Safe Taxi Ranks
Guidelines for councils, providers and the
taxi industry
June 2015
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Safe taxi rank benefits .................................................................................................................... 4
3 General information on taxi ranks ................................................................................................. 4
4 Safe taxi ranks ................................................................................................................................. 5
5 Safe taxi rank design principles .................................................................................................... 7
6 Operational requirements ............................................................................................................. 10
7 Safe taxi rank funding options ..................................................................................................... 12
8 Consultation ................................................................................................................................... 12
9 More information ........................................................................................................................... 12
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1 Introduction
Taxis play an important role in moving passengers into and out of licensed venues, entertainment
precincts and major events. A Safe Taxi Rank (STR) can provide a safer environment for taxi
passengers and drivers at night or at events where large numbers of passengers are requiring taxi
services.
It should be noted however that taxi ranks are the responsibility of local councils across Victoria or
private land owners upon which any taxi rank is located. As such the Taxi Services Commission
(TSC) does not:

approve the installation/moving of a taxi rank or the establishment of a STR

control these sites, operations or any personnel assisting at these locations (eg security staff
or rank marshals)

install or maintain any infrastructure.
Input from the taxi industry, VicRoads, accessibility advocates and councils has been used to develop
the following guidelines on STRs. This information can be used by councils (or other parties) across
Victoria, interested in establishing and operating a STR within their municipality or on private land.
The TSC aims to promote consistency in STRs across Victoria by providing information on good
practice design, infrastructure, accessibility and operational requirements, whilst also ensuring that
any outcomes are not overly prescriptive and do not impose a significant burden on local
governments, agencies/stakeholders, taxi industry or the TSC.
It is hoped that this information will provide a baseline for what STRs should consist of and be
beneficial to those introducing such facilities. By adopting these design principles, all parties will
ensure that there is a consistent approach to rolling out and identifying STRs across the state. This
would further assist in:

promoting STR’s more broadly to the community

STR’s being more readily identifiable/recognisable

taxi drivers/passengers becoming more familiar with their operations and the infrastructure
provided/available.
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2 Safe taxi rank benefits
Experience in Victoria and other jurisdictions has shown that staffed, secure and organised safe taxi
ranks can improve taxi driver/passenger behaviour and security; and encourages more people and
taxis into high demand areas. This not only enhances the experience of passengers but can also
improve the amenity of the entertainment precinct, event or venue(s), that these ranks operate within.
The benefits of installing a STRs may include:

taxi passengers and drivers having a safer, more comfortable and secured rank environment

the effective management of the STR, passenger queues and the orderly conduct of patrons

the co-ordinated and timely dispersal of crowds from entertainment precincts, venues or
events

reduced potential conflict between taxi drivers and passengers and crimes against each other

improved amenity for local community in the immediate vicinity (assaults, vandalism/property
damage, anti-social behaviour etc)

increased perceptions of public safety in the vicinity of STR

improved safety benefits from IT solutions such as CCTV etc

the safe and effective management of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in and around STRs

increased taxi passenger/driver patronage, higher taxi occupancy rates and multiple
passenger hirings

greater accessibility to taxi ranks and services for passengers (including those with a
disability)
3 General information on taxi ranks
Information on the design and facilities recommended for general taxi ranks currently exists:
Information on general taxi ranks can be found at:

VicRoads - Taxi Rank Guidelines – November 2005

Australian Taxi Industry Association (ATIA) -Taxi Rank Design Specifications- 2012
The above documents provide design principles for new and existing taxi ranks that councils or other
interested parties such as event organisers and venue operators can also consider.
The guidelines which follow have had regard to these documents and other researched materials in
developing information specific to STRs.
Regardless of the type/classification of a taxi rank (ie. general or STR), all taxi ranks should comply
with:

Local council road/street design requirements

Local planning and building guidelines

Disability Discrimination Act (1992)

Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002

Information Privacy Act 2000 (and Privacy Principles)

Any other acts, regulations or local requirements in relation to the construction, operation
(OH&S) and management (road/traffic/pedestrian) of the site.
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4 Safe taxi ranks
4.1 Definition
There is no specific definition of a STR, however relevant agencies/bodies have tried to express as
follows:

TSC - “a taxi rank that is staffed by security personnel during peak times”

ATIA - “a secure taxi rank patrolled by trained security staff late at night at locations busy with
patrons from popular entertainment precincts”
Whilst these are a good starting point they do not provide for all scenarios, events and circumstances.
The ATIA guide provides further information and categorises all ranks into either, low, medium, high
or premium. Ranks which are categorised as high or premium may qualify as a Secure/Safe Taxi
Rank. The association’s document also provides more detail on design specifications for taxi ranks
which may be of further use to councils or interested parties.
Overall however, STRs generally are considered to be easily identifiable and operate during peak
periods of high passenger volumes and high demand for taxi services. STRs are places where people
can wait safely for a taxi rather than hailing one from the street.
These ranks are often equipped with lighting, CCTV, pedestrian barriers and may also be staffed by
security personnel who maintain order and may assist in organising passengers into taxis.
STRs are located near entertainment precincts, late night venues or at major events. They assist in
moving large numbers of people, improving taxi driver/passenger/community safety and local area
amenity.
A number of STRs already exist across Victoria including Melbourne CBD, Frankston, Bendigo and
Geelong, with these having operated successfully over many years. Temporary ranks that only
operate during major events eg. Grand Prix, Australian Open, Melbourne Cup etc may also be
classified as STRs.
The Australian Open, Melbourne City Council’s mega taxi rank, Melbourne Airport etc all provide a
good example/template for any organisation looking to establish a high demand or safe taxi rank.
4.2 Customised requirements (due to geographical location)
The requirements for metropolitan (inner city, suburban) and regional/country STRs may differ quite
largely depending on local municipal and community needs.
A STR in Metropolitan Melbourne may benefit from security personnel and installing a wide range of
infrastructure, whereas a STR in regional Victoria may place a greater emphasis on CCTV, upgraded
lighting or signage.
Infrastructure and amenity at a STR may also differ depending on the location, demand for taxi
services, operating times (ie. day/night), passenger numbers/needs, existing facilities and the
availability of funding.
4.3 Amenities
Amenities near the STR, such as food vans, coffee carts, toilet facilities etc, can enhance the
environment and create a space that taxi passengers and drivers will want to go to.
Community groups should also be encouraged to provide additional services and support at the STR
(eg. Salvation Army). It is important however, that these activities do not impede the flow of taxis into
or out of the STR or passengers queuing for taxis.
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4.4 Establishing a STR
Prior to initiating or introducing a STR, Councils and interested parties should consider the following:
Patronage/Demand

The site is well utilised by late night entertainment venue patrons or attendees at major
events.

High use ranks (based on dwell time, wait time and turnover), have on average taxis
departing around every 3 minutes or 20 taxis per hour - with a minimum dwell time of 10
minutes.
Location

The rank is located in close proximity to major late night entertainment precincts/venues or
major events,

is visible from major venues and directional signage exists in other locations; and

is easily accessed from main entertainment venues or the entrances to major events.
Infrastructure

Is there:

dedicated road (and other) space available for the rank and queuing taxis,

road markings and pedestrian tactile ground surface indicators present,

sufficient area for passengers to queue,

effective queue barriers in place (to separate people from the road),

adequate street lighting (levels),

street signage identifying the rank and other information signage positioned at site detailing
the hours and days of operation,

shelter available for taxi patrons and security staff (if present)

public toilets and rubbish bins located nearby; and

CCTV installed or to be installed at the site.
Security Staff

Security staff undertake active crowd control and may also assist with taxi management.
CCTV

CCTV can operate in the absence of security personnel or in conjunction with these staff.

Is there community acceptance of CCTV and support from Victoria Police.

The positioning of cameras should focus solely on the front (preferably) and rear of the taxi
rank and meet requirements set out in the Guide to developing CCTV for public safety in
Victoria.

Research into STRs has supported the implementation of CCTV at taxi ranks particularly in
the Melbourne area, but also in regional areas where there is high usage of night venues.
Management of the STR (Council or other provider)

Active council (or other responsible party) administration and management of the rank is
undertaken. This should include monitoring, marketing/promotion and communication
(general public and taxi industry).
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Support from stakeholders

Support exists for the rank from council, taxi companies/drivers, local venue/event operators,
community, traders/shop keepers and Victoria Police.
Safety

Is there a history of vandalism, anti-social, threatening or drunk behaviour, or indictable
crimes,

have issues with public order been identified; and

is there a perception from the community, passengers or taxi drivers that the area is unsafe.
Expenditure

What will be the costs of establishing the STR (infrastructure and/or security staff),
administration (including communication/promotion) and ongoing expenses such as
maintenance and cleaning.
Ongoing viability

Does the STR support an established precinct, venue or event,

what anticipated outcomes and benefits will be delivered,

will other local businesses, traders or community be affected

what will happen to any infrastructure - should the precinct, venue or event change or is no
longer popular/well attended.
5 Safe taxi rank design principles
The following sections provide more specific information on rank design, facilities, implementation and
management, which should also be considered in the early stages of planning for a STR to ensure its
ongoing success.
5.1 Location of the STR
STRs should be located in close proximity to late night entertainment precincts, major event or other
venues and where taxi passengers and drivers will feel safe to wait.
If the STR is located away from the main activity area/entrance or in a dark side street, passengers
and drivers may have decreased perceptions of personal safety and might not use it. This may result
in taxi passengers and drivers preferring street hails which could pose safety issues for both parties.
The STR should feature a dedicated road space in a marked legally controlled taxi rank zone without
any conflicts from parked cars or bus/tram stops. If the STR is not a dedicated taxi zone, councils
need to have regard to installing parking restriction signs and managing any illegally parked vehicles.
This will ensure that the rank is not impeded and traffic and passenger movements can operate freely.
Consideration should also be given in the positioning of the rank to accommodate the main route taxis
will use to get into an out of the precinct/rank, the general direction of passenger travel and avoiding
any u-turns, traffic congestion or road designs that affect safety.
5.2 Access to the STR
It is important that all taxi passengers are able to use the STR and to access these safely, particularly
those with a disability or reduced mobility.
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The location should be easily and safely accessible with signalised road crossings nearby, clear/wide
footpaths, DDA compliant curb/ramp design and positioning of crossovers; and roadside clearance for
wheelchairs users/vehicles.
If the STR is used for other purposes during the day such as car parking or bus stops, then measures
should be taken to ensure that the rank is clear of vehicles at the start of STR operational hours. To
operate effectively, a STR will need to be free of parked vehicles.
The rank should be long enough to accommodate a substantial taxi queue (4-8 or more vehicles),
depending on local requirements/availability and positioned so that taxis can manoeuvre in and out of
the rank without conflict with pedestrians and road traffic.
5.3 Infrastructure
There are a number of local factors that might influence to what extent Safe Taxi Ranks are
developed and the type of infrastructure required to support this. Each rank should be considered on
an individual basis, however as a starting point councils and other interested parties should strongly
consider installing the following infrastructure when establishing a STR:
Primary (priority) Infrastructure:
Lighting

The STR site should be well lit with adequate lighting of the rank and surrounding area to
promote safety and security, reduce crime, identify the rank and to provide suitable task
lighting for staff working at the rank.
Weather shelter/ waiting area

Strong consideration should be given to some form of shelter at the site so that patrons can
be protected from sun, wind and rain whilst queuing (and accessed by security staff).
However this may not be required where building canopies exist.

Lighting of the shelter at night should also be a requirement.
Pedestrian barrier/ queuing rails

CCTV is a useful deterrent to crime and disorderly behaviour if its presence is advertised.
Installation should be considered if there is a history violent incidents at the rank or in its
vicinity.

CCTV can enhance perceptions of safety at a STR and provide useful evidence should an
incident occur.

Councils are increasingly installing CCTV in their municipalities and working with Victoria
Police to use it as a means of crime prevention and evidence gathering. For more information
about installing CCTV systems see Guide to developing CCTV for public safety in Victoria.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

CCTV is a useful deterrent to crime and disorderly behaviour if its presence is advertised.
Installation should be considered if there is a history violent incidents at the rank or in its
vicinity.

CCTV can enhance perceptions of safety at a STR and provide useful evidence should an
incident occur.

Councils are increasingly installing CCTV in their municipalities and working with Victoria
Police to use it as a means of crime prevention and evidence gathering. For more information
about installing CCTV systems see Guide to developing CCTV for public safety in Victoria.
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Passenger access (including kerb/road treatments)

Access ramps and appropriate kerb and channelling works will enable all passengers
easy/safe access to the STR when entering/exiting taxis.
Taxi rank zone (and other) signage

Signs identifying the STR and directing passengers to its location are important. Without
adequate signage passengers may be unaware of the STR and try to hail a taxi on the road.
Illuminated signs will make it easier for taxi passengers and drivers to see the location of the
rank from a distance at night. Similarly street signage should also define the taxi rank and
parking restrictions and comply with Australian Road rules.

Suitable signage should be located at the site detailing the purpose of the rank, the
hours/days of operation, as well as the existence of security staff, CCTV or regular police
patrols. The location of nearby amenities such as public toilets or alternate transport options
could also be noted. Additional signage needs to be considered if the site is providing an
expanded range of services, for set price, share ride, multi hire, pre-booked taxis etc.

STR signage should be consistent across the municipality and state-wide to increase
recognition by passengers.

Direction signage (way-finding) to the STR should also be installed along the entertainment
precinct or throughout the venue/event.
Taxi rank zone line-marking

Line-marking to Australian standards is necessary to define the taxi rank (unless it is used for
other purposes outside of STR operating times).
Tactile ground surface indicators

Tactile ground surface indicators that comply with Australian Standards should be installed.
Safe taxi rank (vehicle) queue

Dependant on the location/demand at the site, sufficient road space and taxi queuing area
should be provided so as to encourage patronage, facilitate safe access and restrict taxis
impacting on traffic flow and other road users.

A minimum area of 4-8 taxi-cab spaces (subject to local area and other transport) needs,
should be considered.

STR’s should be able to accommodate a range of different transport needs. Capacity for a
separate, accessible and safe parking space must be considered for wheelchair taxis to
collect/set down wheelchair passengers (or users of other related devices). Subject to
demand, shared use of this area could also service those requiring high occupancy, multi
hire/share ride, pre-booked or set price taxi transport. The provision of any such space
however must not restrict the flow of the rank, impact on the management/operation of the
rank or impede local traffic.
Secondary Infrastructure:
Taxi rank road markings

Taxi rank road marking and coloured road surface treatments are optional. Additional costs
would be associated with these, however they have found to be a good deterrent against
illegal parking or private vehicles using the site and in reducing enforcement problems.
Seating

Sufficient seating should be made available (10-15 in high use STR areas), however loitering
should be discouraged.
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Rubbish bins

Bins should be available at the rank and located where they can be used without waiting
passengers having to leave the queue.
Toilets

Having nearby public toilets that are open and accessible during rank operation hours is
desirable and will improve the local amenity.
Note: The above suggested infrastructure is a guide only. STR requirements may differ between
municipalities/parties across the state, based on local area needs or considerations. In instances
where only some of the primary or secondary STR infrastructure is (or is able to be) installed, then
councils ultimately (unless on private land), are the responsible authority for all taxi ranks in Victoria.
6 Operational requirements
6.1 Supervision/security personnel
Security personnel play an important role at a STR but costs can be a consideration. Staff are usually
employed at times when the STR is most active and when taxi passengers/drivers will benefit from
effective management of the rank.
The number of staff provided should be adequate to maintain a safe environment at the rank(s) and
be based on the anticipated peak number of persons in the queue (and their behaviour during
operational hours). It is recommended that a minimum of two personnel be provided at each STR.
Depending on the needs of a particular STR, the staff may perform the following services:

provide customer service and crowd control

discourage anti-social behaviour

maintain orderly queuing

contact police should the need arise

assign passengers to taxis

collect data on passenger and taxi numbers who use the rank

collect identification (must comply with obligations under the Privacy and Data Protection Act)

provide passengers with basic information about taxi fares

record incidents that occur at the STR

provide basic first aid assistance if required.
Any security personnel must have appropriate training and adhere to Occupational Health and Safety
requirements. They should be dressed in uniform, easily identifiable and wear a customised vest that
signals their role to rank users and be visibly distinct from venue security staff.
All staff should have direct radio contact with relevant personnel if immediate assistance is required
and STR’s incorporated into regular police patrols.
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6.2 Management of STR area
STR will operate at peak efficiency if there is someone on site to organise allocation of passengers to
taxis and options such as share riding and multiple hiring to make best use of limited taxi during
periods of high demand.
This role could either be provided by security staff (trained in taxi management) or an experienced
person from within the taxi industry engaged as a taxi marshal.
If managed efficiently, STRs could accommodate an extended range of services including set
price/flat fare, silver service, pre-booked taxis, shuttle taxis, wheelchair accessible taxis, nightrider or
other bus services and hire cars.
6.3 Promotion of the STR
It is important to advertise and promote the benefits of the STR to the community - if taxi passengers
and drivers don’t know about it they won’t use it.
A newly installed STR should be heavily promoted to the likely beneficiaries of the rank. You may like
to consider:

placing flyers promoting the hours and facilities of the STR in:
late night entertainment venues
– prominent locations at events
– local universities/colleges
– sporting venues, restaurants and clubs
–

articles in local papers

promoting the STR on council/event websites and social media

promotion via the Victorian Taxi Association and other industry communication channels

promotion through local liquor licensing forums

informing local Police of the STR and having regular patrols

encouraging drivers to use and to frequent the new rank

discouraging street hail work and the often unsafe customer and driver practices that can
arise.
To ensure success, it will be important to work with local taxi companies, cooperatives and
organisations to promote the STR to drivers.
Significant marketing of the rank to the public should take place to promote patronage (which will
need to be ongoing), publicising the service(s) provided, the location and hours/days of operation.
Direct advertising into key late night venues and precincts should also be undertaken, with information
provided to venues and door security staff educated to direct persons requiring cabs to the STR.
6.4 Council or event management of the STR
It is important that once established, STRs are regularly monitored and data captured in relation to
general trip and passenger movements (that does not impinge on privacy regulations), including total
passenger and taxi numbers and any related incidents.
Ongoing monitoring and data collection will assist in assessing the effectiveness of the STR and
future evaluation of the initiative.
Operational expenses such as security guards, maintenance (cleaning and repairs),
advertising/communication and any ongoing administrative costs should also be considered.
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7 Safe taxi rank funding options
The costs of providing staff such as security or taxi marshals, can be significant and the beneficiaries
of the ranks often do not contribute to their operation and maintenance. Presently there is no
established way to fund infrastructure, security personnel/marshals or ongoing operational expenses
at a STR.
Ranks are often funded by councils using Victorian or Commonwealth grants or by agreement
through a liquor accord with local entertainment venues and taxi companies contributing funds.
Various funding models are used across Australia, examples of these are:

totally funded by council, entertainment venues or major events

jointly funded by council and other government funding

private funding by land owners eg Crown, Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Airport

user pays

an accord/agreement between beneficiaries to share costs

collaborative arrangements with taxi companies or local taxi service providers

liquor licensing or other levy

sponsorship.
8 Consultation
It is important when considering establishing a STR, that you engage with relevant parties as early as
you can in the planning process. Consultation with applicable council departments, councillors, the
local community, affected property owners, taxi service providers, late night entertainment/licensed
venues and Victoria Police should be undertaken. You may also need to contact VicRoads and Public
Transport Victoria to seek their input.
For the STR to be embraced by the community and the taxi industry (particularly drivers), it is
important that they support the location, proposed infrastructure and amenity at the rank.
A good relationship with local taxi service providers or the Victorian Taxi Association (the Victorian
taxi industry peak body), can be beneficial to ensuring the STR is used by taxis and feedback on taxi
service related matters can be provided.
9 More information
More information about Safe Taxi Ranks can be obtained from:

councils that have established STRs

Taxi Services Commission

Victorian Taxi Association

Australian Taxi Industry Association

Large established STR providers such as Melbourne City Council, Crown, Melbourne Airport

Major events that have operated STRs (Australian Open, Grand Prix etc)
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