THIS week a Fremantle nightclub owner has backed a secure taxi rank to improve the city’s ability to function as an entertainment precinct.
The absence of a secure taxi rank on busy weekends is indicative of encouraging visitors to urban centres without established infrastructure to support them.
Having people in town frequenting pubs and clubs supports local businesses and keeps the streets busy late into the night and the early hours. However, the combination of alcohol and long, potentially dangerous, wait for a taxi leads to frustration and anti-social behaviour at the end of the night.
When that frustration is taken out on the taxi drivers, it is a disincentive for them to seek fares in Fremantle and compounds the problem.
A smarter approach to infrastructure would allow Freo to continue as an entertainment centre, without the worst negative consequences of having them unable to leave in the wee hours.