Call Sign November 2009 - Page 22 - Compliance Officers Report

Compliance Officers Report
*Hello Ladies & Gents,* Meter clearances… In this article I feel it is important to remind you once again of a few of the situations that are still regularly popping up that may cause problems. I can’t stress highly enough how important it is that you check all meter fares before you clear the actual trip. I have often mentioned that the system captures all of the amounts that are entered in the trip cycle as separate figures, from accept through to CLJ. Extras that are shown on the meter will also appear separately and any discrepancies will be flagged up on daily reports that are computer generated and highly accurate. Please remember that as soon as you finish the trip, it is imperative that the meter is stopped and cleared through the terminal. Account clients quite rightly request routine spreadsheets that offer them a complete breakdown of all charges that appear on their invoices and the need for accuracy is essential. DaC package… I am sure that I don’t have to remind any of you that the past eighteen months have been a difficult time, not only for the taxi industry but also for the UK and	world economies as a whole. Although it seems as though we are starting to turn the corner, we are regularly being told in the media that it will be a gradual recovery with many bumps along the way. Let us not forget that every account we have, be it large or small, should be treated in a professional manner - first class service and customer care is vital. Let me remind you of what Allen Togwell has often mentioned: ‘It can take many months to secure an account, it can be lost in an instance.’ So please go that extra mile, it is what keeps us ahead of the competition in a market place that is so highly competitive. The package we at Dial-a-Cab offer is second to none, but there is no room for complacency and it is my job to protect both members and clients alike, which I will always do.	Complaints Over the last few editions of Call Sign, I have always made every effort to keep you regularly updated with any issues or procedures that could lead to a complaint. In addition to this, there are regular fleet messages that in all honesty are impossible to miss - I see them myself. I consider myself to be a fair-minded person, but if the procedure rules are persistently violated, I will not hesitate to invite offenders into a complaints hearing to answer to their peers. Every complaint that I send out is treated on its merit, and once I receive the reply back it is a decision based on integrity and fairness to every member and one that will safeguard our accounts. Multiple destinations… Finally, I still feel that our drivers are the best in the trade. The vast majority of us work within the spirit of the Society and take the rough with the smooth. On a multiple booking, if there is more than one destination it shouldn’t need me to remind you that taking a journey that may be more lucrative than the original trip you accepted without a valid reason is not the way we work. How would you feel if it happened to you? I am sure you get my drift… Allan Evans DaC Compliance Officer

Former Dial-a-Cab driver, Bob Woodford, writes a regular column for Call Sign from his home in Languedoc, France… CALL SIGN EN LA BELLE FRANCE
By the time these notes have gone to print, I shall be in New York City. I have quite a lot to cram into the 6 days I shall be there and one whole day will be taken up with the efforts of completing the New York Marathon. Believe me, it will be an effort this time as I cannot remember ever having prepared so badly for the 26.2 miles – and I’ve done quite a few in my time! So I fully expect that it will take me the best part of 7 hours to hobble round – that’s fine, I’ll be sporting a T-Shirt with the logo and www.londondonsightseeing-tours.co.uk splashed across its front and back! Great exposure and yes, I shall take my time! Talking of London Black Cab Sightseeing Tours, I also have several meetings lined up with Travel Agencies in Manhattan to attraction. The temptation will be	to jump in a Yellow Cab between meetings, but I reckon walking around the City will be the best way to squash those blisters – ouch! Oh yes, the famous New York Yellow Cabs! Well, also during my short stay I will not only get the chance to catch up with my old mate and cabbie Fred Wrack (see Call Sign July 2008), but on this trip I shall also be meeting Peter Franklin, the ‘Gabby Cabbie’ who regularly features on Dotun Adebayo’s overnight show on Radio 5 Live – his email writing style is just as brash as he sounds on air! Oh, and that Marathon – well it will be struggle, but at least I	Bob will be meeting Peter Franklin aka The Gabby Cabby on his NYC trip Pic courtesy The BBC
		won’t be wearing any fancy dress this time, or carrying a bucket filling up with coins around the track – that’s because at the time of going to press, there is already over Ł2,300 in the kitty for Get Kids Going! My sincere thanks to all those DaC subscribers / Call Sign readers that have contributed so far! I’ll let you know how I get on… A bientot Bob Woodford (Ex-P49) Saint Genies de Fontedit, Languedoc, France

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