TaxiPoint August 2021 Edition 28 by TaxiPoint

The UK’s #1 Taxi News Source Over 1.5

Edition 28 | AUGUST 2021

million magazine reads in the last year

“IT’S ABSURD”: PRESSURE MOUNTS ON APP FIRMS WILL WE SEE A DRIVER LED HAILING APP AGAIN? CAN TAXI DRIVERS BE SUED?

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EDITORIAL

IN THE TRADE? Following the successful launch of TaxiPoint’s new WhatsApp messaging service, more drivers and industry workers from across the UK are being invited to sign up and receive the latest news straight to their phone. TaxiPoint was the first, and remains the only industry news source, to launch the free service for the trade. Since its launch subscribers to the service have been treated to regular updates and BIG breaking news stories as they happen. Our aim is to connect the UK taxi industry using this effective tool.

To join the service, all you need to do is open WhatsApp and send a message that includes the word ‘NEWS’ to TaxiPoint to join. The number to send the message to is 07516 496803. Remember to save our number as ‘TaxiPoint’ to ensure you receive our messages. We promise not to bombard you with messages and will only ever send out the very best content to our subscribers – so this is definitely one WhatsApp channel you won’t want to mute! So sign up now and become part of our innovative new WhatsApp news service.

TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Editor: Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager: Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at: www.taxi-point.co.uk Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquiries at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk The publishers reserve the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisers must comply with the British Code of Advertising practice. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. All written and image rights are reserved by the author as displayed. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2021. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

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AUGUST 2021 - Edition 28

TAXI LICENSING

A Private Members’ Bill that will focus on ‘overhauling’ licensing within the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) industry will face its second reading in September. The MP presenting the new Bill, Darlington’s Peter Gibson, said the Bill was needed to keep up pace with ‘rapid innovation’ and to manage the ‘evolution’ in public transport. Speaking exclusively to TaxiPoint, Peter Gibson MP said: “Earlier this year I was successfully drawn to introduce a Private Members’ Bill in the House of Commons. I have chosen to table the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Bill in the House of Commons. “I was contacted by hundreds of third parties, all eager for me to work with them on their proposed Bill. However, it was clear to me that this Bill would have a considerable positive impact on the taxi and private hire vehicle industry and be beneficial to not only service users but also the wider industry. This Bill will ensure that the hard working and honest

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“… this Bill would have a considerable positive impact on the taxi and private hire vehicle industry and be beneficial to not only service users but also the wider industry…” PETER GIBSON MP

Image credit: members.parliament.uk

TAXI LICENSING taxi and private hire vehicles drivers do not have their reputations tarnished by the small number that abuse their position of trust and do not respect their role as a professional driver.

for use by all licensing authorities in England to enable them to obtain vital information when considering the suitability of licence applicants. Secondly, licensing authorities will also be required to report any serious safeguarding or road safety “In July I met with the Suzy concerns, to the licensing authority Lamplugh Trust who campaign to which issued an individual of reduce the risk of violence and concern with a licence, requiring the aggression throughout society, licensing authorities to consider following the mysterious disappearance of Suzy in 1986 and I reviewing an individual’s licence. also met with the relatives of Sian “This legislation will mitigate the O’Callaghan who was tragically risk of unsuitable individuals murdered by a taxi driver on her working the current system to their way home from a nightclub in 2011. advantage, with not all licensing More recently we have witnessed authorities currently having access the shocking story of Sarah Everard to the same data. Although most which has led to the new tackling authorities do already adhere to Violence Against Women and Girls good practices when considering Strategy, published on 21 July this whether to grant licences, they year. don’t currently all have access to data, or indeed share their data on “The Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles Bill builds on the work already being refusals and revocations with other done to address and prevent tragic local authorities. instances such as these by ensuring that all those working in the taxi and private vehicle hire vehicle industry are suitable individuals and subsequently ensuring the safety of their passengers. The Bill will require, through clear and consistent legislation, which all licensing authorities must adhere to, the sharing of vital information on prospective taxi or private hire vehicle drivers and so assist licensing authorities in considering whether they are suitable for the role. “This Bill has two parts. Firstly, the creation of a centralised database

“I have met with many groups and businesses with an interest in this Bill and it has become apparent that there is still more work to do in this area. Although this Bill cannot fix everything it will go a long way in increasing the safety of passengers and instil greater confidence in the taxi and private vehicle hire sector.” The ‘Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (safeguarding and road safety) Bill’ will be read for a second time on 10 September, where it is expected the taxi and PHV industry will learn more details about the proposals set out.

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Charity

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May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

OPERATOR WARS

Pressure is rising on private hire operators to comply with new worker standards as Uber say “it’s absurd” that one operator will cover workers’ rights on one trip and not another.

to recruit the remaining drivers as demand for rides begins to return.

Uber also suggests that due to their 12.07% holiday payments, paid out weekly, as well as eligible drivers having access to a pension scheme, drivers could now see Uber as the more attractive and profitable option.

absurd that they will be covered with these workers’ rights on one trip and not another.

A spokesperson for Uber told TaxiPoint: “Only on Uber are UK drivers entitled to workers’ rights such As calls for all operators to offer basic as holiday pay, a pension and a working rights intensifies, Uber’s own guarantee to earn at least the National economic analysis shows drivers could Minimum Living Wage. No other now be better off working on their app operator has followed suit. rather than Bolt, since Bolt’s service “Drivers work across multiple fee was raised from 15% to 20%. platforms in any one day and it’s

“The Supreme Court was clear that drivers must be treated as workers. Other operators and ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Ola have substantially the same business model as Uber.”

With the number of licensed minicab drivers down due to low demand during the pandemic, operators such Back in February, the United Kingdom as Uber, Bolt and Ola are now battling Supreme Court handed victory to Uber drivers after a six-year battle for

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OPERATOR WARS workers’ rights including the right to earn the minimum wage and holiday pay.

resisted giving drivers holiday pay and pensions, but they will likely face future legal challenges.

The decision meant tens of thousands of Uber drivers could claim the right to be classed as workers. During the judgment handed down by Lord Leggatt, he said: “The employment tribunal was, in my view, entitled to conclude that, by logging onto the Uber app in London, a claimant driver came within the definition of a ‘worker’ by entering into a contract with Uber London whereby he undertook to perform driving services for Uber London.”

In a recent interview with TaxiPoint, James Farrar, co-lead claimant and App Drivers & Couriers Union General Secretary, was asked whether other private hire operators should be proactive and recognise drivers as ‘workers’ now.

Farrar responded: “If you are asking if businesses should not obey any laws until a court orders them to do so, then the answer is no because otherwise we would have total corporate anarchy. That The Supreme Court was clear that said, there is no doubt in my mind drivers must be treated as workers. that the private hire industry has Other operators have so far been built on the mouldy pillars of

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OPERATOR WARS corporate civil disobedience. Abuse of worker rights of drivers has been de rigueur for private hire operators for decades. By behaving this way for so long, private hire operators sowed the seeds of their own destruction and set up ripe conditions for Uber to emerge. Companies like Uber thrive in conditions where regulation is weak and weakly enforced and where workers have not been effectively organised in a union like the ADCU. All ethical, fit and proper, organisations must recognise their obligation to voluntarily obey the law at the point of departure.

“The coming transition to ‘normal’ will be difficult but necessary for all private hire operators. If they cannot see the light for themselves, our union will certainly assist them in doing so – one way or another.”

in 2016 (the time frame for the Supreme Court ruling) and our model is different. "We maintain regular dialogue with drivers regarding many topics, through surveys, newsletters, social platforms and in-person forums. They tell us they like Bolt because it charges less commission - as low as 10% for drivers with electric vehicles - resulting in higher average earnings when on a trip. "The majority of private hire drivers who enter the industry do so for the flexible hours and freedom to choose when to drive so we don’t penalise drivers for declining trips or for accepting trips from other companies.

"We believe it’s likely that drivers will continue to be offered more choice, benefits and freedoms across Despite the calls, Bolt has defended their position by operators. We will continue to proactively seek stating that their model is different to rival apps and feedback - positive and negative - from all relevant does not apply to the Uber Supreme Court ruling. parties in this regard, and carry on working with In June Bolt drivers went on strike over Bolt's failure other businesses and the Government on this topic." to respect their rights. A Bolt spokesperson defended the firm’s stance on the dispute before the strike, saying: "Bolt wasn’t operating in London

Image credit: ADCU

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TAXI HAILING APPS

WILL WE EVER SEE A SUCCESSFUL DRIVER LED TAXI APP AGAIN?

As the dust beings to settle on the pandemic, focus returns to the sustainability and future of the taxi industry. One of the most hotly debated topics amongst cabbies sat on taxi ranks remains about how we will serve our customers digitally.

drivers should be simple. Especially if the app model is based on taking a percentage of the taxi fare, rather than a membership fee.

If the model is based on a membership fee paid monthly or annually then drivers will more likely Many taxi drivers like the idea of a driver owned ‘co want to see a return on their investment faster. -op’ taxi hailing app, but the reality so far is that That return needs to be jobs being offered to them they fail to live up to expectations. So, what is via the app or proof of how their money is being holding the idea back and can it ever be successful? spent to attract more work on the app. If the product looks professional and ticks a lot of After the first hurdle of attracting drivers to a the USP’s demanded by cabbies, the recruitment of platform, then comes the biggest and most

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TAXI HAILING APPS challenging hurdle of all. Attracting passengers.

“The problem with this is In a bloated ride-hailing and taxi market even those that it relies too with huge marketing budgets struggle to be heard. heavily on the After the first hurdle drivers, it makes Convincing passengers to change from a taxi app of attracting drivers growth too slow that they trust and like, will rely on it having an to a platform, then and you still overarching benefit to force them to change. comes the biggest Unfortunately for many passengers, a driver-owned end up with the and most majority of app is way down their list of priorities when challenging hurdle London choosing their form of transport to get around. of all. Attracting remaining entirely passengers. Price, fleet coverage, service levels and now also the oblivious to the environmental impact of the journey, far outweigh app’s existence. the fact that taxi drivers are the ones behind the “As such, the app doesn’t generate much business app they plan to use. at all, and black cabbies are sat twiddling their According to a spokesperson from Black Cab Now, thumbs waiting for something to happen. the number one factor that has stopped most driver “This inevitably will mean that the company cannot owned taxi hailing apps is the failure to get afford to keep running the app or keep carrying the passengers to use the app. A spokesperson said: costs. Inevitably they fail.” “Their route to market has always been to try and get cabbies using their app who will then try to urge Based on this, can a driver-led taxi app ever passengers who get into their cab to download it. succeed? Yes of course it can, but it must learn from

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TAXI HAILING APPS the past successes, and more importantly past failures.

“So why was this possible at the time? Was the demographic the enabler – many ex- servicemen, children of the blitz, former evacuees, many exThe taxi industry has had several success stories trade unionists, a big percentage of the industry throughout its iconic history. There were market leaders that brought new technology to the industry from a Jewish heritage? Could the lack of big business, private money and investment in the and had that vital unique selling point to entice industry have been the fulcrum? Or were the passengers. ComCab and Hailo are two prime examples. The key was the offer of something new incumbents of the industry at that time just a to the market. Re-inventing the wheel and offering unique collection of idealists and pioneers who thought and believed that to quote an overused the same technology and service already being mantra – ‘we were better together’? provided to customers is unlikely to disrupt those already established in the market. “So what of today? Many have spoken of getting Dr Michael Galvin, a together, a group of cabmen and women, and developing an app. Could that same cooperation taxi industry and mobility consultant transform into a co’app’eration? Who would lead it? Has the culture moved on and instead of getting from Mobility your wife and kids putting cards through people’s Services Limited, said: “The history of letterboxes whilst drivers run miles for nothing to cover a job to ‘build up the work’ do people instead the London taxi industry is peppered expect to raise £m’s and sit in an office with staff with the cooperative doing it all? Has the industry’s culture moved away spirit. Groups of taxi from ‘better together’ to ‘better alone’? Has our institutional memory erased a cottage industry drivers formed formal and informal approach and replaced it with a venture capital mindset? cooperatives to get radio circuits, associations, newspapers, Knowledge Schools, credit unions and importantly cab trade charities and the rest off the ground. “Many of these pioneering individuals went to great personal expense, displayed huge passion and commitment in order to get their idea, goal, ideal off the ground. Most had reasonable success, especially the cab trade charities, even if in later times their efforts resulted in radio circuit mergers, acquisitions etc. “The real point here is that culturally there was an appetite for putting effort, unpaid hours and sacrifice for the good of others and to achieve a goal. This was a time long before social media, mobile phones and email, which has made the coordination and organising of these things relatively easy when compared to earlier times.

“Perhaps the past has had an impact on the present – the rows and arguments, the infighting and the envy of many of those cooperatives may have dampened the enthusiasm for leaders to emerge and for the sacrifice and commitment of the few for

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TAXI HAILING APPS the many. Whilst involved with cooperatives myself the key lesson I took was that a small amount (money, effort, labour, brainpower) from many quickly came to a big sum. The diaspora of a cooperative can be infectious and powerful and big burdens can be lightened with many shoulders. The key of course is that some must lead and others follow and support. Maybe as a culture getting behind a dream, an ideal, a seemingly crazy idea is no longer possible, attractive or a good sacrifice of money, family time or free time. “Cooperatives may seem old fashioned, out of vogue and at times unwieldy but they might still be the framework on which the taxi industry can build and develop. Only time will tell.” Running a taxi app in today’s market is an expensive and specialised area. A team of energetic and enthusiastic jack of all trades can put together a nice-looking white label platform, but it will struggle to surpass a team of experts who can deliver something unique. Without outside help, the taxi trade may struggle to build a service that meets both the needs of the driver and the passenger. A team of taxi drivers may instinctively look through rose-tinted glasses and create a model that leans to the drivers’ requirements rather than the customers. So, what can be done? The taxi trade needs to deliver something new to its passengers that cuts through the noise of current offerings and in the meantime the search for the taxi hailing app Holy Grail continues.

Article by: Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Founder

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LICENSED VEHICLES AND DRIVERS

REGION BY REGION:

THE MOVER &

MOSTLY SHAKERS IN THE ENGLISH TAXI INDUSTRY The number of licensed taxi vehicles across England has dropped by a staggering 9,500 in the first twelve months since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to the latest data.

Way out in front in terms of fleet reduction is London. Over 29% of black taxis have been lost over the pandemic. Second in the list is the West Midlands who have experienced an 11.5% The Department for Transport (DfT) has decrease in its taxi fleet size over the released annual statistics covering the last 12 months. They are closely followed by the South East, North East taxi and private hire industry across and South West regions all losing England. Within the stats it shows a around 10% of their licensed taxis. sharp decrease in the number of licensed cabs in the 12 months starting from 31 March 2020. In March 2020 the number of licensed taxis stood at 67,800, but has now dropped by 14% to just 58,300 vehicles in the 12 month period.

licensed taxis have been lost during the pandemic

59% of the 9,500 lost taxis were attributed to the capital, but how do other cities and regions fare? Region London West Midlands South East North East South West East of England East Midlands Yorkshire and the Humber North West

Licensed Taxis 13,400 -29.2% 4,900 -11.5% 8,800 -10.7% 3,600 -10.1% 5,300 -9.7% 6,100 -9.1% 4,800 -5.9% 3,600 -4.3% 7,800 -2.7%

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9,500

Licensed PHV 77,500 -19.2% 22,100 -17.8% 17,000 -17.0% 5,700 -15.3% 9,000 -13.7% 11,800 -14.1% 8,100 -4.1% 17,100 -11.0% 24,500 -15.5%

Total Licensed Vehicles 91,000 -20.9% 27,000 -16.7% 25,800 -15.0% 9,200 -13.4% 14,300 -12.3% 17,900 -12.4% 13,000 -4.8% 20,700 -9.9% 32,300 -12.8%

LICENSED VEHICLES AND DRIVERS Having looked at the number of licensed taxi vehicles still available, it’s also worth looking at the number of taxi drivers licensed to drive them too.

period. Yorkshire and the Humber region increased its licensed taxi drivers by 8.7% over the last 12month period.

The South East and North East saw the biggest fall in licensed taxi drivers, both by over 10%. In London the number of drivers licensed dropped by 7.2%, however it may take two further years to quantify the effects of the pandemic as taxi driver licences in the capital last three years on renewal. One region bucked the trend by posting an INCREASE in licensed taxi drivers over the COVID Region Yorkshire and the Humber North West East Midlands South West London West Midlands East of England North East South East

Licensed Taxi Drivers Licensed PHV Drivers 2,500 8.7% 14,800 -5.1% 7,800 -5.7% 28,200 -6.2% 900 -6.4% 3,800 -4.8% 3,100 -6.7% 8,100 -8.7% 20,800 -7.2% 105,300 -5.6% 3,000 -7.3% 27,800 -5.5% 1,500 -8.6% 7,100 -9.7% 3,000 -12.7% 6,900 -0.3% 3,600 -13.6% 17,300 -10.2%

Licensed Dual Drivers 9,900 -3.4% 7,300 -4.6% 12,200 -4.8% 6,000 -7.8% 0.0% 9,000 -7.7% 13,900 -2.0% 2,100 -9.4% 13,700 -7.2%

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LICENSED VEHICLES AND DRIVERS The licensed taxi industry wasn’t the only sector Hire News: hit hard. It was a similar decrease experienced “Sadly, our in the private hire industry too. prediction of the possibility In March 2020 298,600 Private Hire Vehicles of a (PHV) were licensed with local licensing authorities across England. Fast forward a year catastrophic shortage of and that figure has spiralled by 47,500 to drivers is 251,100. That figure represents a drop of 16% becoming a across England. reality and the Just 4,700 of the 251,100 PHVs are WAVs. LPHCA will continue to make ministers aware of In June, the Chairman of LPHCA warned that a the difficulties. ‘catastrophic shortage of drivers’ risks the sustainability of the taxi and private hire “Last July we wrote to Rt. Hon. Grant industry. Steve Wright, Chairman of the Shapps MP Secretary of State for Licensed Private Hire Car Association (LPHCA), Transport to draw his attention to warned of the potential problems last summer potential serious problems and the risks when he contacted the Secretary of State for to the sustainability of the Taxi & Private Transport, Grant Shapps. Hire industry.”

Image credit: Private Hire News

Steve Wright said in the latest issue of Private

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LEGAL OPINION

ELENA MANUKYAN

CAN TAXI DRIVERS BE SUED BY THEIR PASSENGERS? As a taxi driver your passengers’ safety, along with your own, is a number one priority. Your passengers rely on you to get them from A to B safely. So, what happens if, during a journey you are involved in an accident?

What if I’m not at fault for the accident? The first thing to do is establish how the accident happened.

If the accident involved another vehicle, then you should assess the situation to establish who was to In this article, I will explain the law surrounding taxi blame for the accident. It is possible that you and passengers and whether they can sue you as their your passengers were victims of the actions of a taxi driver following an accident. negligent third-party driver. In this case, it is If you’re involved in an accident whilst carrying important that you exchange full details with the passengers, those passengers will be entirely other driver, irrespective of whether the other driver innocent. Unless a passenger did something to cause accepts fault, and provide this information to your an accident, which won’t be very likely, they will not passengers. be held as responsible for an accident.

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LEGAL OPINION Equally, it is important to provide your passengers with your full details and obtain their details in return. Remember your passengers could end up being your witnesses if liability is disputed between you and the other driver.

appropriate and report any incidents to your cab firm (if applicable) and the appropriate insurance company, especially if you anticipate a claim being presented. If you have dashcam, it is recommended that you save any footage and retain the footage for Don’t assume your passengers will find your details as long as possible – remember a Claimant has 3 using a booking app, these aren’t always easy to use, years to make a claim. and often don’t have all the information that may be It would also be a good idea to take any photos of needed. Equally, if you have more than one any damage to your cab. If you can show minor, or passenger, the other passengers’ details won’t be in no damage, a personal injury claim against you will the booking details. be less likely to succeed.

It is worth noting that liability disputes between drivers, although common, are very frustrating for innocent passengers. Disputes between drivers can take months, if not longer to resolve - all the while innocent passengers’ claims are on hold.

Sometimes, despite taking all appropriate safety measures, you may be faced with a claim for injury As a Solicitor if I find that liability is disputed between the drivers, I often recommend submitting from a passenger. The most important thing to do is to ensure that you keep in contact with your the claim to both drivers’ insurance companies. By insurance company and provide them with your doing this I place both drivers, and their insurance companies, on notice that a passenger claim is being instructions in a timely manner, especially if you intend on disputing a claim. Without your copursued. If neither driver is willing to accept fault, then it is not uncommon to issue legal proceedings operation, an insurance company will struggle to defend a claim brought against you. against both drivers. This is very much a last resort and something that all drivers should try to avoid if On the flip side, it’s worth remembering that your possible. passengers could end up being your best witnesses

What if I cause an accident?

in a non-fault accident. And with their evidence both your claim, and theirs, have a greater chance of success against an at fault driver.

Another scenario which is a lot more common than you might first think, is where a taxi is involved in an accident, but there is no third-party involvement. For example, you might hit a wall or a bollard, or Article by Elena Manukyan. even mount the kerb causing an injury to your Elena is the Founder, Director passenger. and Solicitor at The Injury In these scenarios it will very much come down to your word against that of the passenger. If you are involved in an accident, then it is recommended that you provide your details to the passenger if this is

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Solicitor Ltd. She has 10 years of experience in pursuing personal injury claims for her clients.

OPINION

Image credit: Tom the Taxi Driver (YouTube)

stretches of roads and why taxis do have to pull over in areas that require traffic to slow or patiently wait.

Taxi drivers often get a bad rep for thinking they ‘own the road’, but is it a fair accusation? Tom Hutley, a London taxi driver and successful YouTuber, posted his latest video to thousands of subscribers sharing some of the reasons why passengers and motorists might think cabbies are dictating the roads we all drive on. He also, quite rightly, dispels a lot of the myths and explains why taxi drivers have certain driving habits. The video, which went live on 16 July, runs through why taxi drivers move slowly through certain Image credit: what3words

Tom does however reveal his one bug bear that cannot be defended… over ranking. The cabbie’s YouTube channel has been a massive hit with viewers ever since it first launched in March 2020. The London black cab driver and qualified taxi guide completed the ‘Knowledge of London’ in 2017 after 3 years of studying. Four years into the job he now also has a fast-growing channel with over 35,000 subscribers tuning in. Tom has also published a book about his time on the Knowledge, and recently progressed to Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers.

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FEATURE

Although all well-behaved paying passengers are considered “good passengers”, picking up a well-known celebrity is definitely one of the perks of being a taxi driver (well, most of the time). Cab drivers from around the UK have been sharing some of their favourite celebrity passengers from over the years, and the list makes for good reading. We start by hearing of not one but two of Britain’s finest ever male actors in the back of a cab. One cabbie was lucky enough to pick up Michael Caine and 007 himself, Roger Moore. The taxi driver said it was “probably the best 20 minutes” of his life (we’re not going to ask for any more details!). Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin came up a number of times, with cabbies calling him an “absolute diamond bloke” and a “top fella”. British rom-com actor Hugh Grant had a number of mentions, with one driver saying that after returning a coat left in his cab by Hugh, he was given a lovely thank you gift in the way of a £50 note. Two TV legends who are sadly no longer with us, Bruce Forsyth and Barbara Windsor were also given glowing endorsements by one taxi driver who said “both of them were so nice and down to earth”. Rockstar brothers, Noel and Liam Gallagher, who are known for catching a black taxi or two, both got a mention on the list, with one cabbie saying: “Liam Gallagher had me in stitches. I got a photo with him and said ‘Liam you know this is going on Twitter’. His reply was ‘you can tattoo it on your arse for all I care’.” Brother Noel was said to be a big

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FEATURE football talker, although one cabbie said he didn’t think he liked it when Spurs and the Champions League match with his beloved Manchester City was mentioned. Pop icon George Michael was called an “absolute legend” and Hollywood superstar Harrison Ford was called a “lovely fella”. One of the funniest encounters mentioned has got to be when one cabbie picked up comedian Lee Evans, who had the driver phone his wife to tell her of his famous passenger, only for his wife to think it was a joke before telling the funny man to “f*** off”, thinking it was one of her husband’s friends trying to prank her. Other famous celebrities who have put a smile on their taxi driver’s face include David Attenborough, Gary Oldman, Jeremy Clarkson, Jeremy Paxman, Frank Lampard, Brian May, Chris Eubank, Richard Wilson (“I don’t believe it!”), Stephen Fry, Sir Robin Day, Paul Newman, Sir Paul McCartney, Kathy Burke, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joan Collins, Paul Whitehouse and two of Hollywood’s most successful movie directors Ridley-Scott and Quentin Tarantino.

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UK TAXI NEWS

iCabbi LAUNCHES NEW JOINTLYOWNED TAXI OPERATORS MODEL Taxi and Private Hire industry dispatch technology provider, iCabbi, have announced a new, unique jointly-owned venture that has been created in response to customer demand for a secure industry future.

Working with Mobilize (Renault Group), iCabbi and its customers will launch the Taxi Alliance on 1 January 2022. This 50,000+ vehicle national organisation will ensure fleets have the tools and network strength to defend and grow their businesses.

iCabbi, a leading independent provider of dispatch technology has announced the new joint venture with its UK and Irish customers. The Taxi Alliance is being created to ensure independent taxi and private hire companies have an equity stake and practical input into the technology they use to power their businesses.

Speaking at a virtual conference attended by over 350+ companies, Gavan Walsh, Founder & CEO of iCabbi, said: “The market is changing rapidly and therefore something radical is needed to ensure the independent model has a future. The Taxi Alliance is the infrastructure for us to work together and create a stronger shared future. Fleets will have board representation, input into product development and veto powers on certain key areas. In addition, we are evolving our technology to enable fleets to work together as a regional and national network.” FULL STORY: https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/taxi -alliance-icabbi-launches-new-jointly-owned-taxioperators-model-to-secure-industry-future

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UK TAXI NEWS

Dynamo Motor Company has announced its next expansion phase, where it plans to recruit an extra 275 people in the UK with the aim of converting up to 10,000 taxis and commercial/privately owned vehicles per year in 2026.

Through its Seedrs campaign Dynamo Motor Company plans to raise £2,000,000, of which it has received over £1,500,000 in one week, for its growth strategy. Image credit: DYNAMO

The expansion will see Dynamo Motor Company’s allelectric Black Cab production increase and FULL STORY: https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/ diversification into other mobility sectors that require dynamo-motor-company-plans-to-convert-up-to-10wheelchair accessibility, as well as adding a last-mile 000-taxis-and-commercial-vehicles-per-year-in-2026 delivery van to its zero-emission line-up.

The Department for Transport (DfT) reaffirmed their Electric Vehicle (EV) support by detailing the different grants available to help motorists, businesses and taxi drivers shift to EV. In the coming 2022/23 financial year, the Government has set aside £582m to help fund car, vans, motorcycles and importantly, taxis. Taxi drivers can still claim up to £7,500 off the purchase price of a new electric taxi. FULL STORY: https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/dftsupport-grant-of-7-500-for-taxi-drivers-shifting-toelectric-cabs-will-continue-in-2022-2023

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LICENSING

but also explains some of the challenges they face. The handbook even goes as far to say issues will not be resolved until the Government brings in changes to legislation and gives councils powers to enforce against drivers and vehicles The new handbook called ‘Councillor Handbook: operating in their areas. Taxi and PHV Licensing’ aims to help councillors The handbook states: “Cross border hiring is a understand more of the key issues concerning term to describe when a taxi is lawfully used for taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing. PHV purposes in a district outside which it has been licensed to operate. This is a problem in In areas of complex regulation the handbook provides readers with a starting point explaining many areas because there are disparities in conditions on licences; a prospective driver in some of the difficulties that can arise when it one council district may apply to be licensed as a comes to licensing. Whilst the handbook is driver in another district because there are lower primarily produced for Councillors, it does standards in driver testing, cheaper licence fees provide good insight for anyone working in the or less rigorous/fewer pre-licence checks. The industry to better understand why licensing term ‘cross border’ is also used when a PHV in authorities make the decisions they do. one district picks up a passenger from another One of the most contentious topics within the district. This is legal, provided either that the taxi and PHV industry remains the managing of driver, vehicle, and operator are all licensed by cross border hiring. the first district; or that the operator subcontracts the booking to an operator licensed in Here the Local Government Association (LGA) not only describes the premise of cross border, another council area. This practice has become

he premise of taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) ‘cross border’ hiring and the challenges Local Authorities face on the topic has been detailed in a new handbook for councillors.

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LICENSING

THE CHALLENGES TAXI AND PHV AUTHORITIES FACE DETAILED IN NEW HANDBOOK increasingly commonplace with the growth of app-based operator models. “This is also problematic, because when a taxi is being driven for PHV purposes in another district, the local council has no powers to intervene if the driver contravenes any condition of the licence or provides a poor service to the passenger; all that can be done is to write to the authority that issued the licence, where this is known. This practice is also unfair on the trade in the local area, as they may face competition from drivers who may have paid cheaper licence fees or undergone less rigorous checks elsewhere. These safeguards are rarely visible to consumers, who therefore cannot make an informed decision to use the more heavily checked and therefore safer, albeit more expensive, option. “Ultimately this issue will not be resolved until the Government brings in changes to legislation and give councils powers to enforce against drivers and vehicles operating in their areas.

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However, as a councillor you have an important role to play to ensure that your local authority is not having a detrimental impact on other authorities and their communities. “Importantly, you should be asking your taxi and PHV licensing service whether they have a high enough standard of conditions (see councillor checklist) and ensure that the council has reviewed its polices in line with the DfT’s statutory standards. “One option that is available to support enforcement action against licensees from outside their area is joint authorisation of officers from other authorities. This allows councils to authorise officers from other councils to use enforcement powers on their behalf and subsequently allows those councils to then take action against vehicles which are licensed by the other authority when they cross over council boundaries. “This practice has been recommended in the statutory standards.”

GLOBAL NEWS

Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner Angelene Falk has determined that Uber Technologies, Inc. and Uber B.V. interfered with the privacy of an estimated 1.2 million Australians. Commissioner Falk found the Uber companies failed to appropriately protect the personal data of Australian customers and drivers, which was accessed in a cyber attack in October and November 2016. Commissioner Falk has ordered Uber companies to: •

Prepare, implement and maintain a data retention and destruction policy, information security program, and incident response plan that will ensure the companies comply with the Australian Privacy Principle.

•

Appoint an independent expert to review and report on these policies and programs and their implementation, submit the reports to the OAIC, and make any necessary changes recommended in the reports.

Robotaxi program provider DeepRoute.ai is now available to the public, making it the first company to provide such a taxi service in Shenzhen. The vehicles have driven 1 million miles safely in four different cities around the world and will be covering approximately 124 miles of public roads in Shenzhen.

Image credit: DeepRoute.ai

Xuan Liu, Partner and Vice President at DeepRoute.ai, said: “We are excited to launch this program and look forward to gradually increasing the number of vehicles available and operation zones covered.”

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GLOBAL NEWS

UK taxi maker, London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), has expanded further into the Spanish commercial vehicle market with an appointment of its second dealer partner. The Ronda 15 showroom, located at Avinguda da la Fama, Cornella de Llobregat in Barcelona, will provide customers with full sales and aftersales support for LEVC’s taxi models, along with the company’s new electric van, the VN5.

According to Prague Morning News, 40% of taxi drivers in the city have not returned to work since the pandemic began. They say that those cabbies who have returned to work have seen more than a 60 per cent decline in work from pre Covid levels, with ride-hailing apps also contributing to the drop in trips.

Petr Plisenky, from the Association of Czech Taxi Drivers, said: “Young people today do not even know that they can get a taxi in a simpler and faster way – by waving their hand on the street.”

Image credit: LEVC

Russia’s largest internet company and taxi kingpin has announced a multi-year partnership with online and mobile food-ordering firm Grubhub. Yandex will provide delivery robots for college campus food deliveries. Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Yandex Self-Driving Group, said: “We chose to partner with Grubhub for campus delivery because of Grubhub’s unparalleled reach into college campuses across the United States, as well as the flexibility and strength of their ordering platform. We are delighted to deploy dozens of our rovers, taking the next step in actively commercialising our selfdriving technology in different markets across the globe.”

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WORLD TAXI FEATURE

Here we go with part two of our series on global taxis. We continue looking at the world’s most distinctive looking cabs outside of the iconic black taxi we see and love in most big UK cities.

of common properties, but there is a lot of variation from country to country in the vehicles used and design elements.

Budget Direct have released a new series of But what do you think about further afield? For many illustrated posters, showcasing different taxis from of us we automatically think of New York’s iconic every country. yellow design. But while many taxis around the world We will be running through the A-Z of the 57 most share a colour scheme with the mighty bee, yellow is iconic taxis. In this edition we look at Brazil, Bulgaria, not the only colour. Nor is ‘sedan’ the only shape. Canada, Chile, China and Columbia. In fact, taxicabs in a single country usually share a set

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WORLD TAXI FEATURE

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AUGUST 2021 - Edition 28