Business
3 November, 2026
Taxi service closure leaves Highlanders scrambling
Many Southern Highlanders have been left scrambling for transport after the shock closure on Monday of Southern Highland Taxis.
Many Southern Highlanders have been left scrambling for transport after the shock closure on Monday of Southern Highland Taxis.
While the closure has been rumoured for several weeks, it came as a complete surprise to most people across the region – including those who depend on the service.
The company had been operating since 1999.
Callers to the Southern Highlands Taxis number late yesterday were simply advised by recorded message that the company was no longer taking bookings and to seek alternate transport arrangements.
The company’s website was still live late Monday night offering “safe, reliable and excellent taxi services 24 hours and 7 days a week”.
It is unknown exactly how many people will be left out of work as a result of the closure; however, The Southern Wire understands Southern Highlands Taxis employed more than 50 drivers and support staff.
The closure is expected to hit the elderly and people with a disability particularly hard, with the service offering 24/7 wheelchair-accessible taxis fitted with the latest safety technology.
Last night community leaders were discussing options to replace a much-needed community service – albeit in the short term.
While there are other car transport providers operating in the region, it is feared they don’t have the number of vehicles required – including specialised vehicles – to fill the demand.
The closure is likely to strengthen calls for improved public transport across the Wingecarribee Shire – particularly for a bus service that provides better connectivity between the Shire’s towns and villages.
Wingecarribee Shire councillor Sara Moylan issued a statement last night via Facebook saying her thoughts were with all those people impacted by the closure.
“I encourage everyone not to speculate on the reasons (for the closure) at this time,” Cr Moylan said.
“For now the community is dealing with many locals losing their jobs and the loss of a valuable community service.”
Cr Moylan said the service was utilised regularly by many people in the local community, including young people travelling to school and the elderly for their daily needs.
“Let’s all keep an ear out if we have a neighbour or a friend who uses the taxi service that may be at a loss,” she said.
Many people took to Facebook last night to express sadness and dismay over the closure, with residents saying the void would be almost impossible to fill.
Julia Westfield said Uber was fine for the “young and tech savvy” but was not really an option for the large number of elderly, disabled and infirm who relied on the taxi service as their only means of transport.
Some Facebook users suggested that taxi companies were no longer viable in regional areas given current fuel prices and other costs.
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