ISSUE #24 OCT 2014
OUT & ABOUT OCTOBER | PG. 10
EVENT OF THE MONTH NARA CANDLE FESTIVAL | PG. 08
CANBERRA TAXI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ACT TAXI INDUSTRY | PG. 04 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF AERIAL CAPITAL GROUP LTD
KING CABBIE’S TIPS WITH CUSTOMERS ON-BOARD
“I REMOVE MY HEADPHONES“
Cabbies Breakfast
WELCOME
ISSUE #24 OCTOBER 2014
FROM THE MD’S DESK Security issues are topical in the press and video surveillance is now common in many aspects of daily life. Aerial’s Taxis have been fitted with security cameras in Canberra for many years with our fleet being the first to adopt this security system for Taxis. The cameras in our fleet are on their second generation of hardware and have proven their value is protecting drivers and in helping the police to do their job. Regulations on taxi camera standards are under review in many jurisdictions and the larger Australian states appear to be moving to review these standards on a 5 yearly cycle. One new development in camera technology is the adoption of a mobile IP high definition camera head linked to the taxi base with wireless connectivity. This hardware is currently being demonstrated to NZ based taxi companies. Aerial has been involved in these demonstration and we are considering a trial to compare alternative hardware and setups for both our Australian and NZ fleets. The manufacturer will be participating in a trial, which should take place in the first quarter of 2015. Consultation will occur with the ACT Government and in particular the police. Adoption of this new technology will depend on the trial. Overseas trends suggest IP based high definition security camera monitoring is viable and this technology may become part of Aerial’s commitment to build taxi business in the ACT (safe and secure taxis).
MARK BRAMSTON Managing Director Aerial Capital Group
FLEET NEWS
02
TRAINING ROOM
CABBIES REUNION
03
03
ACT TAXI INDUSTRY
NARA FESTIVAL
04
06
EVENTS
07
MULTICULTURAL
08
NEW | CABSPOT 66
09
OUT & ABOUT
14
NGA | ARTHUR BOYD
15
MEET THE DRIVER
16
COMMENDABLE DRIVERS
18
For any enquiries regarding the CabBerra taxi industry magazine, please give us a call on 02 6126 1696 or email us at marketing@aerialcapitalgroup.com.au
NEWS
02 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
NEWS CUSTOMERS UNDERPINNING DRIVER FORTUNE With Spring in full swing I hope everyone has seen an increase in business with the warmer weather around. In recent issues of Cabberra we have spoken about issues that affect drivers and ways around managing them when times are tough. In this month’s Fleet News I want to talk about an important aspect of our industry, the customer. Everyone knows that without the customer handing over the dollar at the end of the fare we would all be out of a job. So this month I want to focus on the common complaints we are receiving day in day out. In the month of September we received more than 50 external complaints regarding Taxis and drivers associated with Aerial fleets. There are 30 calendar days in the month of September, this means we received 1.6 official complaints a day. In 2014 we have already received in excess of 350 official customer complaints. In essence this could be 350 customers the Taxi industry has lost forever. So what are customers complaining about? Here are the top 5 reasons why customers have complained in 2014:
FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
1. Overcharging - Most often caused by incorrect rate or failure, not travelling by the shortest route and failing to explain additional charges to the customer
you ever been guilty of one of the items on the list. If the answer is yes, then aim to make sure that it doesn’t occur again.
During my recent travels in taxis, they have also unfortunately not been good experiences. On three separate trips all three drivers were guilty of one the items on the list above. Speeding, tailgating and 3. Dirty Taxi - Smell and lack of cleaning on dirty taxis featured in all three examples. the inside of the Taxi The aim of this month’s Fleet news is to 4. Failing to assist or help carry for a draw attention to all drivers the reasons customer – Most common from ranks near why customers are not happy with the Taxi shopping centres. Either refusing to take service being delivered. Using the correct the customer because the destination rate, explaining extra charges, obeying address is local or if taking the customer all road laws, keeping the taxi clean and failing to assist with bags. always offering to assist customers is what 5. On the Phone whilst customer on board the customer’s want, so let’s aim to please. – Driver texting whilst driving or on the For those drivers who have not been guilty phone to a friend whilst driving. of the items above congratulations and keep up the good work. That’s all for this As a fleet, understanding what the edition of Fleet News, stay safe and we will customers expect from the service they are paying for is quite important. The large see you on a rank sometime soon. majority of the drivers in the industry understand exactly what kind of service JASON SHIELDS they must deliver to every customer they carry. However all drivers should take a look at the list above and ask yourself have 2. Dangerous Driving - Tailgating, failing to stop at stop signs, late braking and speeding
NEWS
CABBERRA TWENTY TWO - 03
TRAINING ROOM It Isn’t a Race
Hi All, This week I will talk about something that some of you are probably going to think is a bit odd. Still I would like to talk about it and I think it is particularly relevant to taxi driving. I am a strong believer in karma, that what goes around comes around. This sometimes conflicts with my belief in the phrase “who ever said life was fair”, but I think both concepts are valid and have an important place in life. My feelings, from when I was driving, were that it seemed as though the drivers who do things such as stealing other drivers’ fares are the ones who constantly have no jobs and difficult customers. From conversations I have had with Jason, the fleet manager, he has expressed to me that it seems that the drivers that get into real trouble with passengers are generally the ones that are doing the wrong thing. It seemed that drivers who did the right
thing were the ones that rarely had any problems during the shift, and from personal experience I had even less issues when I had a positive attitude.
customers in the taxi, working with taxi drivers on the radio when I was working in the contact centre, students coming through the class and people in everyday life. During the course I train the new guys Unfortunately, no matter how much we in the right way to do things, the rules do the right thing sometimes bad things and regulations they need to follow. All of happen to good people. That does not us are aware of what is right and wrong, give us a reason to start doing the wrong we need to think of others as much as thing, the right thing to do is to keep doing ourselves. your best to do right by others. An “if you It is too easy sometimes to only remember can’t beat them join them” attitude is a terrible way to approach taxi driving and if the people you have problems with and we all thought like that our industry would forget about the vast majority who are be in very big trouble. great people, but if you can keep in mind the positive experiences, things are much Try to keep things in perspective. In my easier. experience nine out of ten, or ninety percent, of people are fine, you have a nice Take care of yourselves, and think of conversation and everything is normal. Out others too. of the last ten percent maybe only two or three out of ten you have any actual MICHAEL CLARE problems with, the others you just don’t really see eye to eye with. This holds true for most experiences I have had, from
CABBIES REUNION It’s on for new and old more experienced and ex cabbies. Alex McKeough and Peter Sillis invite all cabbies past and present to meet at the Tradies Club Dickson at around 4:00pm on Saturday 8th November To swap yarns and “have a quiet one” (A few laughs are assured. You might need a shovell)
CTIA
04 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
The Nicholls Report: An Evaluation of Towards the end of 2013, the Canberra Taxi Industry Association engaged Prof Des Nicholls of the Research School of Management, College of Business and Economics, Australian National University to evaluate the state of the ACT taxi industry. His report was tabled at the June meeting of the CTIA Board. The report covered all aspects of the Canberra taxi industry from demand trends for taxi services to smartphone apps, lease fees, the taxi plate release system and release model, and the taxi fare model. An interesting observation made by Prof Nicholls regarded the impact that IT advances have had on the collection and the reliability of information relating to taxi operations. Past reliance on the co-operation of a shrinking number of agreeable operators had raised questions of the representativeness of the operators involved. The information obtained came from the Aerial Capital Group and so represents over 90% of Canberra’s taxi fleet. Demand trends Between 2006 and 2013, demand for taxi services rose by 10%, while the number of hirings per taxi fell by 14%. The number of taxis on the road rose by 29% and resulted in the number of FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
hirings per taxi per day from 24.1 to 21.0. A very interesting statistic was the drop in the percentage of radio hirings from 61% to 49.8%, figures now more in line with the larger cities. This reflects the 11% drop in the number of radio hirings during those seven years. As the number of airport passenger arrivals has continually dropped over the past few years, it appears that the number of walkups and hails has increased in the town centres, or that more private bookings are being done. Smartphone Applications Prof Nicholls commented on the IT advances that have led to the emergence smartphone apps and their application to the taxi industry, and the moves by some legislators to regulate their use. [Unregulated use of phone apps has the potential to destroy the structure of the taxi industry, the livelihood of both operators and drivers, and the end to taxi services to people with disabilities. On the other hand, industry affiliated phone apps may also be used to enhance the performance of taxi networks to the benefit of all passengers, drivers and operators].
Taxi Plate Lease Fees With regard to government owned taxi plate lease fees, which have been leased since 2007 for an annual fee of $20,000 payable quarterly, Prof Nicholls demonstrated that the constant lease fee has devalued the privately owned perpetual plates and resulted in their owners suffering significant losses in their superannuation valuations and in their current income. Prof Nicholls demonstrated that $20,000 in today’s terms was equivalent to $17,061 in 2007 terms, in reality a $3000 reduction since 2007 and a considerable loss of revenue to the ACT Government. He referred to lease fees for government owned licences in New South Wales, where they are subject to market forces (bids by tender) and Victoria, where the fee started at $22,000 payable up front for the first year (2013), and then increased annually by CPI minus 0.5%. The recent taxi industry inquiry in Victoria recommended that lease fees should be fixed at $20,000, but the Victorian Government recognized the long term detrimental financial effect this would have on perpetual standard licence holders, and set the base fee at $22,000 (up front), to be increased
CTIA
CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR- 05
the Current State of the ACT Taxi Industry annually by CPI minus 0.5%. Prof Nicholls has recommended that the adoption of the Victorian approach would give owners, operators and drivers a more stable environment in which to operate.
excessive number of licences as has happened in the past]. He recommended that the Government consult with the taxi industry and introduce a mechanism for the timely redistribution of surrendered taxi licences.
The Taxi Plate Release System The Taxi Plate Release Model Prof Nicholls commented on the present situation where there is no mechanism in place to release new or surrendered taxi licences. Since 2007, ballots have been held to determine who would receive an offer to accept the lease of a government taxi licence, and some or all of the unsuccessful applicants have been put onto a reserve list. Those on the list would be offered a lease if an earlier successful applicant had declined an offer or surrendered a licence to the Government. The reserve list was in place for a limited time and the latest list expired during 2013, so there is currently no mechanism in place to release surrendered taxi licences, believed to number over forty. Prof Nicholls reported that the industry was concerned at this situation [The CTIA is concerned that if a need for additional taxi emerges unexpectedly, and a mechanism for a release in not in place, public complaints could lead to an overreaction and the release of an
The taxi plate release model is based on five weighted Key Performance Indicators. These are Change in Territory Final Demand, ACT Population Growth, Change in Canberra Airport Passenger Numbers, Change in Standard Taxi Meter Activations, and Change in Percentage of Pickups in less than 10 Minutes. Prof Nicholls argued that Airport Passenger Numbers should be changed to Airport Drop-offs and Pickups (a better reflection of taxi demand). He also recommended changes in three weightings and the methods by which statistics are to be processed.
altered. Changes usually lead to a small plus or minus result, but the industry is interested in an accurate determination for the sake of operators, drivers and passengers. Prof Nicholls has prepared extensive arguments as to why elements of the TCCI should be allocated different weightings. Prof Nicholls complete report may be found on the CTIA website.
www.canberrataxiindustry.com.au ____________________________ The CTIA has held preliminary talks with Departmental officers with regard to Prof Nicholls report and intends to argue strongly for the recommended changes, which, it believes, have the capacity to bring better stability and confidence to the taxi industry.
The TCCI (Taxi Fare) Model The current TCCI consists of 10 indices, all weighted according to a determination made in 2004. It was recognised in the 2010 Taxi Review that the index was due for a review, but the index has not been FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
06 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
AERIAL’S NEW WORKSHOP TEAM Aerial Capital Group is proud to announce our new workshop team of Stuart and Kamal. Stuart has joined us after many years associated with the car industry. He is an experienced installer of equipment and certified battery installer and brings a number of other skills to the workshop. Kamal has been working in Aerial’s workshop for some time and has now
FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
joined the team on a full time basis. He has been fully trained by MTData and Verifeye in the installation and maintenance of their equipment. Please be aware that the previous workshop staff are no longer associated with Aerial Capital Group and are not authorized to work on Aerial’s equipment. Any unauthorized work will immediately void any maintenance, warranty and insurance
cover currently provided by Aerial and the operator will be liable for all repairs and/or replacement of equipment. For all installations and repairs to MTData and Verifeye equipment please contact Aerial Reception to make an appointment. Don’t take the risk of using an unauthorized installer.
CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR- 07
GET A TAXI FAST!
BOOK & TRACK VISIT CANBERRAELITE.COM.AU
FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
08 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
canberra nara candle festival saturday 25th october 4.30pm - 9pm Canberra’s annual celebration of its sister city relationship with Nara, Japan. Enjoy free entertainment, delicious Japanese food, and cultural activities. There is fun and interesting activities for the children. Try a variety of Japanese cruisine for sale or purchase beautiful deisgner Japanese handicrafts. The evening culminates with a display of over 2000 candles in Canberra’s very own Japanese inspired garden, canberra Nara Peace Park. Where: Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla. On the lake behind the Hyatt Hotel. IMAGE CREDIT: VISIT CANBERRA
Ray White race day Enjoy a great afternoon of racing in the nation’s capital on one of the best tracks in the country at Thoroughbred Park. Free admission, snack bar, bookies and tote facilities available. Dates and times: 24 October 2014; approx. 12:30pm Address: Thoroughbred Park, Randwick Road, Lyneham.
FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
IMAGE CREDIT: THOROUGHBRED PARK
NEWS
CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR- 09
EVENT
DATE AND TIME
LOCATION
2014 Kookaburra Cup The Harbinger National Library of Australia School Holiday Activities Jimmy Barnes 30:30 Hindsight
1/10/2014 to 3/10/2014 1/10/2014 to 4/10/2014
Manuka Oval The Street Theatre
02/10/2014
National Library of Australia
03/10/2014
afterDARK Scavenger Hunt Tours
4/10/2014 to 1/11/2014
Handmade Market October Parliament House — Spring tea in the gardens
4/10/2014 to 5/10/2014 04/10/2014
Sängerfest Gala Concert
04/10/2014
Gallery Floor Talk - Absorb
04/10/2014
Bill Bailey - Limboland
04/10/2014
The Llewellyn Choir at the High Court
05/10/2014
Sesame Street presents Elmo’s World Tour Youth Care Race Day and Students Race Day FourPlay String Quartet This Machine Missy Higgins - Oz Tour Old Bus Depot Markets - Retro Depot
09/10/2014 10/10/2014 11/10/2014 11/10/2014 12/10/2014
Rick Springfield
13/10/2014
La Fille mal gardée, The Wayward Daughter The 7 Sopranos Public Talk: Tsunami Warning Systems since 26 December 2004 August Osage County
15/10/2014 to 19/10/2014 15/10/2014
Canberra Theatre Centre Australian National Botanic Gardens The National Convention Centre Parliament House Llewellyn Hall, Australian National University Canberra Glassworks Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre High Court of Australia, Public Hall, Level 2 Canberra Theatre Thoroughbred Park The Street Theatre Gundaroo Park Old Bus Depot Markets Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre Canberra Theatre Centre Llewellyn Hall
16/10/2014
CSIRO Discovery Centre
17/10/2014 to 2/11/2014
Canberra Latin Dance Festival 2014
17/10/2014 to 19/10/2014
PULSE: Reflections on the body Heart and Soul Singers & Aranda Community Choir at the High Court Miss Muddy Canberra Tidbinbilla Extravaganza International Netball Test Series - Australia v England Llewellyn Series 14.4 Rodrigo Canberra Symphony Orchestra 18th Canberra International Film Festival
18/10/2014 to 22/02/2015
19/10/2014 19/10/2014
Canberra Theatre Australian National University Sports & Recreation, Building 19 and 19A Canberra Museum and Gallery High Court of Australia, Public Hall, Level 2 Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
22/10/2014
AIS Arena
22/10/2014 to 23/10/2014
Once Were Leaders - An evening with Max Gillies
23/10/2014 to 24/10/2014
Pat Metheny Unity Group
23/10/2014
Brian Cox - Making Sense of the Cosmos
24/10/2014
Ray White Race Day The Tradies Meteors v Victoria Spirit In Conversation : Ian 'Molly' Meldrum's Memoirs Brad Garrett Hilltop Hoods Seventh Wonder: The Fleetwood Mac Experience The Jeff Tain Watts Quartet
24/10/2014 24/10/2014 27/10/2014 27/10/2014 30/10/2014 31/10/2014 31/10/2014
Llewellyn Hall, Australian National University Dendy Cinemas Canberra The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre Canberra Theatre Centre Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre Thoroughbred Park Manuka Oval National Library of Australia Canberra Theatre Centre Australian Institute of Sport Arena Canberra Theatre FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG The Street Theatre
19/10/2014
23/10/2014 to 9/11/2014
10 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
BHUTAN: WHERE WEALTH REALLY IS HAPPINESS
MEET PHURBA PHURBA TX 120 DRIVING TAXIS FOR 3 WEEKS LANGUAGE TUTIORIAL GREETINGS / HELLO : KUZOOZANGPO LA GOOD BYE : LOG JAY GAY (MEANING WE’LL MEET AGAIN) HOW ARE YOU : GA DAY BAY ZHU YOE GA ? I’M FINE : NGA LEG SHOM BAY RANG YOEY
Bhutan is the only place in the world not to measure its country’s prosperity through Gross Domestic Product but through Gross National Happiness. If happiness truly is wealth, then Bhutan is the wealthiest Asian country and the eighth wealthiest country in the world (according to Business Week 2010). Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a population of approx. 800,000 people. In Bhutan’s native language Dzongkha, Bhutan is known as Dryukyul which means Land of the Dragons and it is ruled by the Druk Gyalpo (The Dragon King) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Bhutan is situated at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is south of Tibet, FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
east of Nepal and northeast of India. According to Phurba, it is a pristine place covered by 70% natural wilderness and is home to over 10 species of large cats including tigers and snow leopards. The secret to their happiness is looking after the welfare of its people, looking after the environment in which its people live and preserving traditions. Bhutan is also largely self-sufficient. Their small economy is rapidly growing and is considered one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Their economy is largely based on Agriculture, the main livelihood of over 50% of the population, followed by forestry, tourism and the sale of hydroelectric
power. The rise of their economic growth is largely attributed to their relationship with India and the sale of their hydroelectric power to them. While in Bhutan, Phurba was very much involved in the resources that help to define Bhutan, working in the Department of Forestry. He has come to Australia to study and has been here for three and a half years. He is currently studying Environmental Science at the University of Canberra. Phurba has enjoyed becoming a taxi driver as it offers flexible work around his studies, it helps with the costs of Canberra living and there are always interesting people to meet.
CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR- 11
CabSpot 66
INTRODUCING CABSPOT 66 |
GOODWIN AGED CARE FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
12 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
NEWS FROM THE NEW CONTACT CENTRE MANAGER I assumed the role of Contact Centre Manager two months ago and have inherited a balanced and enthusiastic team of committed staff. The Contact Centre is comprised of Agents, Premium Service Agents, Dispatchers and Supervisors. Our goal in the Contact Centre is to provide a consistent, fair, efficient and professional level of service for drivers and customers. This will be achieved through an ongoing process of training and developing the right people in the most suitable areas. Identifying keys areas of opportunity and implementing improvements and changes is also central to our strategic approach. We understand that our industry dictates that our jobs can vary from brilliant to frustrating, from day-to-day and job-to-job. We also appreciate that drivers are the arm of the business that come face to face with the customer; and the success of the drivers’ shift is assisted immensely by a well-run and organised Contact Centre. The Dispatchers’ role is to provide voice assistance for drivers and monitor and facilitate the running
FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
and integrity of the network. Network integrity is critical to equality and distribution of available work. Dispatchers’ are not responsible for management of the network and sometimes questions, suggestions or complaints will be referred to the Fleet Department. Please always remember the Dispatcher has a responsibility to the customer, the driver on the radio and the other drivers waiting for work. As a business unit we are seeking uniformity in the way we communicate with drivers over the query channel. We often access and listen to recordings to identify better and more efficient ways to communicate with drivers. These recordings are often used for coaching and training to ensure we are achieving a consistently high standard of communication. Our taxi network is continually evolving and improving. The introduction of new technologies and dispatch methods has led to changes in the way we conduct our business. Our goal will always remain to provide accurate booking information to all drivers. We continually liaise with the Fleet department to ensure our database is as up to date as possible. Our service area has been changing
at a very fast rate; there are so many more buildings, businesses and suburbs that are being developed and we do our utmost to make sure we are as up to date as possible. We aim to ensure booking accuracy through training, research and staying on top of what is going on in the community and on the road. We strive to be as prepared as possible and to communicate information for events and changes to the fleet as they arise. I cannot speak highly enough of drivers who query base to relay any such information that will impact the operation of the network. This open communication is of great assistance to ensure we get everything right as often as possible. We are constantly seeking to identify and implement measures to improve the way we operate our business unit and look forward to a sustained relationship with the driver community. We would like to wish everyone all the best for the upcoming Parliamentary and festive seasons.
DAVID LAWLESS
CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR- 13
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
Send your answer to CabBerra@aerialcapitalgroup.com.au. The first correct reply will recieve a $30 Cafe Voucher from Urban Corner Cafe. The correct answer will be published next month.
EARN $600 + GST/ YEAR ENQUIRE NOW: STEVE WIGHTMAN 02 9807 2644
ROVA Taxi Media has been in operation for more than 12 years, supplying in excess of $2.2 million to owners and operators of taxis throughout Australia each year. • • •
ROVA fits & fully maintains struts, modules & panels. We fit a wide variety of cars. On roads service means no inconvenience to you.
• • •
Our modules and their content meet all Transport Regulations. Any broken or damaged units are repaired at our cost. We source all advertising for display.
www.rova.net.au 02 9807 2644 info@rova.net.au
FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
EVENTS
14 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
10
AND
OUT ABOUT OCTOBER 2014
Javad TX500 @ Fleet Inspections
Chandramohan TX429 & Jesi TX 482
Chan TX472@ Fleet Inspections
@ Fleet Inspections
Jatinder TX493@ Fleet inspections
Savang TX 62 @ Fleet Inspections
Jatinder @ Fleet Inspections
Chris TX 212 @ Fleet Inspections
Livtesh TX 444 @ Fleet Inspections
Gurinder TX 302 @ Fleet Inspections
Dheeraj Kumar TX 434 @ Fleet Inspections
Talwinder Singh TX 133 @ Fleet Inspections
Aamir @ The Base
FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
AL S FIN EEK W
EVENTS
Tickets available at the Gallery | Open daily 10 am – 5 pm MAJOR PARTNER
ACCOMMODATION PARTNER
Arthur Boyd Nebuchadnezzar making a cloud 1968, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. The Arthur Boyd gift 1975
16 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
Dushan Sedoglavich Meet the Driver section is proudly sponsored by Waves Carwash. The interviewee receives up to $102 worth of carwash services.
What brought you here? I am originally from Yugoslavia and moved to New Zealand in 1996 working as an owner/operator. My wife then got a teaching job offer here in Canberra and we have been here since July 2009. The main reason that I am here is to be with my wife. How many years of experience as a taxi driver? I started driving in July 2009, almost as soon, as I arrived for one of the industry’s well-known operatirs Gary Whitby. When he left the industry in May 2011, I started driving for other operators. So five years in total as a taxi driver. I have thought about expanding and becoming an operator and will hopefully sometime in the future. Why did you choose a job as a taxi driver? This job is great because I like to meet different people from all around the world. And as I enjoy making new friends, this job is perfect for me. I look at a person as an individual and treasure their differences. Life is very short but moves so fast – you just have got to enjoy it while it lasts.
10CT
Has the industry changed since you first started and do you have any suggestions for making the work environment better? There’s no denying that the current climate is tough which makes it difficult to find customers. I used to earn about 40 percent more back when I started and I can only imagine that the situation makes it harder to manage taxis. What I have noticed is that people are trying to cut costs for short-term gains. More people are trying to catch the same taxis or other means of transportation. However, from my point of view, it may not be the most cost effective way because time is also money, and time away from work to travel on other means of transport could affect efficiency in the long run. I also think people in the industry are more afraid of what could possibly happen in the future. When I first started in Canberra as a driver, people are friendlier and had a positive outlook on things that were happening around them but now everyone is separated because of their differences and always dwelling on the negatives. I am not saying that everyone is like that but there are a number of people and it
6 Nov 2014
is now more apparent than it was before. We used to think we were all friends and that we were are all responsible for each other’s success. I think that is the mind-set we need to stick to. We are not enemies or competitors and we need each other. We shouldn’t be selfish. If you are friendly and care about others, it would be much easier to work on our differences. Age, race, culture and background should not matter at all.
BECAUSE YOU DESERVE A BREAK Make us your next stop. Enjoy coffee or tea of your choice & a muffin for $5
OFFER VALID FOR ALL TAXI DRIVERS YOU CAN FIND US AT SHOP 1/100 BARRIER STREET FYSHWICK
18 - CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR
C MMEND
Toby J Morison A message from your passenger: I am writing to let you know what a great bloke the driver of TX57 is. My husband and I were out for dinner when we were notified our house alarm had gone off. As we had been broken in before we were quite urgent to get home. We used the new booking web app which was really fast. Our driver was also very understanding and got us home as quickly as possible. Once we reached our destination he got out of the car to help ensure that everything was ok.
Tan Tai Huynh
Charles Ayer
My driver was fantastic. He helped with my bag, asked my preferred route, knew where he was going and arrived on time.
A message from your customer:
It was a great experience.
FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
I left my phone in a taxi on Friday evening and was very impressed that the driver notified me and went on to drop it off the following day, wish all drivers were that kind. He was driving cab 183 on Friday night.
CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR- 19
ABLE DRIVERS Parampal Brar Here’s what your passenger has said: I went from the Caroline Chisholm Centre (CCC) to Sheppard Street Hume yesterday with return in a maxi cab. I left my phone in the taxi. When I realised later that I lost the phone I rang the taxi company and on the front screen of my phone is a RSS feed with my name and a number to call. The driver of the taxi called me and then arranged to return the phone to CCC this morning. He was so accommodating and pleasant and honest. I want to thank him and your company. Also the feedback from the reception desk in CCC is that the driver was extremely pleasant and they were also very grateful, knowing that I live in Adelaide and was desperate to receive my phone back. They have sent the details and information around to other staff, sharing the really pleasing positive story. Pass on my thanks and appreciation on to the driver.
Md Abdin Said Your customer was very grateful that you have returned his wallet. He was very impressed with your honesty and integrity. Well done!
Shop 1/100 Barrier Street Fyshwick FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 6pm CANBERRA’S ONE-STOP RETAIL DESTINATION
Canberra’s only outlet centre is located in the heart of Fyshwick on the corner of Newcastle Street and Canberra Avenue.
STAMP
STAMP
HERE
HERE
Subway Offer: Free meal deal! Receive 600ml Coke variety and two cookies with any sub purchased.
Genki Sushi Offer: 10% off everything, everyday!
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
Not to be used in conjunction with VIP offers.
Not to be used in conjunction with VIP offers.
Only valid at Subway, Canberra Outlet Centre.
Only valid at Genki Sushi, Canberra Outlet Centre.
- VALID ONE TIME ONLY -
- VALID ONE TIME ONLY -
STAMP
HERE
The Coffee Club Offer: 10% off all purchases. Terms & Conditions Not to be used in conjunction with VIP offers or on public holidays or with any other offer. Only valid at The Coffee Club, Canberra Outlet Centre. - VALID ONE TIME ONLY -
facebook.com/canberraoutletcentre canberraoutletcentre.com.au
ENTERTAINMENT
CABBERRA TWENTY FOUR- 21
Win $100 Canberra Centre Gift Card. Provide your passengers with exceptional customer service and stand a chance to win a gift card worth $100. Encourage your passengers to write to us at the base commending your great customer service to be in the running to win the Canberra Centre Commendable Driver of the Month. Only one selected driver will be chosen every month commencing September 2013.
$100
Canberra Centre Gift Card. FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG
We are here to help you work smarter. 3
1
7
6
5
1
4
5
4 9
9 7
8
2
6
6 2
7 8
4
Now you have time to spare. Visit www.fujixerox.com.au Xerox, Xerox and Design, as well as Fuji Xerox and Design [add any other trademarks that are used here] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xerox Corporation in Japan and/or other countries and are used under license.