TaxiPoint February 2021 Edition 22

The UK’s #1 Taxi News Source

Edition 22 | February 2021

Over 100,000 magazine reads each month

“WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TAXIS ARE ESSENTIAL”

Image credit: LEVC

BOB NIXON iCABBI Q&A|LORD HOLMES MBE BILKING|CITYFLEET|MENTALITY|DR MIKE GALVIN

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EDITORIAL

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ACCESS

ALL AREAS

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

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It’s been a big month of news for the taxi industry with the focus mainly on the landmark Streetspace ruling. The judgement is likely to have a far reaching impact on not only London, but cities across the UK who are seeing taxi access restrictions placed on roads too.

At the time of writing, the trade awaits further news on whether TfL can pursue an appeal. Whatever happens, a focus on the role taxis play in the community, especially for those with mobility needs and disabilities, has been highlighted as necessary. The distinction that licensed taxis are PUBLIC transport is also hugely notable as cities plan cleaner and less congested city space.

There will of course be a continued focus on air quality and moving efficiently from A-B, which will still require the trade to move forward with other sectors in becoming greener. But the industry is now hopefully in a much stronger position when revisited in transport strategies.

Looking forward, the next month is undoubtedly going to deliver more important news stories as the Government is set to give details of the roadmap out of lockdown. As the vaccine roll-out gathers pace there is now hopefully a glimmer of light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Perry Richardson, TaxiPoint Founder

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FEATURE Q&A

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In our latest Q&A session the co-founder of taxi tech firm iCabbi, Bob Nixon, shares his thoughts with TaxiPoint. Bob discusses previous trends that could predict the trade’s COVID recovery, and talks openly about the controversial Uber and Autocab tie-up that could ‘decimate’ the taxi industry in 3-5 years.

How do you see the taxi and private hire industry recovering from the impact of COVID-19 once most restrictions are eased? Do you see a sharp or slow recovery?

Based on the data we have from previous lockdowns we see a sharp recovery once restrictions are eased.

Over the last year as restrictions have been lifted, the taxi and private hire industry has proven to be elastic with a speedy pick up in trips. There’s one school of thought that the industry will actually grow as restrictions are lifted until people start having the confidence to use public transportation again.

How have iCabbi been impacted by the various lockdowns and measures put in place by the Government since the pandemic began? How have you supported operators using your platform?

We have of course been hugely impacted by COVID and in March we made the very difficult - but prudent and in hindsight correct - decision to trim back our team to focus on our core business. Overall, our turnover will be down around 40% in 2020 based on forecast revenues. While that sounds pretty horrific, we were in a period of rapid growth up until COVID hit and it’ll actually be a lift of c. 10% on 2019’s revenues.

All in all given the year that was in we’re satisfied with the outcome.

We gave every single customer in the UK a free system for two months when the first lockdown hit, no questions asked or terms and conditions attached.

This helped to give them the space they needed to adjust their finances and business model to the situation. We also quickly established a COVID-19 Task Force, providing additional product support, enabling customers to move to complete remote working,

Charity

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FEATURE Q&A hosting helpful webinars and creating guides to help where possible.

In addition to this we operate a model where taxi/PH companies pay for active drivers, no minimum charge, so our customers pay us less in quieter times and we all benefit when they grow. As a result, during crisis periods such as COVID, their obligations to us are not at the front of their mind.

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6 undertaking an investigation. I’d be surprised if the deal went through, or if it did, I’d envisage it coming with some pretty heavy conditions.

I’ve got some very direct and specific views on this deal that have led to me being accused of sour grapes and that I’m being driven by schadenfreude. It’s quite the opposite, I’d be very happy for the team at Autocab to benefit from an acquisition, both personally and professionally. I have a huge amount of What are the big aims for iCabbi moving forwards? respect for what they’ve done over the last 20 years, iCabbi want to keep taxis relevant and at the centre of and in particular their evolution from a hardware, mobility. The world of mobility and transportation as a estate-based technology company, to a SaaS (software whole are rapidly changing. We see a key place for as a service) company like iCabbi. taxis within it, but change isn’t easy and taxi companies will likely need to evolve. Our technology is However, should Uber’s acquisition of Autocab go through then I cannot see any positives for the evolving for the new mobility paradigm that is industry. The reason I say this is because I can’t beginning to unfold. understand the logic behind the deal as it’s been Based on research done to date it’s most likely that communicated by Autocab. this will involve collaboration and partnership with I've said it many times, I could understand Uber local councils, cities and many different modes of transportation. The ultimate goal may be a Mobility as wanting to partner with the whole private hire and a Service (MaaS) type model that would enable a taxi taxi industry as an aggregator. I'm not clear how the company’s passengers to seamlessly travel from A to B industry would feel about it, but I could understand using multiple modes of transportation such as Public why Uber might take this approach. I wrote on Transport and micro-mobility such as Bikes, Scooters LinkedIn as far back as 3-4 years ago that I couldn’t understand why Uber wasn't following an aggregator etc and of course taxis. approach in Europe instead of fighting regulators and Where we can, we will leverage our relationship with cities every step of the way. Driver and market our parent, Groupe Renault to do this. Their majority acquisition is so expensive that it seems like a logical acquisition of iCabbi in 2018 was done with a view to model to me, particularly now given the current Uber selling more cars into the car-intensive taxi industry.

CEO experience with aggregator models in previous Following a successful Electric Vehicle (EV) pilot in City roles he has held.

Taxis Sheffield we are working on a plan to roll out a business model that will include EVs for our customers Uber and Autocab have stated that the proposed acquisition is a way for them to partner with the UK’s in the near future. taxi and private hire industry. Really? I can't see any One of the big stories in 2020 was the Uber and need for Uber to buy a dispatch tech provider to do Autocab acquisition. How do you see the partnership this except where they have an eye on a bigger prize, working and what are the key points to consider with for example visibility of data and ultimately control of regards to the deal? the entire UK taxi and private hire market.

Firstly, the proposed acquisition is not a done deal, the If the deal goes ahead, my personal opinion is the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) are traditional taxi and private hire industry will be

FEATURE Q&A decimated in 3-5 years. This would see consumers in many areas being left in a monopoly type situation with a single large provider who controls prices and has no local presence or community relations. I may be right, I may not, but one thing is for sure, you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube and do providers really want to take the risk and find out?

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 7 The taxi and private hire industry was making good strides in its move towards greener fleets before the pandemic struck. How important is it for the industry to get back on track and what more can be done to accelerate the move to Zero-Emissions Capable (ZEC)?

I believe that it’s critical and that it’s going to take I'm all for change, but the ever-growing dominance of collaboration and partnership across a wide range of large tech companies at the cost of traditional stakeholders to really make some progress. That businesses and suppliers is really worrying. It’s includes the national Government, local cities/ interesting to note the ongoing calls in many countries councils, OEMs such as Renault, and the taxi for the break-up of these tech companies and as such companies themselves. Grants and support for EV there is perhaps already a growing movement against charging infrastructure is going to be critical, as are it. incentives for the acquisition and initial set up for Electric Vehicles (e.g. home charging stations). We all also need to look at this from a different perspective to the traditional models and come up with some innovative business models that can propel us to a fully electric future.

FEATURE

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“Wheelchair accessible taxis are essential, they can be a lifeline,” says Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE speaking exclusively to TaxiPoint.

Just weeks after London’s Streetspace plans were deemed ‘unlawful’, Lord Holmes, a former multiple gold winning British Paralympic swimmer and life peer in the House of Lords, highlights the essential role the fully accessible black cab plays in providing public transport for those with mobility impairments.

“WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TAXIS ARE ESSENTIAL” LORD HOLMES OF RICHMOND MBE

Image credit: UK Parliament CC3.0

Following the High Court judgement which found the needs of disabled Londoners were “not considered", we asked Lord Holmes for his opinion on the importance of wheelchair accessible taxis in the communities they operate in.

Lord Holmes said: “Wheelchair accessible taxis are essential, they can be a lifeline. Our quality of life depends on transport and easy access to jobs, shopping, leisure facilities, and services.

FEATURE “Access to transport is a basic requirement for an equitable society but many disabled people face barriers when trying to travel door to door independently. Just think of the number of stations without step free access, the limited wheelchair space on buses and then think about what options wheelchair users have to get to the places they need to be.

“Black cabs are also highly accessible for all users, drivers will always give me a hand to the door if I am going to a new destination. They see this as part of their role, not an add on or inconvenience but a key part of the service.”

The recent landmark judgement followed a judicial review mounted by the London taxi trade, challenging the Mayor and TfL’s Plan, associated Guidance issued to London Boroughs and the Order concerning a specific Streetspace scheme, the A10 Bishopsgate Corridor in the City of London.

With the judge quashing the current plans we asked

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Lord Holmes how can any future ‘Streetspace’ plan incorporate inclusive mobility? Lord Holmes responded: “Accessibility and inclusion needs to be the starting point of all street design. I have been campaigning for years against a street design known as ‘shared space’. It describes schemes such as Exhibition Road where a level surface is created with minimal, if any, definition between a ‘pedestrian area’ and ‘vehicle area’ and all users are encouraged to ‘share’ the same space. It just doesn’t work. I conducted a survey which found that 63% of users rated their experience of shared space as poor – and that was not confined to visually impaired or vulnerable pedestrians.

“Pedestrians, drivers and cyclists all complained about the schemes with one driver describing it as an ‘absolute nightmare that I avoid if I can’. I then worked with the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) to produce a guidance document called ‘Creating better streets: Inclusive and accessible places’. A key aim for that work was to help planners, designers and local authorities better understand the statutory requirements set out in the

FEATURE

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Equality Act 2010. Creating an accessible, inclusive environment is a statutory requirement (as the Mayor and TFL have just been reminded by the recent Judicial Review) and must be considered as a central objective when designing future ‘Streetspace’ plans.”

The recent ruling could have a more far-reaching impact too. In 2018 the City of London Corporation’s (COLC) voted to make a 16-month experimental ‘safety’ scheme which excluded wheelchair accessible taxis at Bank Junction permanent. The COLC have now introduced further restrictions on a widespread section of roads across the Square Mile citing COVID19 distancing requirements. We asked Lord Holmes what he thinks should happen to this scheme and other schemes banning access to licensed taxis?

Lord Holmes told TaxiPoint: “Banning taxis from Bank Junction and Tottenham Court Road is a completely wrong-headed decision and I have asked the Minister in Parliament if she would look into enabling Londonlicensed black taxis to go through Bank junction. I am aware of safety arguments for banning vehicles from certain areas – but at Bank - black cabs have never been involved in a crash, in contrast to other vehicles.

“For some people, particularly those with accessibility needs, a black cab is not a luxury but a necessity to get to appointments in that part of the city.”

The Mayor of London has regularly cited that Streetspace plans will help improve air quality in the capital. With that in mind can the idea of inclusive mobility ever work alongside the aim to improve air quality? Lord Holmes said: “These are not contradictory aims and must not be pitted against each other. It is in all our interests to improve air quality and indeed an accessible public transport system and inclusive public realm will improve transport and environment for ALL.”

Image credit: LEVC

And finally, in London the black cab fleet is decreasing at an alarming rate. In fact, there are less than 15,000 vehicles available to cabbies and passengers, as numbers continue to tumble during the pandemic.

We asked the life peer in the House of Lords what could be done to encourage drivers and fleets to invest in more wheelchair accessible taxis.

He said: “Black cabs are more than a brilliant and accessible service they are absolutely iconic, classics of Great British design. As famous and as fabulous as fish and chips and Big Ben. Our streets wouldn’t be the same without them – and for many of us - our lives would not be the same without them. I’m supportive of all measures to promote such a brilliantly British and accessible mode of transport.

“And I say to all Londoners, all those visiting the Capital, use black cabs, they work, let’s all use them whenever we can, so they can indeed continue to work for us all.”

GUEST OPINION

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SAFETY, RELIABILITY

Image credit: CityFleet

AND ASSURANCE

KEY TO GETTING COMMUNITIES MOVING AGAIN

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: Ruben Andres Maldonado, CityFleet / ComCab Sales Manager

Throughout history, the iconic black taxi has always been there to help us through some of the most challenging times. Since as early as the 1600s, when they were known as Hackney Coaches, they have been an important part of London’s transportation history. During the blitz in WW2, the Government requisitioned around 2,500 taxis to be converted into auxiliary firefighting engines with ladders strapped to the roof and tow bars fitted for trailer pumps. They were also used as ambulances and army personnel carriers.

In recent times they were one of the first responders during the terrorist attacks in London, taking the injured to safety and helping others move away from the threat. This was done without being asked to, but because they are truly connected to London and are more than just a taxi service.

lockdown, and with the second lockdown a large proportion of cabbies have reported that the downturn has been felt harder due to the higher infection rates and strict border control policies being put in place to help manage the spread from abroad.

During both lockdowns we have seen the trade really step up towards supporting the most vulnerable, key workers, and local councils by helping with their shopping, picking up medicines, delivering NHS services and products, and by taking doctors and district nurses to work. Nevertheless, what has become very apparent is the strength and Since the lockdown began back in March 2020, we determination that the trade has shown to keep on have seen the trade go through its most challenging moving forwards, the ability to help out where period, with traditional street hailing and corporate needed, and going above and beyond by helping to travel coming to an almost standstill during the first transport COVID-19 positive passengers.

GUEST OPINION

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Safety, reliability and assurance will play a big part in being able to get our cities, towns, and communities moving again. The trade will have a massive part to play in being able to provide that service and to begin showing why the UK black taxi is more than just an icon, but a vital part of the UK’s transportation system. It provides commuters with a reliable and safe form of transportation by having a purpose-built partition between the driver and passenger/s, and the knowledge they are in the safest form of transport.

services to existing and new customers, different markets, new forms of delivery and face some huge challenges and decisions. All of this has allowed us to become more dynamic by introducing new processes and services that will form part of the new offer to customers. We are proud to have our DNA within the taxi trade and will continue to innovate in technology, push the boundaries of transportation, stand side by side ComCab have over the past 40 years, transported with the cabbies and continue to commuters, shoppers, tourists, and business travellers, providing the highest quality service and provide a platform for the public to be representing everything that is great about the able to use the black taxi. During the last 12 months with the famous London demise of traditional work, we have had to pivot black taxi. our business in order to continue to provide Image credit: CityFleet

TAXI LAW

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PC PATRICK QUINTON

BILKING: THE LAW ON RUNNERS As the Police Taxi Compliance Officer, I deal with many result I have produced a number of Information Sheets reports of “runners”. I work hard to make sure that the to help our local drivers and the following information Avon and Somerset Police response is correct and help is adapted from one of them: drivers when things don’t go right.

I know that when passengers fail to pay their fare, it’s not just lost income. Drivers are out of pocket as they’ve had to pay fuel and running costs for the journey. If the matter is not dealt with, the offender may be tempted to do it again to another driver. As a

IS IT A CRIMINAL OFFENCE TO FAIL TO PAY THE FARE? That all depends on the circumstances. There are 3 pieces of law that cover this:

TAXI LAW 1.

When someone runs off - Section 3 Theft Act 1978 “a person who, knowing that payment on the spot for any good supplied or a service received is required or expected from him, dishonestly makes off without having paid as required or expected and with intent to avoid payment of the amount due shall be guilty of an offence”

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Police Service and you can also call 101.

If the crime is in progress call 999. Be clear on the exact location, that a crime has been committed and that the suspect is present or nearby.

WHAT WILL THE POLICE DO?

We will assess the information you give us and decide if a crime has been committed. If we believe there is no 2.

If someone pretends they will pay “going to a crime we may pass you the passengers’ details so you cash machine” “my friend will pay when we get can make a civil claim. We will also consider if it is there” – Section 2 Fraud Act 2006 “if he proportionate and in the public interest to investigate dishonestly makes a false representation, and further. For example, for a £5 fare we would record it intends by making the false representation to… as a crime, but if there were no additional factors we cause loss to another or to expose another to risk might take no further action because of the value. If we of loss” ~ note that a representation is false if a identify a suspect, you may be required to make a person knows it is, or might be, untrue or statement about what has happened. If we can’t locate misleading a suspect or the suspect denies it and there isn’t 3.

When someone else is involved, orders a cab for enough evidence the matter will be filed. If the suspect someone else – Section 11 Fraud Act 2006 “if he admits the offence and has not been in much trouble before they may be given a Conditional Caution. This is obtains services for himself or another by a dishonest act… intends that payment will not be a criminal record and they may have to pay you the fare due. If the suspect denies it and there is sufficient made, or will not be made in full” evidence then they may have to go to Court and you The common theme is that there has to be intent and may need to give your evidence to the Magistrates. dishonesty. Genuine mistakes or misunderstandings are not dishonest, such as confusion over who is TOP TIPS paying. Dissatisfaction with service or a disagreement • Getting home safe to your family is more about the price may mean it’s not a crime. It only important than a fare. Remain professional. Be covers the fare, so any extras such as soiling charges calm and avoid strong or threatening language. aren’t covered. At Court we have to prove they were dishonest beyond reasonable doubt and that they • Avoid following or detaining suspects. Although intended to avoid payment. legally you can arrest the suspect using No dishonesty = no crime.

HOW DO I REPORT IT? It’s really important to report these crimes. It shows us how often it happens, and we can identify trends and repeat offenders. Here in Avon and Somerset it tells me • which operators or drivers are particularly prone to it so I can work with them to try and prevent it.

It’s usually best to report the crime online to your local

reasonable force, it could make you unsafe or open to civil action. It’s usually best to avoid doing this – especially for a small amount of money. That includes locking the suspect in your vehicle or taking them to a police station You are quite entitled to ask for a surety for the fare, such as a driving licence, passport or mobile phone.

TAXI LAW

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•

If there is a problem, make sure you know how to • quickly start recording on your phone or dashcam if safe to do so. Try to get the person to say how much they owe you on the recording.

•

Provide a way of paying by phone or card.

•

•

•

If you have to call 999, the first thing they will want to know is your location. Be prepared to give an accurate location – you could use What3Words, a postcode or a road name.

PC Patrick Quinton is a Police Officer who is fully funded by two local Councils to support drivers, Remember descriptions and anything said that may identify the suspect later - particularly if you enforce the law and ensure compliance with licensing conditions. He has worked with Bristol are a Hackney Carriage driver.

City and South If you are a private hire driver, tell us who your operator is and the job or booking reference for Gloucestershire Councils for three years. He runs a the journey.

WhatsApp group for When a suspect is due to pay compensation to drivers to share you as part of a Conditional Caution or Community Resolution and we ask you for a cost, information in support of the trade. don’t forget to include your time making a statement as well as the fare.

PC Quinton can be contacted at taxis@avonandsomerset.police.uk

MOTORING

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SPEEDING FINES:

DO YOU KNOW YOUR BANDS?

Most motorists will already be aware that if they get caught speeding, the standard penalty for a Fixed-Penalty Notice offence is a £100 fine and three penalty points on their driving licence. But how many people are aware that if caught committing a more serious speeding offence, they could actually be hit with a fine of up to 150% of their weekly income? And in some extreme cases; a fine of up to 700% of their weekly income? Well, here’s a breakdown of all the different speeding offence categories, along with what you could expect to receive by way of a fine if caught committing one.

As detailed by GOV.UK, the amount you’re fined depends on what the speed limit was and how much over it you were driving. It’s usually a percentage of your weekly income, up to a maximum of £1,000 (£2,500 if you were driving on a motorway).

According to the Sentencing Council, speeding fines are mostly categorised into three main bands; A, B and C, with A being the lowest.

Band A applies if you are caught driving at between 1 and 9mph above the legal limit on any particular road. This would result in a fixed penalty notice being issued. The offending driver would be issued with three penalty points on their licence, as well as a fine of between 25% and 75% of their weekly income. A driver could face a more serious punishment if they were caught speeding near a school or operating a heavy goods vehicle.

Band B applies if a driver is caught speeding at between 11 and 20mph over the legal limit. This offence could see the driver summoned to court, where they could face a fine between 75% and 125% of their weekly income. They could also be hit with four to six penalty points on their licence. If a

MOTORING judge feels it’s necessary, a driver could also face a driving ban for anywhere between seven and 28 days.

Band C applies if a driver is caught speeding anywhere above 21mph over the legal limit. This offence will most likely result in a court appearance, where the offender could face a fine of anywhere between 125% and 175% of their weekly income. A driving ban is highly likely to be issued to the driver also, along with six penalty points.

A chart of the three bands, and detailed by the DVLA, looks as follows: Speed limit: 20mph / Band A / 21-30mph. Band B / 3140mph. Band C / 41mph upwards.

Speed limit: 30mph / Band A / 31-40mph. Band B / 4150mph. Band C / 51mph upwards.

Speed limit: 40mph / Band A / 41-55mph. Band B / 5665mph. Band C / 66mph upwards.

Speed limit: 50mph / Band A / 51-65mph. Band B / 6675mph. Band C / 76mph upwards.

Speed limit: 60mph / Band A / 61-80mph. Band B / 8190mph. Band C / 91mph upwards.

Speed limit: 70mph / Band A / 71-90mph. Band B / 91100mph. Band C / 101mph upwards.

Penalty points: Band A = 3. Band B = 4-6. Band C = 6.

Disqualification: Band A = n/a. Band B = 7-28 days. Band C = 7-56 days.

Despite these being the three most common bands, there are in fact three additional categories, which come into effect for the most serious offences: D, E and F. Factors that could push an offence into any of these categories include having previous driving convictions, towing a caravan or trailer, or driving for hire, such as a taxi or private hire vehicle.

Being categorised within one of these bands could see a driver in a worst-case scenario fined as much as 700% of their weekly income, up to the maximum caps of £1,000 and £2,500 as mentioned previously.

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HEALTH

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Article written by: Matt Lockett and Tim Morse It’s a pleasure to be asked to share more about our mental health support group ‘Mentality’. We set up in April 2020 in the midst of the breaking news of the pandemic. Sam Lee-Tracy (the founder) rounded the troops and we set upon trying to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.

Why did we set up Mentality?

allowing us to offer careful, considered advice. We also have links to mental health professionals, so we can signpost those who need immediate intervention.

Funds received through crowdfunding is utilised to offer paid consultations with private professional mental health advisors and psychologists. We also offer six online exercise sessions with our preferred fitness company; all paid for with the funding we receive.

The effects of adverse Mental Health and suicide have become a worldwide crisis, WHO (The World Health Organisation) have predicted that 2021 will In addition to professional help offered, we also see a huge increase in suicides, raising the tragic provide food vouchers for families who are struggling financially. number to one every 20 seconds.

Our aim is to provide tailored help for each With the current pandemic keeping the world locked in and adding to the peak of mental illness, individual, as we believe a more personalised service is much more valuable. we launched a new support group to bring comfort to those who are feeling alone, a voice to those who have no-one and encouragement to communities to unite as one.

We pride ourselves on delivering one key element to those who are struggling with mental illness time! Unfortunately this is something that is not very common in the modern world. We position ourselves as a first port-of-call for anyone seeking professional help.

We have 10 dedicated members who have overcome particular mental health battles,

HEALTH I chatted to fellow trustee Tim Morse, who is also a black cab driver, and who hopes his insight can be of value to anyone reading this.

What has life been like as a black cab driver the past year?

“Well to be honest with you, life as a black cab driver over the past year has been non-existent, I’ve had to adapt and do a new job, so to be honest with you I haven’t really done anything the past year. I do know from the fellas that have been out, it has been very, very… very hard. A lot of guys out there can’t get their rent for stuff, we depend on a lot of people coming into the country and that’s been shut down, it’s been very, very hard.”

How have you managed without the source of income?

“Well… this is the thing, you have to adapt and change with the times for the current situation that you’re in. Personally I have gone back to my old job, as a floor layer, which I didn’t want to do, also delivering kitchens for Howdens. It was a case of sink or swim, and as I say we have to adapt, I’ve had to go and do other things, it’s as simple as that really to keep your head above water. Luckily I did my tax returns and managed to get a government grant which has helped.”

Do you intend to pick it back up when the world restores some sort of normality? Why?

“I’d like to think that there will be a job to go back to, I think the pandemic will have a slight change on the way things are done, the cab trade has changed in the last 10 years since I’ve been doing it, you have to go with the times. Definitely yes, I will go back to it, I worked 5 years part time, doing the Knowledge, having two young kids, so blood, sweat and tears went into it and I wouldn’t give it up now. I wouldn’t take it for granted as

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much, I think the lockdown has made me realise I didn’t have a bad job, so I will give it another good go, I pray that there is a future for the cab trade.”

Do you know of anyone still working as a cab driver? If so how are they coping?

“Yes I do, I speak to them quite regularly, I spoke to a guy today, I won’t say his name but he is struggling big time. He’s been working throughout this whole thing and he’s doing 5 hours on St Pancras when it’s usually only 30-45mins. He wrapped around a £70k Electric Taxi, which is what the Government are pushing you into, and it creates pressure, you’ve got all this money to find when there’s no work out there, so I know some of the guys are really finding it tough. You’re doing double the hours, some days you’re lucky some days you’re not, I really feel for these guys!”

TIM MORSE

HEALTH Tell me a bit about the social aspect of being a cabbie, do you miss seeing your colleagues and of course the customers?

“Even though you’re in the cab alone a lot of the time, personally I work out of Heathrow quite a lot, and the social aspect is a massive thing for me, especially up the Airport. I’ve got to know a lot of guys over the years, a lot of characters as well, a lot of older guys who have been doing the job a long time, and I sit there and pick their brains about the old days. I’ve made a lot of good friends and I do miss that banter side of it, as it does take the edge off the job. When you’re at Heathrow waiting for a job, cab drivers will know what I’m talking about.

Even meeting friends after a shift for a cup of tea catching up on the day’s events and stuff, it’s good to sit there and break a bit of bread with them. The characters up at Heathrow I really do miss, there’s some real good guys out there.”

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Is there a future for black cab drivers?

“This is the million dollar question, personally I don’t know and that’s the scary thing about it.

We’ve been London’s life blood for over 300 years, I’d like to think so much that yes there is, it would be a shame if we became extinct. We’ve been treated so badly by the Government and all the mayors that have been before us, Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson and Sadiq Kahn, they want our votes to get them into power, and then they seem to just cast us aside, they see us as surplus to requirements. A lot of cab drivers you might speak to, say it’s a race to the bottom, I like to look at the glass half full, I know the amount of cab drivers are going down, it makes me think there might be more work for those of us that are left. If the Government don’t help us out a little bit more, then for the first time in my life I’m thinking we might be in danger. Since Moses wore short trousers, every cab driver would say, give it up son and now I’m actually getting a little bit worried. I do hope it isn’t the end, because we are the best cab service in the world there’s no doubt about that.”

Has being part of Mentality helped you the past year? Why? “I’ve got to be honest, since I’ve been asked to join the group, Mentality has helped me massively. It has helped me to be able to discuss things that I go through and not just to help others, we help and encourage each other. Whether it’s fitness advice or mental health information, I can go to any one of the team and get support, in that respect it’s great and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

What would be your advice to fellow black cab drivers to help them get through these tough times?

MATT LOCKETT

“My advice would be… this is a difficult one because I know how hard it is out there... Any spare time you can get, any time, I would say get

HEALTH out and do some exercise. Whether it’s swimming, running or boxing, something just to break up that shift, because at the moment you’re doing long hours and it is a mental stress, thinking about all the bills and looking after your children. If you do get any spare time, get out for a walk or a run and make yourself feel a little bit bouncier.”

Thanks Tim for your time, experience and insight. You’ve been really courageous, brave and honest with your contributions to Mentality over the past 10 months, you’re an excellent addition to the squad. I’d like to think you’re one of those special characters that London needs more of. Someone who shows compassion and care for the people, which is demonstrated by the work you’re doing highlighting mental health issues. I look forward to many more walks and talks to come over the years.

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25

www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ mentality

OPINION

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26

DR MIKE GALVIN CAN TAXIS AND PRIVATE HIRE

CO-EXIST

IN THE UK MARKET? Plan Insurance recently spoke to Dr Mike Galvin, one of the taxi and private hire industry’s most experienced and respected voices. Here he shares his opinion, as CEO of consultancy firm Mobility Services Limited, on the hot topic of whether ridehailing, private hire and taxi services can co-exist inside the UK.

until the next shock but they never quite did with grumbling and irritation on both sides which is still in evidence today.

The next significant shock was the explosion of venture capital money starting this time in London and with mixed success spreading across the UK. This of course was Uber. Uber came into town and used its methodology that it had finessed (a generous term) in New York of fire hosing money around like some drunken sailor to win drivers and to win customers. Earnest and angry meetings took The taxi industry was the first to feel the shock back place, the trade press went into meltdown, legal in the sixties when their hitherto ‘monopoly’ in the challenges were devised and regulators stood… I’d personal transport industry was pretty much like to say aghast but more accurately aside, urged removed overnight through the advent of minicabs/ on by their Downing Street masters. Like many good private hire. The ructions that followed were intentions, Downing Street’s stance was that they ultimately futile as the challengers had identified a wanted London to be the tech hub of Europe and loophole in the law that enabled them to operate Uber was a high profile, Silicon Valley pup that set legally. Outside of London, the 1976 Miscellaneous exactly the right optics for the start of a revolution Act provided the warmth of proper legislation and that turned the UK from a dying Empire to a bright twenty-two years later London followed suit. I’d like shiny incubator for the next generation of tech to say things settled back into a new status quo companies. IPOs would follow, money would flow,

OPINION

and Downing Street would be lauded for its forward -thinking strategy. Forget fuddy-duddy rules and laws (aka public safety) and give them free rein was the Downing Street mantra.

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27

cars, with drivers, wheelchair accessibility and more recently a greener approach. Of course, there are niches as well, close protection, chauffeurs, stretch limos etc. One of the interesting outcomes of the last half of the decade is how ride-hailing apps have Well, we know what happened next so I won’t developed their own customer base evidenced by dwell. But what is happening now? A little like my earlier comments, despite legislation and regulation how the overall market has grown and yet almost every operator is still in business. I have spoken at being enforced against Uber and some of its conferences about this phenomenon so please competitors in the market place selling on a high forgive me if you have heard it before, but I bar of regulatory compliance, the industry continues to grumble as the taxi industry did from honestly believe that there are few industries that could have withstood the fire hosing of billions of the sixties except now traditional private hire and taxis both grumble albeit very separately. So where pounds that this industry has seen and survived – that to me is truly remarkable. do we go from here – can the three segments coexist, can each prosper?

Has this fire hosed money been poorly targeted?

One group that is not listed above and features only Inevitably a percentage of any marketing money spent is wasted – the conundrum is which occasionally in the narrative of the combined industry is the customer… we ignore their wants at percentage? Or are the incumbents so resilient that our peril but frequently do. What the sixties proved, the newcomers never stood a chance of putting them out of business? How much of a part did lax what the last decade has proven is very simple, enforcement championed by Downing Street play? there is a cohort of customers who value price We will all have an opinion but sadly we will never above safety – fact! What is also proven is that really know. I would hazard a guess that each there are many cohorts – some demand public safety measures, many want certain standards with played a role. We have of course to learn from

OPINION history so what have we learnt? My guess would be not much! If a new threat arrived tomorrow are our trade bodies in so much better shape that they would immediately launch an action to deal with the enforcement failures? I guess not. What we would see is more earnest meetings, the trade press in meltdown and history repeating itself. Perhaps the industry has retained its stoic resilience but after the beating everyone has taken over the last nine months… maybe not. But this is to look inwards. What about customers how would they react and while we are on the subject how did they react to the last incursions; did they like politicians jump on the approaching bandwagons?

Clearly not!

Maybe and not surprisingly customers are the key to a safe secure future. Perhaps the industry needs to recognise this as obvious as it sounds. Does everyone look after their customers as they should? Are we too busy moaning, sitting in hot little rooms listening to tubthumper ranting on about judicial reviews to bother with… customers? Have the new entrants seen this as the industry’s weakness and exploited it? I suspect not otherwise they would have taken all of the customers. Rather than thinking about hurling some money around, hard earnt money I might add, to fight off the new entrants with promo codes (equally poorly targeted), perhaps incumbents should be thinking about just spending a little more time considering what customers want, why they use your company, how to make them stickier? Will this stop the large, respectable companies from pushing forwards… I don’t think so but it will protect your business.

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28 Many small shops continued to thrive when supermarkets hit the town, why? Because they provide what supermarkets couldn’t and wouldn’t.

Doesn’t that analogy apply to our industry? Won’t traditional operators continue to thrive despite the ride-hailing app companies’ growth and likewise won’t the large ride-hailing apps be able to grow despite the incumbents remaining in situ? I would, perhaps contentiously, say an emphatic yes! Let me explain… Customers!

Image credit: LEVC

British Airways unarguably charges more than Ryan Air so why do both survive… because not everyone wants to pay £300 and listen to a woman who talks like the queen introducing her 15 colleagues at the start of the flight. Not everyone wants a middleclass Downton Abbey experience flying from London to Berlin and to buy a Marks and Spencer sandwich on the flight and have three inches of extra legroom and pay X times more. Likewise, some people are not bothered about being squeezed into a bright yellow and blue cabin, carrying their own bags and not being able to understand the cabin staff, landing at an airport miles from the city it is purported to land at and are

OPINION happy to pay £25 for an hour’s equivalent of a bus journey. British Airways dyed in the wool customers are not going to move to Ryan Air easily or any time soon, likewise Michael O’Leary doesn’t have to lie awake at night worrying that BA will take a substantial share of his customers. Yes, that is an extreme example and at the fringes, there will be those who ebb and flow between the two BUT the point is the customer is king. If a market functions well there is a choice not only on price but also on the proposition. As in our industry, EasyJet, Whizz and Ryanair have got people flying who would never have flown with the established carriers… they have done what Uber et al did and created their own customer cohort.

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29

private hire/minicabs first appeared in the sixties.

Of course, there have been other consequences, prices have slipped in our industry and in the airline industry. However, in our industry was this as a consequence of defensive or offensive pricing, was it considered in correlation with customer data or just used as some kind of tactic to retain market share? The clever guy is not the guy who can buy at a £1 and sell at 90p, to me the clever guy is the one who can buy at 90p and sell at £1.50 and the really smart one gets £5!

The propositions are clear – taxis a bit pricey but instantly available, anonymous, wheelchair accessible, roomy and metered fares. Private hire, local, generally competitive with taxis, lots of Like this industry, creating that cohort was not an vehicle choice, pre-booked. Ride-hailing – cheap exact science. I am not saying that no incumbent and quick to arrive, occasionally surge prices. Each ever lost a customer to Uber but what I am saying, has, of course, subsets and levels of flavour to the and the evidence speaks to this, is that the airline basic proposition but the key is they are all market grew with low-cost airlines and the personal different. This applies to airlines, supermarkets and transport market grew with low-cost ride-hailing lots of other industries. But the key to each one is to apps. Sage’s law (supply creates its own demand) is identify the target customer, nurture and expand always borne out in these scenarios as it was when that customer cohort and ensure that your market share of that cohort is as large as it can be and your part of that cohort is stickier than the firm down the road. How do you do that… that is where you add the value, you know your business, your cohort and your proposition ensuring each is aligned is called running a business!

Whinging and whining about new players or old players is futile, worry about your business, your customers and aligning them and you will live a happier and more successful life.

Taxis, private hire and ride-hailing apps can live together successfully but the focus needs to change to do so.

VEHICLE

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30

vehicles serving customers in Northumberland and on Tyneside.

The company’s Business Manager, Michael Carling, said: “We take pride at Phoenix Taxis in being at the forefront of efforts to minimise carbon emissions. We already have 50 battery-powered cars on the road, but the eVito represents a new and exciting chapter in our company’s success story.

“It’s our first electric vehicle capable of carrying eight passengers. We’re limited at the moment by social distancing restrictions, of course, but this capacity puts us in prime position to meet demand as soon as these are lifted.

Image credit: Bell Truck and Van

Northumberland-based Phoenix Taxis has become the first operator to embrace the zero-emissions all-electric Mercedes-Benz eVito.

“We’ll be evaluating the eVito’s performance and The long L2 Tourer PRO variant which offers flexible usability over the next 12 months. The early signs seating for up to eight passengers has been are very promising, though. It’s extremely smooth supplied by North-East Dealer Bell Truck and Van. and quiet, so provides a very pleasant ride for our The deal agreed represents a year-long MercedesBenz Finance contract hire agreement.

The Mercedes-Benz eVito, licensed as a Hackney Carriage by Northumberland County Council, produces zero tailpipe emissions and allows customers to meet their environmental targets without having to compromise on practicality or performance.

Phoenix Taxis is a family-run business with headquarters in Blyth, and a fleet of more than 200

Image credit: Bell Truck and Van

VEHICLE driver and passengers. The running costs are very low, plus it’s super clean.”

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31

choose between C, E and E+ (Comfort, Eco and Extended range) settings.

The eVito’s range of 90-plus miles – supplemented by recuperative charging but reduced by constant driving with a full load – is comfortably sufficient for Phoenix Taxi’s school contract and urban private hire work.

The eVito also comes with Mercedes PRO connect as standard. This advanced manufacturer solution provides operators with an array of fast, efficient and cost-effective vehicle management service Image credit: Bell Truck and Van packages. Vehicle data is analysed in real time – everything from The eVito is currently assigned to a ‘school run’ maintenance status to GPS position and charging contract, collecting pupils of a local special-needs can be monitored. Additional dedicated electric school – which remains open during the latest features allow customers, for example, to locate a lockdown – from their homes in the morning, and charge station, optimise route planning, remotely dropping them off at the end of the day. It is also check the charge status of the vehicle, and preundertaking general private hire duties in between. condition its temperature ahead of the journey.

Mr Carling added: “The electric drivetrain is perfect for this kind of work. There’s no gearbox to worry about, and the motor’s full torque is available almost immediately, making stop-start driving very easy.

“The simplicity of the design, with many fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, also means there’s far less to go wrong, so we’re looking forward to a very high level of uptime as well as attractive costs per-mile. It all adds up to a very attractive package.”

The eVito’s electric motor produces 114hp and drives the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is instantaneous. Top speed is restricted as standard to 50mph (80km/h), although this can be increased on request. The steering wheel-mounted selectors allows drivers to

Image credit: Bell Truck and Van

VEHICLE

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32

AUTONOMOUS ‘TAXI’ AIMS TO BECOME NEW

BLACK TAXI EMBLEM

Image credit: PriestmanGoode

A design company has unveiled its vision for the look like, focusing on ride-hailing services. Future car future of autonomous ride-hailing taxis with its ‘New interiors are looking increasingly like luxury suites, Car for London’ concept. and our vast experience in designing First Class aircraft interiors means we understand what The new autonomous vehicle designed by PriestmanGoode aims to accommodate a wide range passengers want and how to maximise comfort, of user needs for journeys up to an hour around the space and flexibility of use. Meanwhile, our experience working in the public transport sector streets of London. The designers also explore how also means we understand the requirements around the vehicle might serve its communities. ease of maintenance.”

The design firm says that they acknowledge the Dan Window, Creative Director, says: “Cities risk unique role that transport design can play as an losing their unique identity as a result of the emblem of a city or country. The new autonomous globalisation of the major ride-share apps. We vehicle, displaying the word ‘TAXI’, would pit its wanted to address this. functionalities against the already iconic status handed to London’s wheelchair accessible black taxis “While our new concept could be adapted to any and highly trained drivers. global city, the vehicle you see here has been Paul Priestman, Chairman of PriestmanGoode, said: designed with London in mind.

“Autonomous vehicles are at the heart of future mobility solutions. Tech companies and car makers are working on developing vehicles that address emissions challenges and user needs. We wanted to create a vision for what these future vehicles could

“The idea is for the New Car for London to live alongside the city’s existing transport icons, like the tube, the double decker bus or the black cab, and create a new offer that adds to London’s great transport landscape.”

VEHICLE

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 33

ELECTRIC TAXI MANUFACTURERS

LEVC RECEIVE COACHMAKERS’

‘AWARD TO INDUSTRY’ significance. The acclaimed award has been presented annually since 1972.

Image credit: LEVC

LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has been selected as the 44th recipient of the ‘Award to Industry’ by The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers of London.

The Coachmakers’ Award to Industry recognises outstanding contributions in the automotive and aerospace industries, with a focus on accomplishments within the fields of design, technical development, innovation and commercial

Judges for The Coachmakers’ Award praised LEVC for its commitment to improving air quality in cities around the world – from its launch of the electric TX Taxi in 2018 and its new VN5 electric van, as well as recognising the company’s “world-class” electric vehicle R&D and manufacturing facilities.

Joerg Hofmann, LEVC CEO, said: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award, which recognises LEVC as a leading British manufacturer of electric vehicles and our commitment to bringing clean, sustainable commercial vehicles to markets around the world. Building on the success of TX, VN5 will offer even greater potential to reduce emissions and drive businesses towards greener, cleaner fleet solutions.”

MOTORISTS’ WALLETS HIT The price of petrol shot up by 3.5p to 120p a litre in January – a price last seen the day before the first COVID-19 lockdown on 22 March 2020 and the third consecutive monthly increase, data from RAC Fuel Watch reveals.

Diesel also went up by more than 3p a litre from 120.05p to 123.43p (3.38p), making for the second rise in as many months. Both fuels, however, are still around 7p a litre cheaper than they were a year ago.

At these prices a full 55-litre tank of unleaded will set drivers back £66 which is nearly £2 (£1.92) more

than at the start of January. The diesel equivalent is £67.89 – up £1.86. Compared to the May 2020 low of 105.81p for petrol, a complete fill-up is now around £8 more expensive and diesel nearly £7.

PAYMENT

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34

Image: tippmee

A new cashless way for passengers to tip taxi and drivers like the fact that they don’t have to do private hire drivers during journeys has been created anything as passengers see the service in front of by tech firm tippmee. them during the journey.

Using personalised headrest covers and inserts that include a unique driver QR Code and NFC tech, passengers can scan or tap the headrest covers and leave a tip.

“It doesn’t matter if the booking is made online, through an APP or by phone tippmee works for short and long journeys. It has been mentioned to me a few times that it actually makes drivers more sociable and Passengers on board can make the contactless mobile more effort is made with passengers.” payment via Apple Pay, Google Pay or any Debit/ Credit card.

According to tippmee, drivers joining the platform get two headrest covers and two personalised inserts for their vehicle. The sign up process is quick and the driver receives the QR codes by post within 7 days.

Drivers wishing to join tippmee are charged a £30 annual fee, plus a 1% transaction fee on each payment taken.

Jason Rivolta, Co-Founder and CEO of tippmee, said: “The feedback has been really positive and

TAXIPOINT

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36

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BETTER CONNECTED We featured exclusive high-profile political and industry interviews. TaxiPoint became the official media partners to the UITP Global Taxi and Ride-hailing Conference 2020.

We have always taken pride in providing the UK taxi trade with instant, reliable industry news.

Never has it been more important for the trade to be able to access vital information straight to mobile devices and we delivered JOURNALISM breaking Our most read news story coronavirus in 2020, based on vital SEISS information, and selfreceived 116,192 page employment views. support news throughout the year.

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February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38

AROUND THE WORLD USA Ferrovial, a global leading infrastructure operator, and Lilium, the aviation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet aircraft, have signed a framework agreement to develop a network of at least ten vertiports. The zero-carbon infrastructure and services will cover strategic locations in all major cities across Florida. This partnership seeks to provide an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative transport network connecting locations across Florida.

facilities as well as the operation and maintenance of the vertiports for passenger service. The first location in South Florida will be announced as soon as Spring 2021.

Daniel Wiegand, Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder at Lilium, said: “Our partnership with Ferrovial to develop flight infrastructure, is a critical step in delivering the potential of regional air mobility to provide high speed, affordable, emissions-free travel to millions of people. As we accelerate our launch Vertiports are a key component in realising the plans, Lilium is committed to partnering with industry enormous potential of innovations in eVTOL aviation, leaders, bringing together their strengths and providing infrastructure for landing, recharging, and experience with our aircraft technology and passenger taking off with passengers. Ferrovial and Lilium will service infrastructure. We’re excited about what we collaborate in designing and constructing the vertiport will achieve together.”

SINGAPORE

Image credit: Lilium

RUSSIA Hoversurf has unveiled its latest flying taxi design. The company says the drone is capable of transporting passengers and cargo by air.

The vehicle has now started test flights, with production set to begin this year. The company says it is targeting flights over the city in 2023.

Image credit: Hoversurf

GLOBAL NEWS

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 39

AROUND THE WORLD SINGAPORE ComfortDelGro Taxi has announced that it will be launching a beta trial of its new ride-hailing service. The move, which will serve to supplement its 10,000 strong taxi fleet, will include a small number of private hire cars, as the company gauges reception to the new service.

ComfortDelGro Taxi was awarded a ride-hail operating licence and street-hail operating licence in November 2020. The private hire car service will only be available on the ComfortRIDE booking option and it will be served by both private hire cars and traditional taxis.

SINGAPORE

CANADA A 52-year-old former taxi driver has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter for deliberately driving his vehicle into a skateboarder in downtown Toronto.

The former cabbie drove his taxi into his victim, who was riding his skateboard in the curb lane. He died instantly due to the crushing injuries to his head.

FRANCE HysetCo, an assessment management firm which owns one of the world’s largest fleets of hydrogen taxis, has acquired Slota Group’s fleet of diesel taxis which operate in Paris. HysetCo announced the acquisition, saying the new hydrogen-powered fleet will be supported by two new hydrogen refuelling stations which will be added to the existing network this year.

Loic Voisin, President of HysetCo, said: “We are delighted to add Slota’s skills and recognised know-how to HysetCo’s unique offering, which combines infrastructure, vehicles, and the use of the world’s largest fleet of hydrogen taxis.”

Image credit: Air Liquide

February 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 41

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