Why Cabs Are the Preferred Ride After Dark 🌙🛡️

When the clock hits midnight and the last tram’s pulling away, most Aussies don’t want to risk a long, eerie walk home — especially if they’re flying solo.
That’s where cabs come in: familiar, fast, and, most importantly, safe.

Let’s break down why, across Melbourne and Perth, more locals choose cabs after dark — and what makes them the go-to for women, families, and solo travellers alike.

🚖 The Comfort of Door-to-Door Safety

• Cabs drop you right at your doorstep, not two streets over.
• No walking through dodgy alleys or empty car parks.

🧠 35% of surveyed passengers cited this as their top reason for choosing cabs over trains or buses after 9 PM.
(See chart above)

📍 GPS Tracking: You’re Never “Off the Grid”

• Most cab services use real-time GPS tracking for every trip.
• Your family or mates can see exactly where you are.

🧠 In Melbourne, authorised cab networks like 13CABS or Silver Top offer “Share My Ride” functions via app.
That means your trip is traceable from pickup to drop-off — giving peace of mind to loved ones.

👮‍♂️ Driver ID = Accountability

• All licensed cab drivers in VIC and WA must wear photo ID badges.
• Cabs are registered and trackable — no faceless rides here.

🧠 Compare this to late-night public transport, where you’re in a carriage with strangers and no one’s really in charge.

✔️ Cabs offer instant verification, and complaints can be followed up by the taxi commission — not lost in the void.

💬 Real Story: Emily’s Choice in Carlton

Emily, a uni student in Carlton, says:

“After a late library session, I tried waiting for a tram, but it felt too quiet. Booked a cab through the app, driver was there in 3 minutes. He waited until I got inside my building. 10/10 would cab again.”

🧼 Clean, Quiet, and Less Crowded

• No sticky seats or rowdy late-night passengers.
• You get climate control, a clean ride, and your own space.

🧠 Cabs in Perth and Melbourne are required to meet hygiene and vehicle checks, especially post-COVID.
Unlike public transport, where you never know what you’re sitting on.

🕒 Late-Night Public Transport Has Limits

• Last trains in Melbourne often run till midnight, but not always.
• Miss it? You’re waiting 30+ mins for a night bus — if it comes.

🧠 In contrast, cabs are on-demand, no matter the hour.
Book it and you’re sorted, even at 2:30 AM after karaoke and kebabs.

📊 Why People Prefer Cabs After Dark (Survey Breakdown)

(See bar chart above)

🧠 Safety isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s priority number one, especially for women and young adults.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Travel = Less Stress in a Cab

• Got kids? Cabs offer child seat options on request.
• No wrestling a pram onto a tram or trying to keep toddlers quiet.

🧠 For families leaving events in places like Crown Melbourne or Perth Arena, cabs offer a quiet retreat, quick getaway, and less hassle than herding the whole tribe onto public transport.

🛑 Common Public Transport Concerns After Dark

🧠 Cabs eliminate these unknowns — you book, ride, and relax.

🚨 Safety Tips When Choosing a Cab Service

✅ Always use a registered service – Book via app or call, don’t hail from the street at night.
✅ Check the ID – Driver licence and car registration should be clearly displayed.
✅ Enable ride tracking – Share your trip link with someone.
✅ Know your rights – You can request the cab to wait until you’re inside safely.
✅ Avoid cash if possible – Pay through the app or card for easy tracking.

🚦 Comparing Cabs vs Public Transport After Dark

🛵 In Perth and Melbourne – The Local Scene

Perth:

• NightRider buses exist but are limited to weekends.
• Suburbs like Baldivis, Ellenbrook, and Cockburn often rely on cabs after hours.

Melbourne:

• Trains stop around midnight weekdays; Night Network runs on weekends only.
• Cabs service outer suburbs like Cranbourne, Werribee, and Reservoir where late buses are rare.

🗣️ What Locals Say

Jack, 29 – Richmond, VIC

“After a late AFL game, I tried taking the train, but it was full of rowdy fans. I’ve booked cabs since — faster, safer, and no footy banter.”

Aisha, 24 – Northbridge, WA

“As a solo woman, cabs are my go-to. I can track the trip and don’t worry about being alone at a bus stop.”

💡 Final Word: Cabs Are More Than Just a Ride

In a world where getting home safely is not negotiable, cabs are your personalised, secure after-dark travel option.
They offer certainty, comfort, and control — three things public transport can’t always guarantee when the sun goes down.

So the next time you’re out late in Melbourne or Perth, skip the gamble and choose the ride that puts safety first.

Sources:

• Victoria Taxi Directorate – Passenger Safety
• Public Transport Victoria Timetables
• WA Department of Transport – On-Demand Booking Services
• 13CABS
• ABC News: Women and Transport Safety