To make sure you get paid for a credit card trip…
   In the last edition of Call Sign (page 25), the DaC Financial Controller, Warren Smith, explained the new procedures for authorising Credit Card trips and the importance of providing manual receipts, especially when the terminal fails to read the card. More and more passengers are opting to use Credit Cards, particularly on longer journeys and it is with this in mind that I would like to clarify the current procedures that are now in place. I would also like to follow on from his article and further clarify a number of points that will safeguard payment on these types of transactions.
   It is very important that you follow these procedures at all times, which in turn will guarantee payment on trips - especially street generated pick ups that are cleared for significant amounts. If the cardholder, or sometimes the card issuer, queries a transaction or feels it is incorrect, they may take the money back from Dial-a-Cab. This can result in the payment for a particular trip to be taken back from you, even up to a year later. This is known as a Chargeback and it has no time limit, so it is imperative that you keep all receipts in a safe place in case you are asked to bring the receipt in so that we can successfully defend the Chargeback.
   If you are unable to swipe the card at the beginning of the journey and are unable to provide a manual receipt and appropriate authorisation from the Contact Centre, do not under any circumstances accept the card. Often you may be able to key in the details, but this is not proof that the cardholder is present or that he / she has sufficient funds to make the payment. It could also be a stolen card. Don’t take the risk; ask for cash. It is a bitter pill to swallow when payment for a trip

Weekend Working on E14
   Please be aware that from 15th August, E14C and E14S no longer operated on Saturdays and Sundays. E14C and E14S are still open Monday to Friday 06:00 to 21:00. At all other times the work will be dispatched into E14, which remains as a physical zone.
   The changes have been made to assist drivers at weekends and to prevent them from being forced to sit on the E14C rank when the majority of street work comes from the underground station and Canada Square areas. This zone will be constantly monitored and it is important that you book in correctly at all times to avoid any procedure rule violations.

Displaying the Society logo…
   Finally, can I please remind you that any taxi reported as not displaying the Society logo is violating Procedure Rule No.18 ‘Not Displaying the Company Logo’ and without genuine reason, it may well result in a complaint. Only a small minority of members who joined prior to January 1996 and pay increased subscriptions, are exempt from this ruling. It is not surprising that taxis spotted picking up from various account addresses that have logos missing on one or both doors, are very often reported by those that do sport them. The rules are in place for a reason and after all, together with the cash booking number, it helps to promote our Society, which is surely a benefit to us all, particularly in this economic climate!