Free Return Trip Courtesy of the Club

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When Uber entered the Australian market in 2012, it completely disrupted the taxi industry. In the past decade, Aussies have taken more than 700 million Uber rides, providing income to more than half a mission drivers. Fast forward to 2023, and taxis are doing some shaking up of their own within the club industry. And the target is the humble club courtesy bus.

Key Points

South Tamworth Bowling Club replaces its courtesy bus with local taxis
The Club has reduced its costs by 50 per cent while also increasing passenger safety
The initiative incentivises return trips to the Club
The local taxi service receives an economic boost
The scheme could be adopted by other clubs across the state

That’s the scene unfolding at South Tamworth Bowling Club, which has seen the courtesy bus make way for the local taxi service.

The Club has partnered with Tamworth Radio Cabs (TRC) to provide a safe and accessible transport service for members to and from the venue.

Members who spend $20 in the Club are eligible to print a $10 taxi voucher using the ClubNet computer terminal to get them home, and another $10 taxi voucher to bring them back to the Club for their next visit.

It’s a huge convenience for members, who no longer have to wait for set courtesy bus times, instead calling a taxi on demand.

South Tamworth Bowling Club CEO Phil O’Reilly says it’s been a win-win arrangement for the Club and the local cabbies.

“Prior to the partnership, South Tamworth Bowling Club used a courtesy bus service which brought both expense and risk to the Club,” says Phil.

“Under this partnership, we have eliminated all of the costs which come with running a courtesy bus service.

“There are no costs for maintenance and we’ve eliminated risks associated with transporting patrons. Overall there’s been an estimated 50 per cent reduction in costs.”

Under the arrangement, TRC generates monthly invoices amounting to the total voucher spend and also shares key data to help the Club better understand their patrons.

“I receive a spreadsheet with all trip data, including voucher details, pick up and drop off location, time, date, taxi and booking reference number,” says Phil.

The partnership has not only saved the Club a substantial amount of money, it’s also been a huge economic boost for local cab drivers who have done it tough in recent years after the advent of ride sharing services.

“There is a fleet of cabs available for use at all hours of the day and night, they provide disability access for those who need it and all members have a subsidised fare home and to return, it’s a win-win for everyone,” says Phil.

And he believes it’s the type of arrangement that other clubs could benefit from across the wider industry.

“The scheme has been beneficial for our Club as well as our members, and the Tamworth Radio Cabs. It has the potential to increase patronage and membership.”