|
As you may have read in various Call Sign articles, the
Disability Discrimination Act is now active. However, there have been a small
number of instances where Dial-a-Cab drivers and non-radio taxi drivers when
being hailed in the street, have refused to take wheelchair passengers. It must
be made clear that whether the refusal is because the driver cannot handle the
situation due to restriction on the help required to actually get the passenger
into the taxi, or the fact that the ramps may not be in good working order, you
now have a legal duty to facilitate the transport needs of all passengers
including those with disabilties. If you do not adhere to the Disability
Discrimination Act as well as DaC’s complaints procedure, you may find
yourselves before the Courts. For example, to tell your passenger that the
ramps are inoperable is no excuse.
I am sure you check your oil, water, brakes and tyres, you must
take time out to check that the ramps are in good working order. No doubt
certain aspects of the Discrimination Act could change and Dial-a-Cab will do
everything possible to protect the interests of our members. Nevertheless, in
our society regardless of race, colour, gender or disability, all have a right
to equal opportunities, even taking a cab.
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC): Part of their Mission Statement
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) believes that the transport requirements
of disabled people should be met as mainstream issues and that the travel
system should be designed and operated inclusively. Making successful journeys
is critical to the social inclusion of disabled people. |
Without the ability to travel,
disabled people are denied access to life
opportunities, access to education,
employment, healthcare, shopping and of course
their social and family life is significantly
improved when journeys become accessible.
The DRC uses the terms "transport and travel" to describe all forms
of travel including taxis. When referring to
access to transport, this is for all disabled
people and therefore would address issues
ranging from communication and signage for
people with learning difficulties to design of
vehicles ensure they are accessible for people
with a visual impairment. The DRC aims to
achieve a society where all disabled people
can participate fully as equal citizens. There
are over 8.5 million disabled people in the
UK, around 15% of the population. Disabled
people are customers and employees, students
and parents, tax payers and voters, even you
and your neighbour. The DRC believes that
disabled people should enjoy the same rights,
choice and opportunities to use the whole
transport and travel environment as
non-disabled people, not encounter
discrimination or disadvantage when making
journeys, to be able to travel and to use
transport services with as much confidence as
non-disabled people. |
AGM Thanks and Cruise News…!
Having recently returned from my holiday following the shenanigans of the AGM,
I would like to offer my thanks to the membership for re-electing me for a
further term.
I was pleasantly surprised when talking with other passengers who
were on the same cruise to the Panama Canal with my wife and myself, that they
were well aware of Dial-a-Cab. In fact one couple worked for one of our larger
account users and others from the USA had used our Credit Card facility when
arriving at Heathrow en route to London for business meetings. One of these
passengers was Chicago criminal attorney - he had a story or three!
Sales and Customer Service
As you are aware, the recent merging of other radio circuits has been of media
interest both in the taxi industry and the general press. As you also know
having read your Annual Report, the financial stability of Dial-a-Cab should be
a source of satisfaction to all. However, we will not only maintain that
stability, but also continue future growth by adding value to the Society. Our
competitors are now becoming extremely aggressive in their sales strategies
with for example, cheaper taxi trips etc. This direction may make vulnerable
the service they offer. Therefore should you, if in conversation with your
passengers, note that there is dissatisfaction with their existing supplier, do
let myself or members of the Sales team know. We all need to be proactive to
protect that which is ours.
Mike Son
Customer Services
/ Special Projects |
