How to Stay Safe When Using a Taxi in Geelong

Last weekend reminded me why taxi safety matters. After a night out with friends in central Geelong, I found myself alone at midnight needing to get home. As I stood there waiting for a cab, I realized I've picked up quite a few safety habits over the years that might help others too.

Know Before You Go

I've lived in Geelong for nearly a decade now, and the transportation scene has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when you could just wave down any passing taxi without a second thought. Now, I always make sure to have a plan before heading out.

My neighbor Sarah had a worrying experience last month when she hopped into an unmarked vehicle thinking it was her ride. Turns out, it wasn't. Luckily she realized before they drove off, but it gave us all a wake-up call.

Booking Ahead Makes All the Difference

When possible, I book my taxi in advance through Geelong Taxi or another reputable service. There's something reassuring about knowing a legitimate driver is on their way, especially when you're by yourself or it's late.

Pre-booking also means there's a record of your journey – something that came in handy when my brother left his wallet in a cab last year. Because he'd booked properly, the company tracked down the driver within hours.

Trust Your Gut Feeling

We've all experienced that moment of hesitation before getting into a cab. I used to ignore those feelings, not wanting to appear rude or paranoid. Not anymore.

During the winter festival two years back, I canceled a ride because something felt off about the driver. Was I being overly cautious? Maybe. But I'd rather wait for another taxi than regret ignoring my instincts.

Simple Safety Habits That Help

When I climb into a taxi these days, I've developed a little routine:

• I check that the driver's ID matches the booking
• I text a friend the taxi details
• I track the route on my own phone to make sure we're heading the right way
• I keep my belongings close and notice where the door handles are
• These small actions have become second nature, like putting on a seatbelt.

The Local Knowledge Test

One trick I've found useful is asking the driver about a local landmark or recent event in Geelong. Most legitimate drivers know the area well and can chat about local happenings. When they don't, it raises a red flag for me.

Last summer, I asked a driver about roadworks on Ryrie Street, and his blank look told me everything I needed to know. I politely ended the ride at the next safe spot.

Late Night Strategies

After the pubs close, finding a safe ride becomes more challenging. The taxi in Geelong rank near the waterfront gets chaotic on weekends. I've learned to:

Use the supervised taxi ranks when available

Split rides with friends heading in similar directions

Be willing to wait a bit longer for a properly licensed cab

That extra twenty-minute wait might feel annoying at the time, but it's worth it for peace of mind.

If Something Goes Wrong

Despite all precautions, problems can still happen. When my cousin visited from Perth, her driver took an unnecessarily long route, clearly trying to run up the fare. She called him out on it directly but calmly, and he corrected course.

Knowing how to handle these situations makes all the difference. I keep the local non-emergency police number in my contacts, just in case.

Final Thoughts

Taxi safety isn't about paranoia—it's about reasonable caution. Most drivers I've met around Geelong are hardworking people just doing their jobs. But taking a few simple precautions helps ensure everyone gets home safely.

What safety tips do you follow when using taxis? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

This post was last updated May 2025 based on current transportation conditions in Geelong.