The Illawarra Taxi Network will take responsibility for Kiama’s taxi services but will not be able to use the rank & hail service in the area.

State regulations currently prevent the Illawarra Taxi Network from charging anyone who catches a taxi from a taxi rank or who hails a taxi from the street.

Mayor Neil Reilly has written to the Point to Point Commissioner Anthony Wing requesting that permission be granted as soon as possible.

“With the cessation of the Kiama Cabs service, Council are aware that this closure poses a serious issue for people who rely on taxis,” Mayor Reilly says.

“I urge Commissioner Wing to provide this permission as a matter of urgency, so that we can assure the people of Kiama, as well as our many visitors and tourists, of a reliable taxi

service in our municipality.”

Kiama Cabs announced their closure after 30 years, leaving Kiama without a functioning taxi service.

Illawarra Taxi Network is now operating in the area as a booked car service, but it is currently limited to daytime.

The Illawarra Taxi Service owners have stated that if sufficient demand exists, they will increase the number of cars operating in the area and their hours of operation.

“Our region has a significant elderly and disabled population who rely on taxis to access essential services including medical appointments and grocery shopping,” Mayor Reilly says.

“The local nightlife and some of our tourism offerings are also reliant on a taxi service, and businesses are suffering in its absence. There is also concern that this will lead to an increase in unsafe road use.”

Mayor Reilly has extended his gratitude to Kiama Cabs owners Kay and Gavin McClure for their service.