Safety concerns over taxi driver price gouging after train station stabbing in nightclub heartland

A night-life safety group believes price gouging by taxi drivers creates a safety issue for partygoers, with alcohol-fuelled violence increasing.

Frustrated revellers unable to get home late at night due to taxi driver price gouging are prime candidates for sparking drunken violence, according to a safety advocate group.

Safe Night Precinct Fortitude Valley raised the issue a few weeks after 24-year-old Lauie Michael Tagaloa was fatally stabbed at the Valley train station in the early hours of July 11.

Police allege there was an altercation between two groups in Brunswick Street Mall, which continued into the shopping complex above the platforms.

Lauie Michael Tagaloa was killed in the Fortitude Valley train station complex after an argument between two groups nearby in the early hours of the morning. Photo: Facebook

Precinct secretary Alex Hall said taxi drivers overcharging, refusing to use their meters, and wanting passengers to agree to fare prices upfront was first discussed in August.

He said the issue was particularly pertinent following Mr Tagaloa’s death.

“Everyone was complaining in our meetings, it was all over social media, and we have venue staff complaining that they can’t get home after their shifts,” he said.

“It becomes an issue with violence and usually it is people hanging around until 3am or 4am.

“When you’re a bit drunk, you’re trying to get home, you’re frustrated, then someone says something to you, and the next thing you know you’re involved in a punch-on.”

Fortitude Valley train station was a crime scene in July after a fight between two groups ended with a man killed. Picture: Richard Walker

Mr Hall said he was charged $70 by a taxi driver to go from Fortitude Valley to Hamilton – about 5km.

“We need a compliance division because at the moment there’s not really any consequences for these taxi drivers,” he said.

Taxi Council Queensland chief executive Blair Davies said only “a few bad eggs” in the industry were price gouging.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads said it had received an increasing number of complaints on the issue, and “various compliance investigations” were already under way.

Passengers can report dodgy cab drivers through TMR by calling 13 12 30 or emailing.

Providing the driver’s authorisation number, vehicle number plate, time and location of the fare, and taxi company will help TMR take action.

It follows a report showing the state’s 3am last-drinks legislation had been successful in reducing alcohol-fuelled violence.

A brawl at Fortitude Valley train station that ended in a man being fatally stabbed

Lauie Michael Tagaloa clutches at his throat after being stabbed.