Taxi fare cards to be tried

Umina Beach Bowling Club is one of four venues on the Central Coast to trial the sale of pre-paid taxi fare cards.

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews said the $5, $10 and $20 Farecards, which were similar to phone cards, would be available from participating licensed premises, taxi depots and taxi drivers.

Government funds would allow an evaluation of the trial to assess its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of drink driving, she said.

"The State Government is providing more than $21,000 to the pilot Farecard scheme, being run by Central Coast Taxis, as an anti drink drive measure," Ms Andrews said.

"Following the successful trial of the Night Owl late night bus on the Central Coast during the last Christmas and New Year period, it is clear that the availability of alternative transport schemes does make a difference in encouraging people not to drive after drinking.

"The Farecards may be exchanged for travel in any of the Central Coast Taxis' 75 cabs."

"The scheme will be promoted using bumper stickers, point of sale brochures and the promotion of participating licensed venues as sales points." Ms Andrews said.

Media release, July 4