1999 has most certainly been an exciting year for Dial-a-Cab, but what have I been doing since I was re-elected?
I must say that initially it was a difficult first period for me. Serving on the Board previously and then not being re-elected for a further period was a bit of a blow, but then 2 years on, feeling elated at being re-elected. Walking though the doors of ODRTS to be greeted so enthusiastically by members of staff and the Board was really uplifting... I believe that even Allen Togwell had to control himself from giving me a kiss and a cuddle.
   After a short period, I soon realised that things are never the same the second time around. I had a new Chairman with new ideas and a Board who also had to change the way things were done. Changing from an old to new regime the previous year was equally difficult for them as it was for me - the new boy. Nevertheless, during this period there was more work for drivers, increased profitability, the research and development of new technology - all very exciting stuff ... it really is great to part of a winning team.
   So what have I been doing?
At the beginning of the year, I realised that much of our administration drivers literature had not been up-dated for sometime. Therefore my first brief was to re-design this literature and to incorporate the new Dial-a-Cab logo etc. To complement the corporate image Dial-a-Cab has in the market place was always important and it still just as important for drivers to enhance that image. With that in mind, I designed new bespoke drivers folders. The objective was to have the Data Terminal instruction manual, account books, credit card and receipt vouchers plus indicator boards, pens, business cards in one container. I always found it inconvenient to keep these items in a plastic bag or at worst, strewn over the driver's compartment.

Internet Booking Facility and Interactive Television
The next project was The Internet Booking Facility which is still on-going. As some of you may know, I started this project when I was originally on the Board. At that time the Internet was a communicative medium for mainly youngsters, but I could see the future benefits for our customers using the Internet to book cabs and retrieve information.
   Unfortunately, this project was unable to move forward with any speed due to Board Members commitments in other areas. On my return and with the help of our consultants and the dedicated IT team at Dial-a-Cab, I was able to push the project forward.
   I am now pleased to say that Allen Togwell has designed the first stage, which will prove to be a great web site. I am also pleased to say account customers are now using the Dial-a-Cab Internet Booking System. It is important to know that the Internet is an evolutionary process and it is brilliant to be the first in this technological race which undoubtedly we are. It has to be monitored carefully to make sure it is being used for the purpose to which it was constructed, but above all, it has to be cost effective. There will always be new software that comes on the market to improve the speed and efficiency of what we do - and that is supplying taxis.
   I believe that with interactive television, more householders and purchasing customers can - and no doubt will in the future - book their own cabs by using digital/satellite TV.
   May I at this point take the opportunity to thank Roy Masterson, our IT/ Data Systems Manager, and his team Theresa 

Spears and Joe Mensah - IT/ Data Systems Support - for their dedication and enthusiastic support given to me with the projects I have undertaken during 1999.

Helicopters and Fixed Prices
During 1999 I investigated the possibility of Dial-a-Cab having an association with a helicopter service. I am pleased to say that this was actioned, although it is important to point out that if a customer wants this form of transportation, Dial-a-Cab would only refer the customer to the company we are working with ie Thurston Helicopters. There has been no promotional activity whatsoever, other than perhaps drivers chatting with customers and indicating how forward thinking Dial-a-Cab is. Maybe during 2000, when Sales are vying for more account clients, this will form part of our portfolio.
   Towards the end of the year, I was given another project to undertake and that, as I am sure you are well aware, involved the update of our fixed priced journeys. I am pleased to say that this project is completed and it is now up to the Sales Manager to make contact with customers to let them know of any changes or increased charges.
   What has been disappointing during 1999 from my personal point of view?
   I was disappointed that Aubrey Siteman decided to resign. Having served with him when he was Treasurer and then Chairman, I always found him to be a caring and honourable man. He always had the best interest of the Society and the membership at heart. Unfortunately, no matter how well someone is respected, they are also very soon forgotten. ODRTS owe a debt of gratitude to all those past committee members who have served the Society so diligently since 1953.
What of the future - even the next 25 years? You could wait until the Call Sign of January 2026 to get an update...or you could just turn the page!

Mike Son