Most drivers would be aware of the supervised taxi ranks now operating within the city and valley areas.

Black and White Cabs has gone to great lengths to ensure the success of the operation of these ranks and all rank supervisors have been specially trained to meet not only the needs of the public but also the needs of our drivers.

The ranks that are controlled by Black and White Cabs supervisors on Friday and Saturday nights between 2300 – 0500 are Albert Street, Queen Street and Wickham Street Valley.

These ranks have a taxi supervisor and at least one security guard to ensure the smooth running of the rank and to ensure driver safety also. Some of the duties of the rank supervisors backed up by security are as follows-:

1. No food drinks or smoking allowed into our cabs. Food wrapped up or in bags only allowed if ok is given by the driver first
2. Fares too intoxicated as to cause any trouble to the driver not allowed to enter our cabs
3. Raucous behaviour not allowed
4. Fares going long distances are advised that the driver may wish to be paid in advance
5. Fares who are giving trouble are dealt with on the rank before entering a taxi and are often told to leave the rank
6. Single male passengers are requested to sit in the front seat and not behind the driver
7. In many cases where appropriate share riding is arranged
8. Drivers wishing to go to a certain area due to change-over are accommodated where possible

It has also been noted that drivers who pick up from these ranks have very little chance of being in an M13 situation. Most M13’s occur to drivers who pick up outside these protected areas and it can be likely that these are fares that have been refused service on a supervised rank.

Drivers are therefore urged to pick up their fares from the supervised ranks. You will have greater peace of mind and will be supporting the success of this operation for now and the future.

Len Martin
Senior Road Supervisor