The battle for an appropriate taxi service continues with the announcement of a petition for the NSW Government to support and fund a taxi trial that could see the services return to Kiama. 

Barry, 84, said without a reliable taxi service in Gerringong, many residents at his aged care facility struggle to maintain their independence, “If I want to go up to Kiama to see my doctor, my daughter has to travel to come and take me,” he said.

Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, called upon the Minister for Transport to increase public transport in the region in May of this year.

Ward continues to appeal for a stable taxi service to return to the Kiama region, with a recent announcement that he has joined forces with local council candidate Yasmin Tatrai with a petition calling upon the NSW government for the return of cabs to the community.

“Yas and I want to see taxi services return to Kiama. I have been inundated by locals who need public transport and really rely on this service. As a person with a visual impairment, I understand this frustration very personally”, Mr Ward said.

Barry believes the existing options are not good enough. Neighbouring residents with greater mobility issues aren’t able to use the existing public transport options within Gerringong, and must find their own alternatives through loved ones providing a helping hand. Not only are the options limited, with the available bus service requiring a volunteer driver when someone wishes to go outside of the aged care facility. 

The closure of Kiama Cabs in May of last year resulted in community outcry for the essential service being removed from the town. 

“Kiama taxis used to come, but now we don’t have a reasonable taxi service”, Barry said. 

Over 25 percent of Kiama’s population falls between the age range of 60 - 85 and above. 

A study showed that the transport needs for older people vary, Kiama is known as being a car-dependent area with limited use of public transport by local residents. 

Residents that are unable or no longer able to use a car for their personal transport, the range of mobility options are crucial to reducing social exclusion.

Older people who are required to decrease or cease their driving can cause a ‘significant decline in mobility and increase in physical and mental health risks if appropriate transport alternatives are not available.’

“From older people, people with disabilities or people who don’t drive, we need a taxi service and this petition will help pressure the NSW Labor Government to stop cutting services and start investing in our community”, Ms Tatrai said.