4/13/2010 - AAP
Sydney siders frustrated at waiting for a cab may soon get some relief, with the NSW government releasing more than 160 new taxi licences.

Sydney roads will have 167 new taxis from July 1, boosting the city's fleet by about 3.2 per cent.

"What this means is there will be increased reliability and availability of taxis," Assistant Transport Minister David Borger said in a statement.

"At the same time, the taxi industry remains viable and sustainable."

Mr Borger says 90 of the licences will go to individual drivers, giving them the chance to run their own operation.

More than 60 per cent of the 800-plus applications for the licences came from drivers, as opposed to large cab companies.

"Ninety of these new licences are available only to drivers who are currently, or are in the process of becoming, accredited taxi operators," Mr Borger said.

"These drivers have an opportunity to become their own boss and have a better career path in the industry."