by Allen Togwell
At the time of this report going to press, we would have been half way through
the American newspaper project. Compared to the general reluctance in the past when our
members were asked to get involved with promoting our society, it was truly encouraging to
see the keen response on this occasion. To those who are not fully aware of the relevance
in promoting an American newspaper, the object of the exercise was briefly as follows:
The American newspaper is a UK publication written for
Americans living or working in the UK. The publication, whilst carrying UK news and
topics, is written through the eyes of American journalists. In return for our involvement
in promoting the paper to American passengers, the paper would carry the Dial-a-Cab brand
on the front page as a complimentary issue, the paper would also run articles about
Dial-a-Cab and also the licensed cab trade. Whilst many of our senior clients are American
owned companies, employing a considerable number of Americans, it isn’t often that
the employees who we transport around actually know much about Dial-a-Cab. It is hoped
that by reaching these people, particularly those that work for any company whose account
we share with another taxi supplier, that they will learn enough about our company, our
services and our drivers and that it will encourage them to use us more.
It is also hoped that The American newspaper will be a vehicle for creating a
greater awareness and a better understanding between Americans and the English -
particularly London cab drivers.
RUDE? NOT US GUYS…
It is an accepted fact that many of the American passengers we pick up, especially traders
from the large Banks, can appear extremely rude when they speak to our
drivers. When questioned about this attitude, many genuinely are surprised
and believe they have done nothing to bring on this image. I personally can accept their
surprise to a point because having been in New York a couple of months ago, I found it odd
the way they gave instructions to cab drivers, hotel porters, barmen or shop keepers etc
without saying please or thank you.
With this in mind, The American has suggested that they would like to include
a tongue in cheek column about what irritates cab drivers most about Americans. So if you
have any suggestions, get them to me quick!
The irony is that this attitude in American’s changes when they discover
you are English, as was the case when I visited Brooks Brothers in New York. I was in the
shirt department when a wealthy looking guy dressed in a bright yellow jacket and white
plus fours, thinking I was the floor manager, poked me in the back and without a thank you
or please demanded I direct him to menswear. I wasn’t too surprised at this as for
some peculiar reason it happens to me every time I set foot in John Lewis, (although in JL
its nearly always an attractive lady that approaches me ). So I put on my best Rex
Harrison accent and duly sent him as far as possible in the wrong direction, to which, on
realizing I was English, he couldn’t thank me enough.
ATTITUDE PROBLEM?
On the question of attitude, I have come across yet again this month several drivers who
for some reason or another, have an
attitude problem regarding their profession. Not only was it me
that had cause to remonstrate with these drivers, a radio presenter had a similar comment
to make to a driver the week before. In the radio presenters case, he asked the driver
something about his profession to which he replied I’m ONLY a cab driver. The
presenter said; "What do you mean ‘ONLY’ you should be proud of that
fact." And he is absolutely right.
Contrary to what some of our members think of me and those that resent the
idea that Board Members should appear by the way they dress to be something that - in
their opinion - we are not, whenever I am in company away from the office, be it business
or pleasure and I am asked for my profession, I have no hesitation in saying I am a cab
driver. I say it even though the driving of a cab has occupied the least time of my
professional career.
I am a tailor by trade and until a few years ago, I made most of my own
clothes. I was 26 years in my own business designing and manufacturing ladies
ready-to-wear. I’ve made ladies fashions in Paris, I’ve manufactured ladies
trimmings, I’ve made ski trousers in Switzerland and Lederhosen in Austria. I have a
business card which states I am a Board Member with a position as head of Sales &
Marketing and I could, if I was pretentious, add MIDM to my name for marketing.
As a Board Member of a £30million business, I could quite rightly ride on
the back of that fact, yet as the TV and radio programs that I have been on will prove,
when I am asked for my profession I state quite proudly that I am a London licensed taxi
driver - a cabby. I have absolutely no reason to be ashamed of being a cabby or being
called a cabby and neither should any of you.
