How to stay safe when riding in Geelong Taxi Cabs

Last weekend, my aunt visited from interstate and needed to catch a cab from the station. It got me thinking about taxi safety in our beloved coastal city. Having lived in Geelong for nearly a decade, I've had my fair share of taxi rides – some great, others not so much. So I thought I'd share some practical advice for fellow locals and visitors alike.

Geelong taxi cabs service has been a fixture in our community for years. The familiar yellow and black cabs dart around our streets, ferrying people between the waterfront, shopping districts, and residential areas. While most drivers are fantastic, knowledgeable locals, it's always smart to prioritize safety when using any transport service.

Know who you're riding with

I always make a point of checking that the taxi has proper identification displayed. The driver should have their ID card visible on the dashboard, showing their photo, name, and driver number. Last month, I almost hopped into what looked like a legitimate cab until I noticed the missing ID – turned out to be an unauthorized service! Always better to wait for the real deal.

Trust your instincts

My neighbor Jane tells a story about feeling uncomfortable with a driver who kept asking overly personal questions. She politely but firmly changed the subject, and when the driver continued, she asked to be dropped at a well-lit service station instead of her original destination. Smart move – our gut feelings exist for a reason.

Track your journey

I've gotten into the habit of sharing my location with a friend or family member when taking a cab, especially at night. You don't need any fancy app – just text them when you get in and when you arrive. My brother and I have this system where we send each other quick texts: "In cab, headed home" and "Home safe." Takes seconds but provides peace of mind.

Choose the right seat

Where you sit matters. The back passenger-side seat gives you the best visibility of both the driver and your surroundings. I learned this tip from a former taxi driver at a community safety workshop last year. It allows you to see the driver's actions while keeping some distance and gives you quick access to the door if needed.

Know your route

Having a basic understanding of Geelong's layout helps enormously. When I'm heading from Eastern Beach to Pakington Street, I know we should be going via Ryrie or McKillop Street – not taking a mysterious detour through North Geelong. If your driver takes an unexpected route, it's perfectly reasonable to ask why. Most times, they're just avoiding traffic or roadworks, but it never hurts to check.

Keep valuables secure

This one still makes me cringe. Three years ago, I left my laptop in a cab after a late night at the office. Despite calling the taxi company immediately, it was never recovered. Now I mentally check "phone, wallet, keys, bag" every time I exit a vehicle – a habit worth developing.

Payment precautions

I prefer to have payment sorted before the end of the ride. If using cash, I avoid pulling out a large wallet or wad of bills. For card payments, I watch the transaction carefully. One time, a driver accidentally entered an extra zero on the fare amount – an honest mistake that could have cost me dearly if I hadn't been paying attention.

Report issues

After a particularly hair-raising ride where a driver took phone calls throughout the journey and sped through school zones, I hesitated to report it. "Maybe I'm overreacting," I thought. But then I considered what might happen if the next passenger was my elderly mother or a teenager. The taxi company was actually grateful for the feedback, and I felt better knowing I'd potentially prevented an accident.

Plan ahead for busy times

Anyone who's tried getting a taxi after the Geelong Cup or during peak holiday periods knows the frustration of long waits. I've stood in taxi queues for over an hour on New Year's Eve! Nowadays, I plan alternative transport options or book well in advance for special events.

Safety isn't about paranoia; it's about awareness and preparation. Most of my taxi experiences in Geelong have been perfectly pleasant – drivers who know shortcuts around roadworks, share interesting local history, or help with heavy grocery bags. But maintaining some simple safety habits ensures those rare negative experiences don't become dangerous ones.

What safety tips would you add to this list? I'd love to hear your experiences with Geelong taxis in the comments below.