news
Take Me adds West Country operator A1 Ace Taxis to growing national portfolio Mark Bursa Ambitious private hire operator Take Me Group has made another takeover in the West Country. The deal, which brings 80-car fleet A1 Ace taxis of Bridgewater and Taunton into the group, is Take Me’s third of 2022. The group has so far this year added two Yorkshire operators, Station Taxis of Malton and Star Cars of Catterick, to its portfolio, which also includes ADT Taxis, VGT Taxis, TC Cars, Steve’s Taxis, Tower Cabs, Taxifirst, Westside Taxis and Intercity Private Hire. A1 Ace Taxis owner Mike Davis said he was delighted to be joining Take Me: “It has been a great experience meeting all the team from Take Me. I know that now being part of a national group but with a local focus will really help my drivers and offer our customers a better service.” A1 Ace is the largest taxi firm between Bristol and Plymouth. The company also runs an MOT centre,
[from left] Mike Davis of A1 Ace Taxis, and Peter Bresland of Tower Cabs
as well as its own garage services. A1 Ace will work closely with Take Me’s existing Plymouth-based operations, Taxifirst and Tower Cabs, both of which were acquired in 2021. Davis acquired A1 Taxis in May 2008, then added another local firm, Deane Taxis, in September 2008 The company then merged with Ace Taxis
in August 2009. The company runs on a Cordic despatch system and would be staying on that system “for the time being” according to Take Me Group CEO David Hunter. He continued: “2022 is shaping up to be a great year. We have already added Station Taxis of Malton and Star Cars of Catterick, so to add
A1 Ace Taxis in the Taunton and Bridgewater areas helps us cement our expansion plans.” He continued: “I know Mike will bring some new ideas which we can share around our other teams. The power of a network is the best way forward for our industry, and we are always open to new conversations with taxi owners who would like to find out more.” “This is how as a group we get better with every new company that joins us. Each brings its own unique skills, and together we become stronger. Keep your eyes peeled for what may happen in April!” Davis worked with Take Me director John Gardner to complete the deal. Davis added: “John and David both come from the taxi industry. They are all ‘taxi people’ and understood exactly what sort of problems and solutions we need. It will be good for my business, my drivers, and staff to now be part of Take Me.”
Portsmouth private hire bus lane trial delayed until summer 2022 Mark Bursa A trial scheme to allow private hire vehicles to use bus lanes in Portsmouth has been delayed until the summer. The three-month trial was originally scheduled for late March. But Portsmouth City Council has decided to reschedule it, citing a need to consider the safest approach following changes to the Highway Code. During the trial, Portsmouth-licenced PHVs would be able to use selected bus lanes in the same way as emergency vehicles, taxis, bikes and rental e-scooters. Cllr Lynne Stagg, cabinet member for traffic and transportation, said: “Since the trial was given the go ahead there have been changes to the Highway Code that need to be carefully considered. We are committed to making sure this trial is run as safely as possible, and with the most up to date research at our fingertips. For that reason we are writing to other local authorities in the country so we are able to share our collective knowledge and learn from each other.”
6
“We want to provide easier, greener travel options for everyone in the city, 24 hours a day, with safety at the top of the agenda. We are working closely with users of bus lanes in
the city to make sure they are informed and empowered to use the bus lanes in the correct manner. We will continue to meet with them regularly ahead of the new trial date.”
APRIL 2022
