Suburban taxi ranks are set to go hi-tech with improved security under a State government plan that aims to stamp out on anti social behaviour and improve the safety of late night commuters.

WA Transport Minister Simon O'Brien today announced plans for a 12 month trial during which $550 000 would be spent to enhance security at suburban taxi ranks.

The money would be spent on the installation of CCTV camera or webcams, lighting, safety barriers, signage and the appointment of security guards and crowd-organising marshals at selected taxi ranks.

Mr O'Brien said the State government will be partnering with local governments for the trial which would start later this year.

He said the trial would improve safety for community members using the popular late night public transport option, while helping cut anti-social behaviour towards taxi drivers.

"There are currently two secure metropolitan taxi ranks operating in Northbridge and Fremantle which are already manned by security guards and taxi marshals," Mr O'Brien said.

"I encourage metropolitan local governments to consider applying for this funding in order to better protect taxi users and taxi drivers from anti-social behaviour and to improve taxi services and safety."

Rockingham City Council chief executive Andrew Hammond said while he has not yet seen the details of the trial, anything that would improve safety for late night commuters was welcomed.

"On the surface of it looks good. We have an active city safe department and any programme that would improve the safety of the community is something we will look at," Mr Hammond said.

The Department for Planning and Infrastructure has invited funding applications from Perth metropolitan local governments for the trial.

PERTH LEE RONDGANGER