|
Customer
Service
As you know, some of my responsibilities
involve customer service visits. However,
since my last report many client contacts
have taken their annual holidays, therefore
not many visits were arranged. Nevertheless,
we are still receiving complaints from
passengers with regard to excessive run-ins.
All companies are ever-mindful of general
running costs, especially when allocating
transport budgets.
The level of excessive meter readings at the pick-up is of concern.
Please be aware that some passengers are now
taking note of the run-in when they enter
the cab. The amount is also recorded at DaC,
so please be diligent in judging time and
distance to arrive with no more than £3.80
at the booked time.
If there is a query, GPS references and a myriad of other data can
be retrieved including whether you have
arrived at the booked time with more than
the allowed run-in together with waiting
time. Data can be viewed and if appropriate,
complaints can be implemented. Some drivers
are also forgetting to press the POB button.
It is important to use your POB button when
the passenger enters the taxi and not 2
minutes prior to drop off! All timings can
be viewed by the customer, especially those
who book online. And please remember that
the £3.80 run-in is a maximum and not a
minimum, so if you are allocated a trip from
a calling rank and the pick-up is just a few
yards away, that should be reflected in the
low amount showing on the meter. Anyone
driving around to make the run-in up to
£3.80 may find they are asked to answer a
complaint.
Dial-a-Cab is proud of the partnership that has been created with
our clients; it is not just customer and
supplier. But we need your help to maintain
that relationship and fortunately that help
is provided by the majority of our drivers
who provide an excellent service. But as
Allen |
Togwell often points out, it
can take years to gain an account, but just
one driver to lose it…
London
Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children
As some of you may be aware, I have been
Chairman of the London Taxidrivers’ Fund for
Underprivileged Children for the past 3 years,
so it is with some sadness that my tenure
comes to an end in November when I will return
to the ‘back benches’. Nevertheless, it has
been an exciting term of office.
Representing the charity at many wonderful
events including children’s outings and
presenting medical and recreational equipment
purchased by the Fund to schools and hospitals
has been extremely rewarding. However what was
particularly exciting was, together with the
Honorary Life President Bill Tyzack (C06)
and all the trustees together with children,
drivers and helpers, was the invitation to the
Queen’s Coronation Birthday Party in 2003
during our 75th year. Being
introduced to Her Majesty and The Duke
of Edinburgh together with other members of
the Royal Family, was a day none of us will
forget.
The other Royal event was an invitation from The Prince of Wales in
recognition of the London taxi industry.
Together with other members of the trade -
including the Board of DaC - the LTFUC
committee were also invited to Clarence House.
This proved to be a most enjoyable day. I was
also quite chuffed at having been asked to
help |
organise the
event together with
two other members of the trade.
More recently, the committee, children and drivers were invited to
Zippo’s circus at Highbury Park. The event was
organised by Newman’s Own products - which is
owned solely by Paul Newman. All profits go to
help many needy children. In fact, since 1982
some $150 million has been given to thousands
of charities. The objective of our invitation
was to give the children a great day at the
circus plus receive the promise of a donation
to our charity. Paul Newman arrived at the
circus to entertain the children and I was
also delighted to have been introduced to him
for a chat. It was hard to believe that he is
considered one of America’s living legends.
There is a report of that event in this issue…
DaC Golf Day
With donations in mind, you will also read in
this issue about the Dial-a-Cab Golf Day in
aid of the LTFUC. On behalf of the committee,
I take this opportunity to thank the Chairman
and the Board - especially Keith Cain - for
organising such a brilliant day, one that I
know everyone enjoyed. Much needed revenue
raised at the event does help give us the
financial ability to carry on helping those
less fortunate children. Thanks to all who
came along in support of the day.
All in all it has been a great term of office. My thanks to The
Honorary President, my Executives, the
committee, their wives and partners for their
support and enthusiasm. Thanks to all the
drivers who support the charity and take
children on our outings. Also, my appreciation
goes for the financial support that various
companies and organisations have given.
Finally, thanks to the editors of the trade
press who will no doubt continue their
much-needed support.
Mike Son
DaC Customer Services / Special Projects |
