Light on taxi safety

IMPROVED lighting and CCTV are some of the infrastructure items councils can apply for under the $4 million Taxi Rank Safety Program.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said that councils across Victoria were now invited to share in the four-year funding initiative to boost safety for taxi passengers and drivers.
As part of the program, councils can bid for funding to install CCTV systems, expand the number of taxi spaces or build shelters or seating for passengers.
To be eligible for funding, councils will need to demonstrate to the Victorian Taxi Directorate that the proposed project will improve the safety and facilities for taxi passengers and drivers at a taxi rank, has the support from the local community, businesses and taxi companies and represents value for money.
Community groups, businesses and taxi companies with an interest in the program are being urged to contact their local council.
Applications for funding close at 5pm on 15 January.
For details visit www.taxi.vic.gov.au.