Call Sign August 2002 - Page 14 - DAC FOUNDER BONNIE MARTYN

DAC FOUNDER BONNIE MARTYN
LASHES OUT AT MAYOR KEN

Dial-a-Cab's founder-Chairman Bonnie Martyn, now heading towards his 94th year, lashed out last week at Mayor of London Ken Livingstone...
   "He seems to have similar aims to a former head of London Transport of around 40 years ago, Lord Ashfield, in that he believes transport to be the be-all and end-all of London life."
   Bonnie went on to say: "The Mayor seems to believe that the answer to London's congestion problems lies in getting everyone onto buses and trains. Naturally he doesn't mention anywhere in his transport magazine about using taxis, it's all buses and trains. He obviously doesn't believe that anyone could possibly have cause to use their own vehicles or taxis, just get them on a bus or train and we'll get rid of
congestion.  Perhaps we will, but unfortunately London's business sector would just grind to a halt!"
Most weeks, Bonnie can be found in the University of the

Third Age taking a class of senior citizens in the subject of Current Affairs. Not a knitting pattern or cookery book in sight...
"And do you know," Bonnie told Call Sign, "I have not come across one person in the class who considers that the Mayor is doing anything worthwhile. After all, we had TaxiCards and Dial-a-Ride before he came and although I realise that TaxiCards originated through his time as GLC leader, there is no point

having a Mayor if he does not come up with any improvements for Londoners without just harking back to the old days."
Bonnie ended by saying: "I've been in the taxi business for a
long time, not just since I founded ODRTS (Dial-a-Cab) in 1954, and now more than ever the trade needs strong leadership. Having small groups of several hundred drivers is useless, you need one large organisation, not just an occasional meeting of the clans. The LTDA, LCDC and the T&G all have specialities that they are good at, so let them all merge and then make membership of the new organisation attractive so that a large percentage of drivers will want to join. Perhaps then you will have some clout... because against this Mayor, you will need all the clout you can get otherwise he'll just pat you on the head, give you a biscuit and then walk straight past!"
Thanks Bonnie, and here's Call Sign thinking that you were going to give us some cooking tips!

OUT AND ABOUT
As the newest member of the DaC Sales team, Lydia Foulkes is always hopping in and out of our taxis and speaking to the drivers. Some have some interesting things to say... In the months that I have worked here at DaC, I have been on a very steep learning curve. Part of that learning comes from speaking to drivers and indeed I may have met YOU on the way to a meeting. So to all those in whose taxis I have been, let me thank you all for your service, advice and general conversation... As you are all aware, new business is down but I have now started to make real headway, although these eight months at DaC have certainly been a real challenge! When I am out and about, those of you who have met me will know that I like to talk and some of you have fascinating stories to tell. One such story came from a driver whom I could compare to a budding Einstein! After all, we already have a silver medallist from the shooting World Championships among us, so nothing is impossible! I had a very interesting chat	with DaC driver Peter Franklin (L61) who has been working on a very special project. I guess driving through this City's streets gives you time to think. Peter works alongside his partner in this commercial venture, Victor Dix. Peter pointed out that 40% of crime is vehicle related and added that only around 2% of ideas are ever marketed and even that does not guarantee success. So when not driving, he and Victor have been researching the subject of security and that's when they came up with The Big-Un 2. To me, their invention sounds like it may have a chance. The Big-Un 2 is simply a locking system that prevents your vehicle being stolen and which comes in a handy handbag size that retails for under Ł100.	Peter happily admits that he couldn't work the DaC terminal when he first got it, yet he now knows everything there is to know about the work place, how to design a brochure and has worked alongside engineering specialists as an equal. Peter and Victor have invested a lot of their own money in this project to protect the patent - the intellectual copyright - and are both confident of The Big-Un 2's success. Investing thousands on something that they could not even be sure would be marketed shows their confidence in their product. That confidence has now turned their dreams into reality because they are almost at the starting gate and as you read this, the first Big-Uns will indeed be ready to go. Two companies have already shown an interest and if you would like to find out more, give Peter a ring on 0795 772 6013 or email on franklin300@aol.com . Next time I get into YOUR cab, perhaps I can learn something about you and your ideas... Lydia Foulkes DaC Sales Dept

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