Wheelchair passengers
"Ramps needed!" What an understatement that can be as a terminal message. My question is whether there is a line that DaC would draw as regarding the transportation of how disabled passengers can be while still using the TaxiCard and is there a system in place to decide whether a wheelchair-bound passenger can ride in a cab or needs specialist transport?
   Last Friday, I was despatched a job for a wheelchair user. When I arrived, I found a problem in that the wheelchair was much bigger than the usual ones and the passenger in it was a very large man who was unable to sit with his knees bent and his legs were at about a 45-degree angle. Due the man’s heavy weight, both his carer and I had a real struggle pushing him up the ramp. Even with my ramps fully extended and his legs in position, we could not get the chair up the ramp without constantly whacking his feet on the ramp. He also could not be placed facing the cab rear as he should have been.
   This, in turn, prevented me from strapping the chair and  passenger in correctly, even with the chair brake on. When turning corners, his head was hitting the left window and his legs hitting the right door, which was causing him great pain and his only way of holding on was having his arm through the glass partition.
   I did at one point mention to his carer that I believed he needed a proper transport ambulance and considered refusing to carry him, but he said they use DaC all the time. Or was this statement just covering up a cost-cutting exercise by the nursing home? In my opinion, this passenger needed a ambulance with a tail lift and one that would be able to allow him to sit properly and safely.
   My main concern was what would happen in the event of an RTA. Would I be liable for any injury to the passenger, or when getting them into or out of the cab, could I be nicked if police saw this man travel in such a way? What if I injured myself trying to get the passenger into the cab, especially considering that I have no training on how to push a wheelchair?  
   Could I please have some answers and possibly a set of procedures to follow…
Michael Beevor (N76)
   Mike Son responds: Michael, you are right to be concerned about the transportation of those passengers with severe mobility problems who, unfortunately, are unable to remove themselves from certain types of large wheelchairs, especially those with accessories such as a motor or oxygen container etc. This could prove to be very difficult when trying to access the taxi and could put both the driver and the passenger at risk - even with ramps – unless considerable care is taken.
   However, it is important that all members of the public - whether able-bodied or disabled - are certain in the knowledge that they have confidence in both taxi and driver to make sure they (the passengers) are safe and secure for the journey.
   With this in mind, some months ago I wrote in Call Sign about a meeting I had with the administrators of the Westminster TaxiCard Scheme. This was a frank discussion with regard to passenger’s and driver’s expectations of the service. During the meeting, I mentioned that there were occasions when other non-emergency transport seemed more appropriate to the passenger than a taxi - ie Dial-a-Ride vehicles. The TaxiCard administrators replied that if drivers had any problems with transporting passengers or if they were abusive or difficult, then perhaps the passenger should be assigned to non-emergency patient transport instead of a taxi due to their severe infirmities. It was stated that if these situations needed to be addressed, drivers should let Dial-a-Cab know and any issues would be investigated by the Westminster Special Needs team.
   I must also make the point, Michael, that the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is there to protect the rights of those with disabilities and as taxi drivers, we must not commit a breach of that Act. If we do, there is a legal remedy. So what procedures should you follow? With respect, common sense must prevail. If you have any difficulty, contact the voice channel or send a message via your terminal. Failing that, phone. I know our Controllers will help. Whatever course of action, do not remonstrate with the passenger. I know this is something you would never do. The passenger probably has enough problems already.
Below is a very small extract of the Act ,which could affect us if we are in breach.
   Although quite complex, I would suggest that you have a read-up on the relevant provision of goods and services to safeguard yourself.
   PART III: Discrimination in other areas…
   19. —(1) Goods, facilities and services…
   Discrimination in relation to goods, facilities and services.
   It is unlawful for a provider of services to discriminate against a disabled person - 
   (a) in refusing to provide, or deliberately not providing, to the disabled person any service which he provides, or is prepared to provide, to members of the public;
   (b) in failing to comply with any duty imposed on him by section 21 in circumstances in which the effect of that failure is to make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for the disabled person to make use of any such service;
   (c) in the standard of service which he provides to the disabled person or the manner in which he provides it to him; or
   (d) in the terms on which he provides a service to the disabled person.

Dress code and Allen Togwell…
Yet another article on dress attire from Allen Togwell! Please Allen, no more… enough! For years now you have been bombarding us with article after article on dress attire and dress code. You are wasting your time and ink in thinking that by writing continuous articles about dress code, that certain members will see the light and start to wash on a regular basis. Please don’t misunderstand my views on this subject. On the contrary Allen, I agree with all that you write and I share your sentiments regarding members in sleeveless vests and whose armpit hair resembles the Black Forest. You see them occasionally; I see them most nights and feel embarrassed, but you must accept the fact that not everyone takes care in grooming themselves and neither do they see themselves as being badly dressed. Added to this problem, they may not have anyone in their lives to take an interest in their appearance, to help and guide them. Invariably, they too may have people in their lives that look a mess.
   The other day I took a trip up the road from where I live for a days outing to Benidorm. You would have been in your element, Allen! Spending some time having a drink at a bar perusing passers-by would have inspired you to have written yet another article on dress code. You would have seen Neanderthal men walking along the promenade with tattoos emblazoned all over their bodies, hideous beer bellies hanging over their shorts, England football shirts with colour co-ordinated trainers and grandmothers dressed in rah-rah skirts trying to look fashionable and younger. A real 22-carrot experience!
   Dress, as a clever Englishman once said, is an extension of one’s personality. If you feel good, want to enhance your profile and confidence, then you will dress well. As far as these people were concerned, they were properly dressed. The point I am trying to make, Allen, is that they think they look and dress acceptably and no amount of articles or verbal advice would make them see themselves differently in the mirror as to how you and I see them.
   So what is the answer?
   Well, if you are serious about improving the visual image of the DaC driver, then introduce a Dress Code. Many years ago I suggested in a letter to Call Sign that a dress code rule or proposition should be introduced and that it should come from the BoM and not the membership. The answer I received was that the BoM did not like to propose any proposition or rule change that was contentious, unpopular or might not be carried by the membership. I interpreted this meaning that the BoM were afraid it might have cost them their positions on the Board! Now, however, is the ideal moment for the BoM to introduce such a proposition. We have a popular Chairman, the BoM itself is very firmly seated and the chances of any BM losing his position are as likely as the Pope getting barmitzvah’d. The BoM takes great pride (justified, in my opinion) in telling us that our Society is streets ahead of the opposition in innovative technology and also of our many "firsts." Why not achieve another first by introducing a dress code? Properly presented, ie the dress code to be determined from time to time by the membership and not the BoM, I have no doubt the proposition would carry.
   So Allen, what is it to be? More articles about dress or a dress code proposition? If only one BM can be found to throw their hat into the ring, I shall be there to second the proposition…
Steve Shaller (R75)
   Allen Togwell replies: I’m sorry that you find my articles boring, Steve, I do too at times! In fact I only mentioned it on this occasion because one of our most senior clients considered the issue serious enough to bring it to our attention. Unlike private companies who dictate the manner in which their workforce operate, we as a drivers cooperative, which I sincerely hope we remain, have to rely on over 2000 members who operate in an insular environment to work as a self-imposed unit, exercising self discipline and individual responsibility assisted by guidance from the Board. Unfortunately Steve, not all of our members have your length of service, so occasionally when we have to remind the newer members of certain issues, you of course will find it boring.
   As for the Board proposing a dress code; firstly I don’t think our members would agree to such a proposal, secondly it would be unenforceable and thirdly, surprising as this may seem, I personally would not support the proposition. Forcing somebody to wear a particular mode of dress does not necessarily make them look presentable. I’ve seen men wearing a suit, shirt and tie who look an absolute mess. The point is Steve, I honestly don’t believe many of our members fully understand my reasoning for being adequately dressed. It isn’t just a case of improving our image to our clients and the public at large against the ever-growing PH, it’s also a matter of attitude. Attitude influenced by appearance. They say clothes maketh the man and to prove that point, I defy any man who dressed in a smart dinner suit, dress shirt, bow tie and polished shoes with his good lady on his arm, looking in a mirror and saying he doesn’t feel good. That same attitude applies to the manner in which you dress at work. In all the years I drove a cab, I did so suited and booted, in my case mainly because of circumstance. However, I honestly believe it was because of the manner in which I was exceptionally dressed that was the reason why I never once had an altercation with a passenger, even when a situation could have prompted one such as taking the wrong route for example. I’m sure that would have happened had I looked aggressive - which is the impression some cab drivers give simply by their appearance. To emphasise this point, one only has to look at those youths that wear hooded sweatshirts, which is a simple enough garment, yet how many cab drivers would

stop to pick up four people
dressed like that? I’m sure
they can’t all be delinquents
but are considered such simply because of the way they are dressed. So my point is; being presentable not only gives the trade a good image and more importantly Dial-a-Cab in particular, it shows evidence of a driver’s high self esteem, which in turn makes the job of driving a cab that much easier and a little less stressful.

Cheap and sweaty continued…
 I am responding to Mr David Kupler’s letter and Mr Togwell’s response in a recent issue of Call Sign. As a Dial-a-Cab taxi driver’s wife who works in the City of London, I have to say that it gives me great embarrassment to see a smart London taxi parked outside an office building (occasionally Dial-a-Cab) only to find the driver waiting in the reception in sloppy shorts, t-shirt and open sandals. I feel there is no need for this, after all you are entering and dealing with people who are usually smartly dressed themselves and are paying a lot of money to ride in your taxi. I am not agreeing with Mr Togwell’s answer – there is no need for you to go to work in a smart suit and tie everyday!
   My husband, Martin, prefers to wear slacks and an open neck cotton shirt in the summer and usually wears a tie in the winter with a jumper. He always splashes on some nice aftershave, which is a standing joke when he kisses me goodbye as to who is he picking up today? His usual response is: "I have to smell nice for all the ladies and my 4070s…!"
   I am lucky enough to work in an office that is air-conditioned and where we are allowed
   ‘business casual’ and ‘dress down Friday’. This means men can wear smart slacks and a shirt without a tie during the week and smart jeans (no holes or frayed bottoms) with a t-shirt (no large logos) on Fridays. Girls can wear trousers / skirts with a top that has short or long sleeves (no strappy tops) and jeans and t-shirts on Fridays – no bare middles! I personally prefer to dress smartly all week as I feel very ‘out of place’ with most of the city folk who mainly dress in smart suits etc. Most of the couriers I see around the city making their deliveries are smartly dressed in their company uniform – ie slacks and polo shirt – as are the private hire drivers!
   I have had to use taxis over the past year to get me to and from the station and all have been very kind, chatty and helpful. London taxi drivers have a reputation for being kind, helpful and knowledgeable, but you do not do yourselves any favours by not dressing smartly to go with the smart new taxi, which is now available.
Doreen Freeborn (wife of Martin C67)
   Thanks for the letter Doreen. Allen Togwell certainly hasn’t lost his knack of getting a response from readers, however, in all fairness, he never suggested that drivers should wear suits! He mentioned cotton shirts, slacks and loafers …Ed

PCNs
Firstly, Alan thanks for your time on the phone although you were on holiday. I appealed against my parking ticket although it was on my windscreen and not posted to me. Like you they had one digit wrong on my registration number and this only came to light when I phoned up to pay the reduced fine. I enclosed copies of my registration documents together with a copy of the PCN and heard between 2 and 3 weeks later that it was being cancelled. I think I drew the long straw and you the short!   
Pat France (A81)
   I’m pleased you had had the easy way out Pat, but looking back on my courtroom experience, although I should never have been put into that position, the experience was invaluable! …Ed

New building name
With regard to the winning entry for the naming of our new HQ, I feel a very valuable point has been overlooked. The fact that 'Bonnie Martyn House' had so many nominations obviously speaks for itself. It does not take a genius to work out the solution, put the most popular name in a hat and pick out one winner thereby avoiding the ‘Cheese sandwich’ scenario and upholding our societies name i.e. "ODRTS and not "BMRTS" (Board Members Radio Taxi Service)…
Graham Church (S59)
   Thanks for the letter Graham. As was pointed out in the article, the name selected was not necessarily going to be the one chosen (if any), but was to allow drivers to use their imagination. Bonnie Martyn House was an obvious choice for a name, but does not fall into that category - even though a real name change could well use it. The idea was to take away the obvious and allow drivers imagination to take over …Ed

Biodiesel
With regard to the article on Biodiesel in the October Call Sign, I enclose a letter and reply from The Sunday Times ‘Car Clinic’ page of their ‘In Gear’ supplement (dated 24 September 2006). And please, no more patronising Poppy lectures on emissions!
John Addis (K97)
   Because the subject of Biodiesel is important, I have reprinted the original letter and response elsewhere in this issue rather than just a brief synopsis here. As for Poppy and her "patronising" piece on emissions, she’s entitled to her view and judging by the number of calls I received, agree with her or not, many drivers seem to read her column …Ed

…and emissions…
For more than a year, much of the taxi trade press has been full of moans about the introduction of regulations limiting the amount of pollution taxis can discharge. Last month, your excellent contributor, Poppy, brought some common sense to the debate and pointed out that some countries previously regarded as ‘underdeveloped’ are now enjoying cleaner air than London because of legislation aimed at cleaning up the discharge from vehicles on their roads. Perhaps some of the drivers and writers who keep complaining would also like to go back to the widespread use of leaded petrol in all cars?
   We would not think of emptying our household waste onto the streets or into a park, so why should anyone feel entitled to dump pollutants from vehicles into the atmosphere? We would not tolerate factories pouring poisons into our rivers, so why should taxi drivers feel entitled to act without restraint? If a new law was introduced concerning safety legislation at a place of work, then the office, restaurant or factory would have to comply and pay for any necessary alterations or new equipment. The government would not come forward with cash for the improved and safer facilities. For two years, London taxis have been entitled to charge a small extra supplement to go towards the provision of emissions reduction equipment, yet drivers still groan and pule.
Laurence Kelvin (W88)
   You were doing well there, Laurence, until mentioning the "extra supplement." Our views parted company at that point. I can understand your logic re places of work and restaurants etc paying for their own alterations, but I’m afraid you are not comparing like with like. I spoke to TfL recently about our TfL "cousins" on their street posters, London buses and the poor results they have been showing after apparent conversions and was told by a rather snooty- sounding woman that almost 70% of the red monsters are now within any new emission regulations. I asked her whether it was the bus drivers who paid for the alterations, after all, the fares went up twice last year? She declined to continue the conversation. 
   Yes, Laurence, we did get 20p per job – not that long after the ‘extras’ were taken away. And besides, if we really are a part of Mayor Ken’s transport stable, then at the very least, any driver needing to have his cab converted should be given a large subsidy towards the cost …Ed

Channel working
I was wondering if there has ever been published in Call Sign a guide to which channel works best in which area? If not, would it be possible?
David Kupler (Y74)
   I thought that sounded like quite a sensible suggestion, David. However, after making enquiries, I believe that in practise it’s probably better to allow the terminal to decide which channel is best for you.  If drivers were told, for example, that channel 1 was best for the City, then there would be hundreds of drivers trying to lock onto the same channel and it would go from being the best to the slowest …Ed

Patsy’s on the way back…
Words cannot express how very grateful I am for Dial-a-Cab’s kind gift of flowers and accompanying card following my recent stay in hospital. It is such an honour and pleasure to belong to such a thoughtful and caring radio circuit as DaC for over 40 years now. Thank you all once again…
Patsy McCarthy (C01)
   Looking forward to seeing you back very soon Patsy …Ed

Dominic isn’t…
Many thanks for the beautiful flowers sent to me on my retirement. I’d like to send my best wishes and hopes for good health to all Dial-a-Cab drivers, the Board of management and staff at Brunswick House.
Dominic D'Andrea (Ex-71)
   From what other drivers have told me following their retirement, they are amazed they ever had time for work! Enjoy it, Dominic …Ed

Peggy White
Thanks for the piece about Mum in Call Sign. Could you please thank all the drivers who offered our family their sympathies and also thank Tom Whitbread for his card and Allen Togwell and Howard Pears for their kind words. Thanks also to Editor Al for the phone call…
Mark White (B86)
   Soon after the funeral of Mark’s mum Peggy, his dad - former DaC driver Fred - had to go into hospital to have a gall bladder removed. All seems to have gone well with the op and everyone at DaC, including all his old friends on EC5, send their best wishes …Ed

Call Sign cartoons
I’ve just taken a peek at Jery’s cartoon in the October Call Sign and as usual find that it lacks any real sense of humour. He must be the unfunniest cartoonist alive today. In fact his characters are so wooden that I’ve been wondering if he wouldn’t be better employed as a cabinetmaker. I’d go as far as to say that his cartoons are about as funny as a public hanging or an M1 pile-up and for that reason I am going to give him his ‘rec’ and going to recommend that he stops drawing such unmitigating rubbish. And finally to Jery himself, I consider that you are to humour what Beethoven was to ice hockey.
   As for Tom Whitbread, I’m not going to get into an argument on whether he is a racist or not, but I do take umbrage when you state that he couldn’t be because his granny was Polish. I would like to point out that my four grandparents came from Poland and the reason why they left was because of its extreme anti-semitism, which still exists to this day even though there are only a handful of Jews still living there.
Stanley Frankel (K46)
   Stanley, the only reason I have left your appalling comments in about Jery Craig who is one of the country’s let alone the cab trade’s - finest cartoonist – is because when he was Editor before me, he was a strong advocate in the freedom of the press. But let me tell you something, some may find you amusing, but I have far more complaints about everything you write than I have ever had about Jery – in fact the only previous comments were to say how good he was and how lucky I was to have the use of such an excellent cartoonist. On the other hand, I have been asked many times why I allow you the space to criticise everyone in the nasty, vindictive way that you do. And as you mention being unfunny, that also applies to you Stanley. Most of the old jokes you send in are so unfunny that I am forced to leave them out – and I do not usually like editing. In fact, on several occasions you have actually asked me why I’ve left them out and you obviously didn’t believe me. Well now you know for certain.
   As for Tom Whitbread, re-read my answer again and what the point was before jumping in with all three feet. I didn’t say 

that having Polish grandparents meant anything other than that his ethnic background wasn’t as the questioner had said …Ed

Christmas incentives
I read with interest the ‘Reflections of the Chairman’ column in the October Call Sign regarding incentives to "…work a little bit harder" during the Xmas period. Brian states that our clients require a cab on time – something with which I agree. But these incentives, what are they? A new plasma or gold cab? How about increasing the run-ins and setting a new minimum? That way we all win…
Patrick Noble (S55)
   Brian Rice replies: As you are probably aware, Patrick, any incentive is funded by DaC whereas what you are suggesting would be funded by the client. We have recently increased the run-in to £4.20 and are the only circuit operating with a minimum. The client’s argument is that they use us all year round, so why should they pay more when the 'once a year riders' use us (my terminology, not theirs) and I must say that I do have some sympathy with that point of view. Consequently, that is why DaC are funding the three new Peugeots; to appeal to your wives and partners in an effort to get you to cover more account work. Believe me Patrick, when we talk to customers about increasing prices around Christmas, it does generate such a lot of resentment. I know all the stories about 'supply and demand' but as I have stated on numerous occasions, your account clients are there all year, unlike street work - and you don't charge them more at Christmas, do you?

More on incentives…
I have just received my letter about this year’s incentive and I cannot believe you’re doing a draw like this again. With over 2000 drivers working over that time, only 3 will benefit and
that is only 2 better than last year. Good luck to the guy who won the cab and this is not sour grapes, but this does not give me any incentive to work any harder or do any more jobs. Just look at how many I did last December and for what - for one, yes one driver to win a prize.
   You could have done so much more for all of us with things like £1000 gift vouchers, big screen TVs etc. But no, once again you have done this. Big deal, 3 will win a car and guess what? They already have a car -ok a taxi - to drive if they really need to get somewhere. Most drivers on DaC would just sell it and take the cash. I am not a letter writer or one of your regular moaners, but I just had to say how disappointed I am with an incentive like this. It seems that you cannot be bothered to get lots of gifts / prizes etc, so once again you’ve probably sat in a bar talking about "what we going to do this year." Oh get them a car, them mugs will chase anything. Well that’s what comes across. Is this sour grapes? I’ll tell you what – if I win (ha-ha, some chance) I will donate it to the Fund for Underprivileged Children and you can publish this to hold me to it!
   To end, I must say I am very disappointed with a draw like this and feel that I’m not the only one.
Mike Appleby (L73)

And more…
Over recent years, we have watched DaC rise from an average company to far and above the pace setters in this industry with assets of £10,000000 + and no debts - thanks in part to a great BoM who I will have no hesitation in giving my vote to at the next election. Record turnover again this year and hopefully, a good profit. So why will all the drivers, except 3, not be getting a Christmas bonus again? I would understand if money was tight. In the city, bonuses are paid on the year’s performance and not just the run up to Xmas. Imagine what would be said if the employees were to be told that they were to be entered into a lottery where only a handful would benefit?
   The BoM are asking us to cover work above and beyond the call of duty, but for what? So that we can be entered into a prize draw where the odds are 100s to 1 of winning. I will cover the work regardless, but I truly believe that the drivers should receive something and not just the very lucky few. The drivers are the engine of this company and should be oiled at least once a year. Why can't we use a percentage of our surplus per year to reward the drivers for their annual contribution to DaC?
Steve Crisp (D52)
   Brian Rice responds: Gentlemen, I will answer both letters simultaneously as some points are applicable to both letters. I am genuinely disappointed that you are not happy with the Christmas incentive, it appears that whatever I do attracts criticism - am I surprised?  Not really, because when you have in excess of 2000 members, there are bound to be some that are disappointed with whatever is offered. If we had offered numerous prizes then some would have complained about that and said we should offer fewer, but larger prizes.
   However, it does get a little frustrating knowing that whatever you do will attract criticism from the few! We could adopt the policy of 'it's your work; if you don't cover it you will lose it - who cares?’ But we do care and that is why we offer an incentive.
   Incidentally Steve, we cannot pay a bonus to members as I am led to believe that will infringe on our Mutual Trading status. 
   Regarding the members being 'oiled,' I wouldn't disagree and I think we go some way to showing that appreciation - far more than the management of any other radio circuit. But this Society is not only made up of members that contribute to our success, we have staff that should also be appreciated and - dare I say it - the BoM? Finally Mike, I do take exception to the point where you insinuate that I believe the members to be mugs!  I do not think any such thing and I am totally confident that the overwhelming majority of my members will agree with me on that point.   

Joint Ranks Committee response to Mike Son’s CoL meeting
As Chairman, I have been asked to write to you by my colleagues on the London Cab Ranks Committee. The members and I are concerned over your repeated assertions in Call Sign that the LTDA and T&GWU failed to turn up at a meeting that you attended at the Corporation of London on the 21st July. It would seem that our non-appearance by your repeated references, was to you more important than anything else at the meeting.
   If you do believe that our non-appearance was of such significance that the Trade needs to be continually reminded of it, then I would have thought that the first thing you should have done would have been to check the facts. Had you done so, you would have found that Jim Kelly of the T&G, Robin Gillis of the PCO and myself did not attend because we were all given incorrect details of the meeting by the Corporation. We in fact attended St Alphage House on the 19th July, when we were informed that the meeting was on 21st. Unfortunately, we all had other commitments on the 21st as the Corporation was then made aware.
   I trust that you will inform your readers of the inaccuracy of your reports.
Richard Massett
LTDA Executive
   Thanks for correcting the misapprehension, Richard. I spoke to Mike and whilst not doubting your attending on the wrong date, no one at the meeting representing the Corporation of London knew anything about your absence and told Mike that they were quite upset and felt it to be something of a snub.  However, having read your letter, it seems apparent that a genuine error happened somewhere …Ed

Busy EC5
Now we are into November, the work has really started to pick up and we are extremely busy especially at night and in the City. I last wrote in November 2004 to ask if something could be done to make it easier to cover the work in EC5. There are always a lot of unmatched jobs and it’s very frustrating to bid for them, as you might end up having to drive from one side of the City to the other and pass hundreds of outstretched hands to cover a very mediocre job. Even if you ask, you are not always given any extra run-in from the Call Centre for helping out or if you are, it sometimes feels like trying to get blood from a stone.
   As I said two years ago, a better solution might be to dispatch all jobs in EC5 to their correct postal zones ie EC1, EC2 etc, with the destination hidden so at least if you were coming along the embankment and you saw trips in EC4, you might cover one of those without having to worry that you might get one from the top end of Bishopsgate. That doesn't happen to me any more as I’ve been caught out too many times in the past and now don’t tend to cover EC5 work if I can help it. When I wrote in two years ago, I was told by Keith Cain that there would not be time before that Christmas to get anything done about it, but that it would be looked into. Some six or so months after writing last time, I had reason to speak to Keith about another matter and I asked how they were getting on with a system reprogram regarding the despatching of EC5 jobs and was told nothing was being done and no reason given. Well it’s two years on now and we are still having trouble covering the work. I also asked previously if we could try my idea before bringing on more drivers to the circuit; this request was also ignored. Obviously we all know the reason why! More drivers equals more money for Dial-a-Cab and sod the rest of us come January when it won’t be as busy.
   Another point I’d like to make is that Concierge, as we all know by now, is here to stay - good or bad take your pick. Dial-a-Cab as a company is doing well out of getting into bed with the minicabs / private hire, but drivers should be benefiting more as well. Apparently our subs are going up again. Why? If Concierge is so fantastic - and I'm not saying it's not - and it has paid for itself, then let it pay for me and everyone else or at least stop putting the subs up. Let’s not forget that Dial-a-cab was formed by a group of drivers for the benefit of the drivers and not as a money-making machine to be sold off to the highest bidder.
   I'm sure the usual answer will be given, that Dial-a-cab offers fantastic value and is the cheapest radio circuit out there, but if we are pulling in so much money why should I have to pay more just because we are the cheapest? How much money does Dial-a-cab want? It seems that we have lost our sense of direction or perhaps being steered the wrong way!
   Could I please ask that whoever responds to my letter answers all the questions raised in my letter and does so in the polite, unsarcastic way in which I put forward my points and requests, as usually anyone who dares to question Dial-a-Cab’s management or it’s workings tends to get dismissed and put down in a way that wouldn’t happen in a verbal conversation face-to-face.
Stephen Gander (V20)
   Keith Cain has written an answer to your question elsewhere in this issue. But I have to say, Stephen, sarcastic responses are normally only given when the questioner displays those tendencies first! …Ed

Thanks to DaC…
On the evening of 29 September, I took a Dial-a-Cab taxi from Cadogan Square to Leinster Gardens, calling on the way to pick up a very frail friend. I had the address but not the flat number. I hadn’t been there before and was faced with twenty poorly lit bells. We tried several but to no avail. The very kind driver tried phoning my son on both his landline and mobile with no luck. Eventually my son did arrive and all was well.
   I feel bad because I never had the chance to thank the driver for all his kindness and I would appreciate it if you could get this message to him. Incidentally, I am a great fan of Dial-a-Cab.
Lady Sandilands
London SW1
   Well done Mr J.Sammons (M25). They don’t call us the Gentleman’s circuit for nothing! …Ed

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