on demand from the existing rank on Ocean Street.
Hourly late-night buses on route 600 (Caloundra to Maroochydore via Mooloolaba) will also continue to use the station between 10am and 4am on Friday and Saturday nights, giving customers a choice for their ride home.