Townsville’s sparkling new 13cabs hub unveiled in Garbutt

The old purple Jap Motors building received a dramatic facelift to transform into the Townsville hub for Australia’s largest taxi service.

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A BRAND new state-of-the-art 13cabs Support Hub has opened in Townsville, marking the company’s commitment to servicing the local region and its people.

In June 2020, Townsville Taxis announced its partnership with Australia’s largest taxi service 13cabs, aiming to deliver a better resourced and wider-reaching taxi service for the Townsville community.

It saw Townsville Taxis’ 127 taxis enhanced with distinctive 13cabs branding, with access provided to Australia’s top rating 13cabs booking app.

After being temporarily based out of Yeatman St, Hyde Park, 13cabs Townsville branch manager Aaron Lacey said it was a significant milestone when they moved into the renovated building at 90 Duckworth Street, Garbutt, in May.

13cabs Townsville branch manager Aaron Lacey shows off the new support hub in Duckworth St, Garbutt. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“Since our arrival in Townsville last year the community has been a wonderful support,” Mr Lacey said.

“In return we want to make sure we meet the growing demand for our services in the region. To do this we need first-class facilities.”

Mr Lacey said they had worked with Raiteri Constructions owner Paul Raiteri on the plans for the former Jap Motors building.

After purchasing the property for $290,000 in April 2020, Mr Raiteri had originally intended to establish the 275 sqm building on a 600 sqm block as the headquarters for his business.

The former Jap Motors building at 90 Duckworth St Garbutt had a distinctive purple paint job.

Recognising the immense potential of the site, which would enable them to fully support the local community and local driver and operator partners, 13cabs signed a long-term lease late last year, according to Mr Raiteri.

Mr Lacey said the site’s central location was ideal for customers looking to collect their lost property and meet face-to-face with local staff.

“(The customers) say it’s very flash, so that’s a good thing,” he said.

13cabs' new support hub on Duckworth St, Garbutt. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Over 300 of 13cabs’ operators and drivers benefit from the new ‘one-stop-shop’ support base featuring a modern office space and amenities.

The hub will also be the home of the 13cabs TAXITECH service department and workshop.

“Drivers can come here if they have issues, whatever, whether it’s equipment or the vehicles, operators that run the cars they can come here if they have account issues,” Mr Lacey said.

With the Townsville economy going “gangbusters” at present, he said 13cabs was struggling to struggling to find enough drivers.

Paul Raiteri of Raiteri Constructions renovated the old JAP Motors building and found a long term tenant. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“The facilities will also provide a perfect training venue for new drivers.

“We will be recruiting and training new drivers to meet the increase in demand for our local services. We encourage any potential drivers to get in touch. ”

If you would like to become a driver, register your interest by emailing [e-mail] or calling 1800 546 687.

For more information and for bookings, download the 13cabs app, visit 13cabs.com.au or call 13 2227.

Inside the new 13cabs Townsville new support hub in Duckworth St, Garbutt. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Originally published as Townsville’s sparkling new 13cabs hub unveiled in Garbutt