I read Steve's Shaller's (R75) article in the May Call Sign with great interest. Although readers can identify with the content, the article does not give any answers to this ongoing problem and there are some points I would take issue with...
Yes, during these many years, organisations were formed solely to protect the interests of cab drivers and suppliers. Steve states that in his opinion, those that represent the trade have let us down because of some power base they feel they have and want to cling on to.
In the main I must disagree; some individuals may well have that attitude, but most are fighting battles on behalf of the trade or those who they represent. For example, since the formation of the GLA and Transport for London, Dial-a-Cab have been invited to many meetings with London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Dave Wetzel, Vice-Chair of Transport for London with DaC being very vociferous in condemning some policies, while putting forward others that may be in the best interest of all.
Steve mentioned illegal minicabs plying for hire on the streets of London and the fact that the problem may not be high on the agenda of law enforcement agencies. You must have read in the trade press, the Police, DHS, Inland Revenue and other agencies are at least trying to combat the situation. Even if their operations are infrequent, they are doing something to help protect the public. Any pro-activity cannot be achieved without the help of the trade reps. You may pour scorn on the agenda of these representatives, but nevertheless they are trying to do something to
protect the public and our industry.Due to the fact that the taxi
industry seem to be either unwilling or unable to solve the problem, the Mayor looks as though he is going to solve it by abolishing the six-mile limit. This will undoubtedly cause problems for some drivers going home. They will have to switch their hire sign off. Perhaps a digital interactive indicator sign could be constructed with a timing device indicating the driver is going home in a particular direction after his eight (or more) hours shift.
So what is the answer? The minicab infestation has been with us for so many years that the word 'minicab' has now become part of every day terminology within the transport system.
Steve also says that those representatives apportion blame for the ongoing problems on the cab drivers. You must admit that as cabdrivers, we can be very choosy about whom we will pick up and where we will go. To enflame the situation, when a passenger wants a cab to go to an 'undesirable destination' in some instances foul and abusive language emanates from the driver. Yes, I know some customers can be obnoxious too, but that is no excuse for drivers to exacerbate the situation. All the customer wants is to get a licensed taxi to go home or wherever, so why there are so many problems in performing such a simple task, beats me.
business'. Doing the job and being courteous and having a pleasant demeanour could go a long way in making driving a cab in London at the very least, bearable...
The problem will never be eradicated until there is a sufficiently manned autonomous authority with powers and finance to uphold and suggest changes to the law, if and when necessary. At this time, no doubt thousands of forms and other literature have been sent to minicab drivers/operators by the PCO and I should imagine that a very insignificant number have replied.
"Money to be made from licensing minicabs?" I am not sure where Steve is coming from on this point. Registering of licensed London radio taxi services most probably will be made exempt, but if indeed they were to incorporate cars as part of the service provided, payment for registering as a licensed car/limousine operator would prevail. Incidentally, the individual minicab drivers I have spoken to will not register due to the fact that they can ply for hire without too much hindrance, therefore no par the registration fee or any ongoing charges. "Making money from licensing?" I think not.
Steve, I always read your articles, which are normally thought provoking. Keep writing them...
Fixed Prices
I am at this time reviewing and updating fixed price trips following the recent annual increase. I have also formulated a fixed price customer agreement. This is something that we have not previously implemented and should clarify customer's obligations to Dial-a-Cab. The updated fixed prices will be in place shortly. Please be patient...
Mike Son
