Beryl gives Council Cabs the thumbs up

Beryl McNabb doesn’t live on a public transport route; she doesn’t have anyone to drive her to the shops but still likes to be independent and buy her own food.

Council Cabs is making her life easier and recent figures show demand for the subsidised service is high, with a 20% increase in passenger numbers since last year.

Coes Creek resident Beryl said that since her husband stopped driving, she’s been unable to get to the shops and has to rely on friends and family.

"I like that I can book a cab under my own steam and still be independent—I know I can afford the fare and it’s nice to be dropped right at my door," Mrs McNabb said.

Sunshine Coast Council funds the service through its public transport levy and uses a local taxi company to run the program, which collects residents from their homes, takes them to their local shopping centre and returns them later that day.

The subsidised service, costs just $2 each way and applies to:

• residents who are 60 years old or over
• residents with a disability or mobility impairment
• carers accompanying someone 60 or over or with a disability or mobility impairment.

Integrated Transport Portfolio Councillor Vivien Griffin said Council Cabs enables people to be independent and access an affordable and reliable service.

"When we launched the service in 2010 our aim was to get 100 passengers per week. This year, we’ve consistently had 120 passengers and above, bar one week where we had 115," Cr Griffin said.

"The public transport levy enables us to identify those areas of the community without access to public transport and create a service that best fits their needs.

"The feedback is very positive and the fact that passenger numbers are continuing to rise is proof that the service has been a success."

Council Cabs operate one day per week in designated areas. Booking a cab is simple, just call 1300 139 433 by 12.30pm the day before your travel, (24 hour booking line).