The Dial-a-Cab Internet Booking Facility - Up-Date.

I am very pleased to inform you that some of our account customers are now helping to trial this innovative booking facility. It has been quite some time since the last up-date, but I can assure you that the project is now moving forward with due haste. I am also pleased to say that Allen Togwell is augmenting the web site content and I am liaising with our IT department and pushing the project to its conclusion.
   I must point out that Dial-a-Cab is in fact the pioneer of the Internet taxi on-line Booking System, therefore some hiccups will undoubtedly occur. I believe no other cab company has the technical expertise or even the vision to see the future benefits of this on-line booking system. Our customers most certainly like the idea and all that it offers.

Future Benefits to Drivers?

I believe that driver's statements, information regarding changes and updates on procedures, plus more frequent information on any and all Dial-a-Cab activities, could be sent via email.
   There could be added value placed on our web site, in other words various offers to drivers i.e. discount tyres, servicing and much more. You would also have the opportunity to comment via our own bulletin board, pick up national and world news, the list is endless. Of course, all this is only possible if you have a computer.
   With this in mind, I would be interested to know how many of you either have a PC or are thinking about purchasing one in the near future. This survey would give me an indication of whether I should source suppliers who will give our drivers favourable discount's for the purchase of computers. If the response is good, I can probably negotiate substantial discounts.
   You can leave your response or inquiry on my voice mail 0171 251 0581 ext.525.
   I will not pursue this matter any further unless and until I receive a reasonable response. I will allow four weeks from the issue of this month's Call Sign, after which this project will be scrubbed.

Spending Power

With discounts in mind, you may be interested to know that taxi drivers spend in the region of £114 million on diesel & oils, £2 million on batteries, £12 million on 

insurance (hire & reward) and £13 million on cab yearly  overhauls. These are of course very approximate figures. Other expenditures include cab/car wash, cab and car purchases, sports and leisure equipment, holidays, etc. I find it ludicrous that we do not take advantage of the purchasing power we have on behalf of drivers, staff and their families. Again your comments are most welcome.

The 1999 Private Hire & Taxi Exhibition, Donnington

A few weeks ago I, with Aubrey Siteman visited the above exhibition. It was important to know what the opposition are doing so far as consolidation of the private hire industry is concerned.
   Although the show was not as interesting as The Taxi Driver of The Year Competition and Trade Show, I must say both Aubrey and I were more than a little surprised to see the type of vehicles on offer for a much lower cost than the conventional black cab.
   For instance, new saloon cars and some really super MPV's for taxi use and with the disabled in mind, could be purchased for about £79 per week. Admittedly these vehicles are mainly for use in the provinces.
   Although not licensed for London at this time, within a very short period you will see Met Police plates on these vehicles. Undoubtedly we will have problems in competing with this type of private transport when they are licensed and I am sure you are aware - at least those who work at night - that more and more minicab drivers are buying the Espace type vans and touting for passengers in the street.
   Passengers do get into these vehicles, primarily because they see a nice new, clean vehicle plus the driver is wearing a shirt and tie. The assumption is that the driver is licensed, even though you and I know that it is still the same crooks driving them.
   When financial investments are forthcoming for the private hire industry in London together with the low cost of these hire and reward vehicles, the effect on the 

taxi trade will be profound.       Maybe questions should be asked to manufactures and suppliers of our cabs, whether they are concerned about their future. I would be interested in their replies.

Dial-a-Cab One Stop Transport

Yes, Again! I make no apologies for bringing this subject up again, especially after some of the comments in the last issue of Call Sign. Before I continue, it is important to remember that Call Sign does give the opportunity to drivers, staff and Board Members to air their views and make comment on almost any subject. It is also important to know that when Board Members make comment, they do add a health warning that the views expressed on their subjects are not necessarily the views or the policy of the Board of Management.
   And so it was with Tom Whitbread's previous article about Limousines and who should drive them. As you have read in Call Sign, they were his thoughts only.  Whether you agree or not, the article has most certainly opened up a wider debate.
   I must point out that I, personally, in no way agree with Tom. In my opinion, no one other than Licensed Dial-a-Cab drivers should be permitted to drive limos or anything else for that matter, except of course helicopters (unless they have a pilot's licence). Allowing non-licensed drivers to drive and pick up our customers would be to the detriment of our company. When the last presentation about Dial-a-Cab limousines took place with Roger Ascough, I believe this was also the understanding of the membership.
   I read with interest the comments in the last issue of Call Sign and of course listen to the views of drivers when I am having a meal at the various eating houses. For the record, I do believe that cab garages in the future will buy cars as well as cabs, thus giving the opportunity to drivers to either rent a cab or a car.
   My comment to the wait-and-see-what-happens contingent is that if we bury our head in the sand and do nothing, we will get kicked from behind. Keep your comments coming. It is important to know that only you as shareholders will determine your future and the future of Dial-a-Cab.

Mike Son