LICENSED venues in Tamworth say a taxi voucher system designed to keep patrons, taxi drivers and road users safe has proved to be a success since it was implemented late last year.
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Liquor accord project officer John Begley said the Secure Cab system worked pretty well and representatives at yesterday’s Tamworth and District Liquor Accord meeting reported they had experienced no problems.
More people were expected to use the system as the colder weather settled in, he said.
The liquor accord has recently applied to the NRMA for funding to provide a $5 taxi subsidy for people who use the system, which would also be likely to make it more popular.
The Secure Cab system was revived by the liquor accord, Tamworth Regional Council and Tamworth Radio Cabs Co-operative in late December to discourage people from getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks at the pub.
It was originally introduced in mid-2010, but stopped when funding from the Roads and Traffic Authority ended.
Under the system, patrons can request a taxi voucher from a licensed venue but must provide their name and a form of ID, which is recorded on the butt of the ticket.
The vouchers are numbered, so people can order a taxi and quote their number to be assured a taxi will arrive at the venue.
The system aims to ensure patrons have a safe way to get home, discouraging drink-driving and providing taxi drivers with the security of knowing who has been in their cab should something go wrong.