TAXI operators across regional NSW will be keeping a close eye on a new food delivery service launched in Bathurst on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new Bathurst Taxi Tucker is a joint initiative involving Bathurst Taxis and nine local eateries that will see takeaway food delivered directly to homes across the Bathurst region.
It has been almost 12 months in the making and marks a significant move by Bathurst Taxis to stay ahead of the threat posed by the arrival of Uber one year ago and, potentially, Uber Eats.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
It is also the first taxi-run food delivery service in Australia and NSW Taxi Council deputy chief executive Nick Abrahim said other regional centres would be monitoring its success.
"We're very excited to support Bathurst Taxis with this. They've taken the lead rather than waiting for someone else to do it first and they can be seen as true local transport champions," Mr Abrahim said.
"We will be keeping a close watch on this and will be looking to roll it out across regional NSW.
"This sort of service does not have to be only in the Sydney metropolitan area, people in regional centres should also have the benefit."
People wanting to use Bathurst Taxi Tucker can simply order their meal, as usual, through any of the participating businesses who will then contact the taxi for delivery once the food is prepared.
The cost of the service will be the same as a regular taxi fare, regardless of the amount of food ordered.
Bathurst Taxis are not able to deliver alcohol.
Bathurst Taxis' production development and marketing manager Paul Shanahan said the Bathurst Taxi Tucker concept had only been pitched to "100 per cent locally owned" businesses to ensure every cent stayed in the city.
"The restaurants have been fantastic. Some are on Facebook already talking about it and some have their own promotional ideas they're going to try," he said.
"And we're looking forward to offering another service to the Bathurst community."
RELATED:
Mr Shanahan said he was "absolutely confident" food would be delivered hot to local homes.
"Our average pick-up time is less than five minutes and is one of the quickest pick-up times in the state," he said.
"And that's another reason we have deliberately limited it to a small number of businesses at this stage.
"We have to crawl before we walk but we also have our local customers that we have to serve and their needs are just as important as the new service."
The nine participating businesses are:
- B Town Bar-B-Que: 6331 5500
- Elephant & Castle: 6331 5544
- Jack Duggans: 6331 2712
- Panorama Hotel: 6331 2666
- Pantano's Bar & Grill: 6331 1264
- El Guapo Cantina: 6325 1142
- Crema: 6332 6357
- Tamarin Indian Restaurant: 6332 5965
- Cobblestone Lane: 6331 2202