TaxiPoint June 2021 Edition 26

The UK’s #1 Taxi News Source Over 1.5

Edition 26 | June 2021

million magazine reads in the last year

STEP 3 LEARNINGS|COVID IMPACT|RETROFIT ROADSAGE|DR. MIKE GALVIN|NEW MERCEDES-BENZ

WWW.TAXI-POINT.CO.UK

EDITORIAL

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TAXI TRADE

NEWS IN THE MAINSTREAM

WHY IS IT

IMPORTANT?

Our vision has always been to deliver exceptional, professional and impartial trade journalism to the taxi industry. As we all navigate our way through the coronavirus pandemic, we are proud to have consolidated our position as a leading taxi trade news source that people can trust.

With trust comes authority and that’s how websites are ranked on search engines. There’s no point putting out great content on important issues relating to the taxi industry if no one can find or discover it!

The way people receive and read news is changing quickly. Recent findings from the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2020 found ‘the crisis is very likely to accelerate long-term structural changes towards a more digital, more mobile, and more platform-dominated media environment’.

This is the foundation that TaxiPoint has been built upon and we know that we are equipped to meet the digital news and information demands of the taxi industry for years to come now.

That’s why we’ve invested heavily to future proof the trade’s voice across a number of global mainstream news aggregators. These include: Google News, Apple News, News Now, Flipboard, Microsoft News and many more. Give us a search and follow our channel!

Having a UK taxi trade news source appearing alongside some of the biggest news outlets in the world is vital. It gives the trade authority and a platform to express all opinions and problems and also share successes.

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.

FEATURE

STEP THREE

LEARNINGS

PENT-UP DEMAND

WARMING UP! As restrictions ease, the predicted pent-up demand to get back to normality is gathering pace fast in some cities.

Taxi fleets, payment solution providers and booking apps have all shared positive results based around the number of card payments and app bookings made recently.

A spokesperson from Cabvision said: “Another encouraging set of data from yesterday giving us further encouragement for an active Bank Holiday weekend.

“Our data has been showing that Mondays and Tuesdays remain subdued but that all other days recovering well. Still some way to go but poverty earnings appear behind us.”

Since mid-April the number of card payments have doubled according to one set of data. Colts Cabs, one of London’s biggest taxi fleets, said via social media: “JOBWATCH... 30,000+ busted on FRIDAY 28/5/21 by 1 out of the 4 no report on cash APPS and radio circuit job numbers.

“Let’s put it down to Pay Day. London is definitely returning to some form of normality!”

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FEATURE

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According to FREE NOW, its data shows a 38% increase in demand week-on-week in the UK. The company is now trying to recruit 10,000 more drivers as national restrictions ease further and social mobility grows to meet the increased demand that is set to continue once the UK fully reopens.

Mariusz Zabrocki, General Manager FREE NOW UK, said: “Since England moved from stage 2 to 3 in the lockdown roadmap, taxi journey numbers on the FREE NOW app are approaching pre-pandemic levels, with daily volumes fluctuating around 90% of values from early March 2020, before the first lockdown.

“Demonstrating a level of increased confidence amongst Brits, there has been a 150% increase in rides compared to the earlier stage of the lockdown in April. On 17 May, bookings between 5 and 6pm skyrocketed 107% week-on -week, as people could go to an indoor restaurant or a pub after work for the first time since early November.

“Friday and Saturday 11pm-midnight became the busiest ride-hailing time slot of the week for the first time this year.

“On a regional level, in London, the West End was alive again, with Tottenham Court Road experiencing a 188% rise in rides week-on-week, and Leicester Square 184%, the two largest increases in requests in the capital.

“Among other cities, Edinburgh registered the highest overall weekly growth (108%), with Leith Walk (up by 400%) and Royal Mile (up by 330%). In Reading, bookings to and from Reading Uni tripled, similarly to Hove Lawns in Brighton and Hove.”

What’s changed?

Quite simply people have the option to go indoors and to meet more friends and family. Social distancing measures still remain, but these variables certainly appear to have opened up demand and the economy.

WRITTEN BY: PERRY RICHARDSON

Charity

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COVID IMPACT

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THE COVID THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON THE TAXI AND PHV INDUSTRY

UNCOVERED

It goes without saying that the coronavirus pandemic has had a striking impact on the taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) industry financially since restrictions were first brought in over 12 months ago in March 2020.

UK taxi fleet have continued to work the number of hours they were working pre-pandemic.

The aim of our UK wide survey was to ask taxi and private hire drivers to share their experiences of the coronavirus pandemic, including the level of support received, work patterns and plans for the future.

According to the data only 36.8% of licensed drivers have tried to work consistently in the last six months.

A huge 31.8% of taxi and PHV drivers are yet to work consistently in the industry for over 12 months.

The full in-depth report is due to be released in late June, however the results based on the financial impact of COVID can be shared today.

On to the support offered to the sector, most of the drivers surveyed were registered as Self-Employed (96.4%). However, nearly one in five of those taxi and private drivers have failed to receive any Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grants throughout the pandemic.

Of those who have reduced their hours throughout the pandemic, the main overwhelming reason to do so With the help of our readers, TaxiPoint was unsurprisingly due to a lack of has analysed the impact of COVID-19. demand. 92.6% of cabbies working less Over 600 taxi and private hire drivers hours sited that as one of the reasons. literally from all corners of the UK have 30.2% of cabbies also said personal helped us paint the most safety was a major reason to work less comprehensive picture to date. during the pandemic too.

Firstly, let’s take a look at the number of cabbies working during the pandemic. According to the data compiled by TaxiPoint, just 8.8% of the

91.2% of the UK’s taxi and PHV drivers were forced to reduce the number of hours they worked

31.8% of UK’s taxi and PHV drivers are yet to work consistently in the last 12 months

COVID IMPACT

15.3% of UK taxi and PHV drivers received NO Government or Local Authority financial support

Less than 5% of drivers in Glasgow and Edinburgh said they received adequate or better support from their licensing authority

Over 71% of Welsh taxi drivers thought they received adequate or better support from the Government

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Of those unable to access SEISS grant funding only 23.9% received Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG), Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG), Scottish Government Grant or any other funding.

drivers rating the support from Local Authorities as adequate or better.

Cabbies in Northern Ireland marginally received the least amount of financial support across the UK with 16.7% of cabbies unable to access any funds. Scottish drivers were marginally the most supported with 13.3% of cabbies lacking any type of funding.

support offered as adequate or better, whilst in Scotland only 4.4% of Edinburgh cabbies and just 3.4% of Glasgow drivers thought similar.

Looking even more locally at some of the larger licensing authorities, London (Transport for London), Glasgow and Edinburgh scored According to the survey, 15.3% of taxi particularly low when it came to and PHV drivers received no satisfaction around the support Government or Local Authority offered throughout the pandemic. support throughout the pandemic.

Just 5.3% of London drivers rated the

Were taxi and PHV drivers happy with the level of support offered to them by both national Governments and Local Authorities? Overall, including those who were eligible for SEISS grant funding, just 15% of taxi and PHV drivers considered the support they received from their Local Authorities to be adequate or better.

In England only 15.2% of taxi and PHV drivers thought the support offered by their local authority was adequate or better. In Scotland, the figure was 11.7% and in Northern Ireland the figure falls down further to just 8.3% There were however more satisfied cabbies in Wales with 57.1% of

On a government level, the support received was perceived as more adequate when compared to that of Local Authorities in England.

According to the data, 54% of taxi and PHV drivers thought the support offered was adequate or better.

Most pleased with their government’s support was Welsh cabbies. Over 71% of cabbies thought their devolved government provided them with adequate or good support.

On the flip side, cabbies in Scotland were less pleased with the support they received from the Scottish Government. Just 21.7% of drivers thought they were correctly supported throughout the pandemic.

However, in Northern Ireland the satisfaction drops even lower to just 4.2% satisfied or happy with the support offering.

INTERVIEW

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 12 Image credit: LEVC

JOERG HOFMANN LEVC CEO

Q1.

British electric taxi manufacturers LEVC have been busy turning the black cab industry green ever since the first LEVC TX was licensed in the capital back in January 2018. Since then, over 5,000 vehicles have been sold across the world.

The pandemic has had a severe impact on our business and, like many other British brands, we unfortunately did not qualify for any of the available government loan guarantee. This has added further pressure on our business operations and financial situation, and we have been working week by week Joerg Hofmann, LEVC’s CEO, joined the Coventry based manufacturers in February 2019 and has had to get through the pandemic. to oversee a turbulent pandemic for both the taxi The market recovery is much slower than we first industry and the motoring sector. expected and what is very clear is that we need tourism to return and for regular business travel in How do you see LEVC recovering in the short our cities to start up again. With lockdown and long term from the impact of coronavirus? restrictions easing and the success of the Are you expecting a spike in demand for the vaccination rollout, the general mood is certainly LEVC TX? more positive now and we are seeing demand

INTERVIEW

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 13

Q2.

Why did LEVC choose to release a taxi with a range extender rather than a fully electric vehicle?

Q3.

Q4.

There are several LEVC TXs involved in wireless charging projects in both Nottingham and in Germany, to investigate the feasibility of intelligent wireless taxi charging platforms. It seems like an interesting solution and could be a good concept for taxis, we will have to wait and see how the technology develops.

Finally, what do you think is the LEVC TX’s biggest selling point?

Q6.

We believe our range-extended eCity powertrain is the right technology for now. It offers the best of both worlds: zero-emission capability with zero range anxiety. TX gives the driver complete flexibility, without the need to worry about downtime or having to turn down a fare due to a lack of range. It is proven technology that truly works for a commercial operator.

Do you think we are likely to see wireless EV chargepoints in the UK?

Q5.

return for our product. The iconic black cab is a infrastructure put in place within the next few celebrated and integral part of city life, and this will years. not change!

I am proud to be part of a company that has produced an iconic vehicle with such a rich heritage.

One of the reasons I think the product has been so successful for so long is that it has always been LEVC will have a full battery electric taxi in the purpose built to meet the harsh demands of city future, this is our clear future product strategy. I travel and offers unrivalled accessibility for all can’t commit to a timing at this stage, but I am certainly comfortable that we will bring this product customers. Our electric TX is our most advanced taxi to market when the range, performance and battery yet and one of the biggest selling points is that it offers no compromises - zero-emission capability costs as well as the charging infrastructure are all without range-anxiety. Importantly, our new TX optimised. delivers new levels of comfort, convenience, and What is your view on the current EV practicality for the driver - our research also tells us chargepoint network? Do you think that TX drivers feel Governments and Local Authorities can do more focused, more, and what one improvement would you calmer and also like to see? less tired at the end of their shift Charging infrastructure is a key factor in the mass compared to their adoption of EV’s. Up until now progress has been experience with fairly slow, which is why there is a need for transitional technology like LEVC’s eCity powertrain, the previous diesel models. TX also to eliminate any range-anxiety for drivers. offers significant Ultimately, for commercial vehicle operators, it comes down to convenience and efficiency, drivers financial savings the move to can’t spend hours charging their vehicles or electric has seen searching for available charging points - they have businesses to run and downtime must be kept to a drivers save on average £110 a minimum. We must see more rapid charger week in fuel.

Are there any immediate or long-term plans for a fully electric LEVC TX?

Image credit: LEVC

TECHNOLOGY

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 15

RETROFIT

OPTION

Local authorities across the UK are bringing in Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) with the main aim to reduce pollution levels and improve air quality. They're often found in areas with high levels of air pollution, usually towns or city centres.

In most cases, drivers will have to pay to go through these zones if their vehicle emits high emissions. If they don’t pay the fee, they may have to pay a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Most LEZ and CAZ fees apply to diesel vehicles built before September 2015 which usually don't meet emission standards. In some cases, fees don't apply to petrol cars built after January 2006. Electric, certain hybrids and other vehicles with zero emissions are exempt from paying to enter these areas. Dispensation is also available for older cars, typically with Euro 5 engines which are converted to Euro 6 Standards.

According to Cybrand, a UK firm that provides retrofit exhaust and emission control solutions for diesel-engined applications, Clean Air Zones are rising in prominence across the UK and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Retrofitting existing cabs to meet Euro 6 compliance standards is seen as one way to eliminate daily charges and future proofing your taxi. Using a fully approved retrofit conversion will not only save money on fees, but it will also ensure that your taxi is less harmful to the environment which carries long-term benefits for everybody.

Image credit: Cybrand

TECHNOLOGY THE RETROFIT TECHNOLOGY The accreditation required to become exempt from emission zone fees within the LEZ or CAZ is known as Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) and is administered by the Energy Saving Trust.

Cybrand are the only approved installer with this certification able to offer a retrofit conversion on taxis which doesn’t involve a completely new engine.

On a standard Euro 5 compliant taxi, exhaust gas from the turbocharger passes directly into the combined catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter and from there through the silencer to the tailpipe.

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16 On a retrofitted Euro 6 compliant cab, a new Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system is installed into the exhaust system further downstream. This incorporates a thermo-electric element which helps to bring the exhaust to an ideal temperature to encourage efficient catalytic conversion. Together with the introduction of AdBlue, which is a diesel exhaust fluid, the SCR system reduces NOx down to levels that exceed the requirements of Euro 6.

SCR is beneficial because it reduces NOx by up to 90% and is one of the most cost-effective and fuel-efficient technologies available.

Image credit: Cybrand

TECHNOLOGY WHAT ARE THE PRO’S WITH THIS TYPE OF CONVERSION? Cybrand’s German-developed conversion process, utilizing AdBlue and SCR, is the only accredited retrofit conversion method that doesn’t involve either a full engine swap or an electric conversion. This has a huge bearing on the cost of making your taxi LEZ or CAZ compliant.

The typical installation time is also only one day – considerably less than other conversion methods available. As well as that, Cybrand’s conversion does not modify the original engine. It’s an exhaust aftertreatment that introduces AdBlue and an SCR catalyst in conjunction with electronic dosing and thermal exhaust management.

Cybrand AEC Ltd in conjunction with HJS Emission Technology has gained widespread Type Approval for this conversion. As part of the installation process, the

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 17 appropriate documentation will be sent to Energy Saving Trust (EST) who then update the ULEZ/ANPR database, so your vehicle will automatically be exempt from emissions-related penalty charges.

Image credit: Cybrand

On the standard Euro 5 compliant engine, exhaust gas from the turbocharger passes directly into the combined catalytic converter and Diesel Particulate Filter (arrowed), and from there through the silencer to the tailpipe.

TECHNOLOGY

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18

MAINTAINING THE SYSTEM

COSTS AND GRANTS

Cybrand offer a user-friendly option for maintaining the AdBlue system. An SCR display panel is installed in the cab in a place of your choosing, for example the left underside of the instrument panel angled at the driver.

The SCR display panel will alert the driver when a topup will be due. It allows for the driver to tab through a menu, displaying the remaining AdBlue range in mileage before the next top-up will be necessary.

Topping up is a simple process, performed via the under-bonnet filling point which is subsequently piped directly down to the AdBlue tank which is discretely located externally, under the driver’s seat box.

The conversion is currently available for Euro 5 Mercedes Vito and Peugeot E7 taxis, with the LTi TX4 added shortly. The price is £5,195 + vat though for most cities implementing Clean Air Zones there are grants available through local government, generally for 80% of this amount meaning the typical cost to a taxi driver is just £1,234.

The cities involved presently do have slightly different processes for how to access this grant funding.

Cybrand can direct individuals to the appropriate resource depending on their location if they require more support. The retrofit system also comes with a full 2-year warranty and local installation options are being rolled out continuously.

TECHNOLOGY

A new technology company based in Glasgow have created a clever product which can safely display a taxi’s availability and relay other messages to motorists and customers.

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Whenever a vehicle comes too close to a car installed with RoadSage, it can autonomously display a ‘’Maintain Safe Distance’’ warning sign, which is visible from up to 40metres away and causes no rear-view obstruction to the driver.

Unitic is a technology company based in Glasgow with the vision to make roads safer by delivering innovative The device is a transparent display that uses a longproducts. range LiDAR sensor to calculate the speed of the The company behind the tech, Unitic, was founded in vehicle behind and displays warnings encouraging the ‘’2-second rule’’, requiring no attention from the driver early 2020 and started its journey by first developing who is free to concentrate fully on the road ahead. its new product ‘RoadSage’, which turns the rearwindshield of a taxi into a transparent display.

The device can be controlled via voice commands to a The smart device could for the first time in many cities, user-friendly mobile app (with support for Siri & display a ‘For Hire’ message to alert passengers of the Google Assistant) along with a wireless remote that taxi’s availability. It could also display the names of pre easily attaches to the steering wheel.

-booked passengers, doing away with the need for RoadSage is currently being developed in collaboration name boards. with Edinburgh Napier University and under the When driving, the device can be used to autonomously guidance of many other renowned organisations like warn tailgaters to maintain a safe distance and display Business Gateway, Scottish Enterprise & Business and IP Centre. other simple messages.

Image credit: Unitic

TECHNOLOGY Tailgating-related accidents costs the UK-economy hundreds of millions every year and accounts for a high number of serious injuries on UK roads.

In data collected by Highways England it suggests that tailgating is mostly unintentional, by drivers who do not realise they are invading someone else's safe driving space. The Unitic team also carried out on road testing and the results were surprisingly similar, concluding that tailgating can be avoided if brought to attention before it happens.

The Unitic team believes that due to the amount of time spent behind the wheel driving, taxi drivers are one of the most vulnerable groups to encounter tailgating and road rage.

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20 are only putting innocent lives at risks.”

Aamir Khan, Chief Operations & Marketing Officer, said: “Tailgating plays a huge role in rear-end crashes and road rage. With RoadSage, the lives of people on road would be much better and safer.”

Adesh Thakur, Chief Technical Officer, said: “We hope to increase communication between cars and deescalate road rage. Having a voice controlled mobile app and a wireless remote would ensure that drivers don’t get distracted.”

The Glasgow based firm is ensuring that RoadSage is designed to comply with the UK road regulations and is in constant touch with the Department for Transport (DfT), Road Policing Department and Vehicles Certification Agency.

Prathamesh Deshmukh (also known as Shree), Unitic Chief Executive Office, said: “Tailgaters need to RoadSage is currently under development and is understand that they will not get to their destination expected to be available for pre-order by mid-2022. any faster, nor does it make them a skilled driver, they

OPINION

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 21

DR. MIKE GALVIN TAXI TRADE SURVIVAL

BECKONS BUT CHANGE IS NEEDED

OPINION

Looked at clinically, taxis in London clearly face an existential challenge. This is not some old timer crying ‘the game is finished’ the situation is clear to anyone who does ten minutes of research. The systemic weaknesses together with political interventions will, unless someone, somewhere does something about it, mean that a way of life, an important service, a great employment opportunity and public choice will be removed from London.

Covid, has I think we can all agree hastened the downturn but it is not responsible for it. That die was cast in 1998 (PH Licensing) and was barely discernible during the first ten years as transition began due to a buoyant economy, after transition the pace began to quicken as corporates moved from radio taxi circuits to private hire and from 2015 began to gather serious momentum as ride hailing crossed the Atlantic and rocked up in London. The commercial response from the taxi industry has been muted in many respects. Whilst politically strong and never fearful of putting their money where their mouth is to go to law thanks to the LTDA, LCDC et al the industry has lacked any

real commercial or marketing direction.

The radio circuits, once mighty have diminished and largely disappeared, ComCab being the last man standing. The London Taxi Board, long gone along with the benefits of the manufacturer, big fleets, radio circuits, driver organisations and the regulator admittedly operating in their mutual and vested interests but where it really mattered together coordinating enough actions to make an important impact. Over the period of the early twenties the trade continued to increase prices whilst its competitors reduced prices at such a level that many are now lower than before minicabs were first licensed in London. Taxi costs have increased as has congestion and the number of journeys has reduced. Any business faced with lower priced competitors, increasing costs and reducing sales would be looking at a strategy for recovery, to regain lost ground, to encourage customers back and to increase supply. To date if that is happening it is not very obvious and frankly not very successful.

The crossroads have been reached – so what is everyone else doing?

Let’s look at the transport industry and what is happening elsewhere? The Government has just announced a huge shake up of rail, active transport is in vogue, petrol and diesel (especially diesel) are being demonised, electric vehicles (EV) are seen as the future, hydrogen gets only passing comment and car clubs are beatified which is curious as isn’t a car always a car? Micro mobility is on the way in and private car ownership is expected to reduce… but will it? Public transport in London will get a fillip when the long-awaited cross rail system goes live – yet more competition. Meanwhile the smart money is on commuting getting back to 50-60% of previous levels due to the Covid/Zoom experience. Foreign travel appears to be a year or two away from getting to being anywhere near previous levels. Will government move from its, and previous

TAXI TRADE SURVIVAL BECKONS BUT CHANGE IS NEEDED

The gradual reduction in restrictions on our freedoms will I am sure we all hope lead to a gradual recovery in business levels. But this recovery probably comes at what really is a watershed for the taxi industry. The prospect of taxi driver badges reducing to below 20k is a statistic or two away (20,587 last week after a further reduction of 32), vehicle licences are already at levels not seen since the 80’s and still dropping (13,714 a drop of 11 in a week), the well-intended ULEZ measures where maximum vehicle ages are reduced over a short period of time together with the ageing driver community many of whom are unlikely to invest in a new ZEC taxi means that the number of taxis is a year or two, at most away from hitting 10k. So, should anyone be bothered? Don’t less taxis mean more work for the survivors? I seriously doubt it… surely Sage’s law (supply creates its own demand) kicks in at some point!

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 22

OPINION

business schools in universities when faced with a seemingly impossible task is to imagine where you are now, and if all obstacles were removed how you would get to your solution, your utopia. Having done that, you are encouraged to look at every obstacle and think about how you could remove them, move them, manage them out or if needed go around them. So, if we look at the taxi industry through this prism, what is it that is needed – electric vehicles – give every cab driver one, congestion – remove it, pricing – lower costs/create more trips/generate more revenue, increase supply Environmental damage is not only caused by miles to provide a better service, operate right across London to broaden appeal, bring in technology you driven, producing and disposing of vehicles also get the picture. The next step is always about adds immensely to the waste of the earth’s innovation – stop solutionising with the old resources, to landfill and to pollution. Less individually owned cars and more shared resources constraints as the reason (aka excuses) not to do anything new – innovate, be creative, think the are clearly part of the plan but however good the plan is, will it actually materialise? To do so requires unthinkable. Does it all sound a bit scary or a bit risky? I think it does but will doing nothing be huge cultural change. Cultural change is better? Less risky? Less scary? And importantly acknowledged to be the most difficult change to more successful? achieve in any environment. Cultural change is exhausting, it is not about laws it is about hearts So where will this fulcrum for action, for innovation and minds. It takes forever. Once the early adopters and for survival and optimistically growth and have invested in a bike and a lycra outfit or bought success come from? Isn’t it easier to moan, blame their electric car, every next step is tougher.

TfL, Uber and anyone else who comes to mind? Is Announcements and press conferences garner the answer really to gradually drift away from the some support but it is small, moving the great mass trade and to watch a once great industry crumble from where they are, generally from where they and go the way of many other trades and broadly want to be to somewhere they really don’t industries? want to be, that they perceive they would hate is Why did the taxi industry work? What stops tough and political cycles don’t align with the task. it working now?

Small steps, picking low hanging fruit, gently pushing the boundaries is the normal and normally In its heyday the taxi industry (for the record I the most successful approach. But this is a would pinpoint this as the 80’s and 90’s) was government in a hurry, if we believe the science somewhere that legions of people made their rightly so, so if moving from where we are now to a home, they did The Knowledge in a reasonable green and pleasant land is the goal where do taxis time, often worked part time whilst employed fit in? ostensibly full time as printers, market porters, firemen and the rest. Some were made redundant Close your eyes and imagine Utopia as industries diminished and/or disappeared and One of the tactics that is frequently taught at migrated to working full time in the cab. During

TAXI TRADE SURVIVAL BECKONS BUT CHANGE IS NEEDED

administrations’ mantra of spending billions on roads and millions on public transport? And if not, where will the big shift to public transport rather than private car usage come from? The Government constantly announces ever more challenging green targets – with respect announcing is the easy and cost-free bit, delivering is the tough and expensive bit. Will they achieve the targets or be long gone with another administration left to explain why the challenge wasn’t met? What damage will be done in the process to this and other industries? And importantly for this article what role will taxis play?

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23

OPINION

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24 growth and development of the industry and it is no surprise that the demise of some of these has led to the downturn in the industry.

The saying that cab drivers did not retire they just faded away was a truism. Many full timers bought their own cab, many didn’t. Part timers and the elderly took a cab for a couple of days per week or did a deal with a musher. In other words, there was flexibility and choice and the trade could peak and trough broadly in line with demand. Radio provided jobs in, jobs home and a welcome second iron in the fire. So, what has happened?

A new dawn or a gentle sunset?

The real value of an opportunity is actually recognising it. As we shake out from the torpor of Covid-19, as the Government struggles (as it will) to paint the UK green, as transport providers look for door to door solutions, as the Mayor tries to clean up London’s air quality and get accidents (KSI’s) to zero where is the taxi industry, surely it is able to provide at least some of the solution(s)? Does the As journey volumes have reduced, as competitors industry wish to remain the squeaky wheel, the have cut prices and as congestion has increased people who always say no, the people who block up individual fares have reduced the competitive the streets or will they recover the authority and position, licensing has evened the field from a credibility of yesteryear and get on board? Be seen safety perspective in the public’s eyes and the cost as part of the solution not part of the problem? Will to income ratio has changed for the worst. As the leaders of the industry be freed from fighting ‘freeholders’ see their cabs no longer licensable due domestic battles and internal challenges to focus on to reducing maximum ages another door closes. As real industry problems knowing that they have their The Knowledge has extended to the same duration members support? as a Master’s Degree and a seemingly respectable As volumes reduce, supply becomes sparser, the private hire industry has developed the new blood behaviour this encourages is to use an app rather has dried up or been diverted. So as a taxi driver than wander the streets forlornly looking for a taxi. what can you do about it? As an individual there is Less business equals less taxis and ultimately less not much that can be done but this was always the taxis equals even less taxis, less journeys and less case. The co-operatives that formed in this industry taxi drivers! So, I guess we have to ask, do people that founded associations, radio circuits and still want a knowledgeable driver? An entertaining developed industry leaders were responsible for the

TAXI TRADE SURVIVAL BECKONS BUT CHANGE IS NEEDED

times of plenty they provided additional supply which was welcome and easy to absorb. Costs and income were broadly in synch.

OPINION

Could there be the dawn of a new age circuit capable of generating corporate business again? A fleet of electric taxis available for hire by the day?

Could the number of journeys increase to cover off a reduction in prices to once again get somewhere near competitive – I know this is contentious but there is a premium for instant availability from street and ranks but it has to get somewhere near the competition. And which parts of the trade has the clout to join with LTDA, LCDC et al and tackle congestion? Is it unthinkable that another transport provider could be the answer?

Survival beckons but change is needed Anyone who sees the demise or extinction of taxis as being good for other parts of the transport sector especially the transport sector is… what is the polite word? Naïve. It won’t mean one more job for any provider it might actually mean the whole industry shrinks a little. Why? Why because we all like choice, we use a portfolio of transport and if choice goes and our personal portfolio shrinks we start to look for alternatives.

It is not all about being the cheapest and people do pay more (or less) for different services. The evidence for this is that if this were not the case the taxi industry would have ground to a halt many years ago as it has been at the top end of pricing for decades. Having said that a pause on price increases might pay dividends. I am not suggesting competing with minicabs on price but how much further up the pricing continuum does anyone think taxis can go before choking off all demand?

Often compared with ‘turkeys voting for Christmas’, increasing supply has been anathema to the industry for decades… BUT… when taxis were at their busiest the numbers of taxis and drivers were at their largest. Sage’s law kicks in, plentiful supply creates its own demand. When services are reliable i.e. you can get a cab in a matter of minutes people with a liking for taxis will persevere. So how do you get supply, you get The Knowledge back to when I and many others did it, it took me I think 15 months, some geniuses did it in nine months many did it in a year. I like every other driver of my vintage had a great knowledge when we got out, quicker doesn’t mean lower quality. Also, however it is argued technology is here and it is great.

Practically no one wants taxi drivers who have to set their satnav every time they pick up a customer but let’s not ignore it either, shouldn’t that feature to some extent as part of The Knowledge along with a real USP the provision of transport to the disabled community? This paragraph will raise blood pressure all over London BUT if there are better ideas get writing and if you feel things will just get better on their own… well good luck with that. And if you are amongst that group that actually like driving a taxi, that are pleased and proud to be a London Taxi Driver and wish to stay one for many years to come then you need to start thinking about preserving this industry.

So, here’s the exam question – can the taxi industry in London survive? The logical and emotional response is surely… Absolutely! A great brand, a good service, and 360 years of experience and a great vehicle is a marketeer’s dream. The taxi industry can survive and whilst it does need to become greener, more ubiquitous, take a view on pricing and be more willing to say yes hop in! There is a future. Technology will also be a key ingredient Frenemies and there are already plenty of digital solutions Whether you like the Mayor or not, no one can available for it to compete.

TAXI TRADE SURVIVAL BECKONS BUT CHANGE IS NEEDED

journey? The privacy and anonymity of a taxi? Will they pay a little more for the experience? The answer I would suggest is probably. So how do the taxi trade tap into this prospective group of users?

How do they expand that group once they successfully tap in? How do they make the industry viable again? It’s not by doing what has been done recently is it?

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

OPINION

Challenges mount but so do opportunities The economics of airports are becoming dubious with the proposed Heathrow charge so taxis may be forced to be more geographically dispersed albeit maintaining enough critical mass to be reliable and provide a viable service.

The new vehicle is a real strength. Private Hire are going cheaper and smaller as they move to EVs yet the new cab is a very nice experience and clean.

People will migrate to that. Drivers needs to match the quality of the vehicle so an effort to dress better and be seen as real professionals.

Fairy tales and happy endings are what your mum taught you but with a great reputational platform, a Instead of seeing platforms as enemies, wouldn’t a brave operator to provide the vehicles, the strength of the trade associations to deal with the more enlightened industry see them as potential demand partners? Many of these companies want congestion, real engagement with the regulator to enhance supply and some commercial reality which to be platforms not operators so there is may involve working with people that you may not opportunity for operators to work with platforms and drivers to sign up with more apps and just pay have considered in the past I really believe recovery as you go with no commitment. Trust will be hard to provides a significant opportunity to re-establish establish, to maintain and ultimately to deliver real the industry. And if you don’t believe me and think partnership but the current marketplace is far from it was all about Covid and life will return quickly to normal… be lucky! easy so maybe it is worth the risk.

Corporates used to be the big opportunity for Taxis.

They could be once again with green credentials, screens, reputation and everyone’s harking for tradition. But drivers have to be more willing to cover this work and not drop them for street hail whenever it rains. When I was a young operations manager at Computer Cab we pulled our hair out every morning in the SW looking for coverage. If a customer has booked a cab the night before and it doesn’t turn up you have lost him/her for the rest of the day, week, month or worse! Likewise, if taxis group in a smaller and smaller area of central London and a few suburbs, and ignore the rest of London it ain’t going to get any easier. Density is important but also geographical spread otherwise you end up as the Fiakers of London rather than a viable transport solution.

DR. MIKE GALVIN

MOBILITY SERVICES LIMITED

TAXI TRADE SURVIVAL BECKONS BUT CHANGE IS NEEDED

deny he has a point. Improving London’s poor air quality is a virtuous goal. Afterall who suffers more from poor air quality than professional drivers?

Who can defend 45k people dying each year from poor air quality? EVs might not be the whole answer but the new cab is a joy to travel in. Isn’t it time that an industry champion did a deal with LEVC and started to rent them to drivers whose cabs have been sold or are too old? Couldn’t a few strategically placed garages with swish pick up and drop off processes (ever been to Orlando? Look how easy it is to pick up and drop off your hire car) and decent car parking facilitate and make more rentals available? Perhaps there is an argument for some fiscal stimulation here?

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

VEHICLE

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28

FUTURE TAXI?

THE MERCEDES-BENZ VANS CONCEPT EQT ELECTRIC T-CLASS Image credit: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz Vans Concept EQT is giving us a sneak peek at its first premium vehicle in the small van segment for families and private customers: the T -Class and its fully-electric variant.

segment with the forthcoming T-Class. It will appeal to families and all those private customers, whatever their age, who enjoy leisure activities and need a lot of space and maximum variability without forgoing The near-series-production concept vehicle combines comfort and style. The T-Class provides them with an attractive introduction into the world of Mercedesspace for up to seven occupants and a generous Benz. And as the Concept EQT shows: We are luggage compartment with a Mercedes-typical design and approach to comfort, functionality, connectivity consistently implementing our claim to leadership in electromobility and will also be offering a fully electric and safety. model in this segment in the future."

Interestingly for the licensed taxi trade, MercedesBenz Vans is said to be translating the V-Class success The Concept EQT is recognisable as a member of the to the small van segment. The Concept EQT provides Mercedes-EQ family. Its design is distinguished by a characteristic black panel front with LED front a combination of comfort, functionality and electric headlights and different-sized Mercedes-Benz driving. branded stars featured throughout the vehicle.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "We are expanding our portfolio in the small van

VEHICLE

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

The vehicle also has 21-inch light-alloy wheels, a large panoramic roof and a light strip which connects the LED headlamps with the LED rear lamps.

With the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), Mercedes-Benz brings its innovative operating and display concept to the small van segment.

Image credit: Mercedes-Benz The system can be operated using the free-standing central display with touch function, the touch control small van segment together with the commerciallybuttons on the steering wheel and, optionally, the positioned Citan which will launch this year including “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant. a fully electric variant. The fully electric version for The Concept EQT features sliding doors on both sides private customers will follow later. with a large opening so that both full-sized individual Details around the drivetrains offered have yet to be seats in the third row can be reached without revealed, but motoring experts are edging towards difficulty. A panoramic roof with a starscape lasered them being similar to the petrol and diesel options into it floods the interior with light. offered up by the Kangoo. That would mean the EQT

Marcus Breitschwerdt said: “The Concept EQT gives an outlook on how space and maximum variability can also be combined with stylish comfort in the small van segment. Our future T-Class is a true multi-talent and with it we will attract new customer groups and grow sustainably."

The new T-Class, which will be launched onto the market in 2022, complements the portfolio in the

could be set for a 101bhp electric motor working in combination with a 45kWh battery.

To give you an idea of range, the Kangoo E-Tech Electric, provides a claimed electric range of approximately 165 miles.

This could be an interesting future black taxi option depending on price.

Image credit: Mercedes-Benz

THE LAW

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

ARTICLE BY: Elena Manukyan The Injury Solicitor

WHAT ARE THE REFORMS AND HOW WILL IT IMPACT THE TAXI INDUSTRY?

NEW

TARIFFS

How you claim for personal injury after a Road Traffic Whiplash Tariffs Accident has changed dramatically as of the end of May. The Civil Liability Act 2018 has finally come into The Whiplash Tariffs set out exactly how much compensation a Claimant can expect to recover when effect from 31 May 2021. suffering a whiplash injury following a Road Traffic You may be forgiven for not knowing that a drastic Accident. You will see that the award starts at a mere change in law has happened, and that is partly down £240 for a 3-month whiplash injury, plus an extra £20 to the fact that the Government has no intention of for minor psychological symptoms, such as travel running a media campaign publicising the changes to anxiety and shock. Compare this to the current JC the wider public. With lockdown restrictions easing Guidelines where the same injury could attract an and traffic volume on the rise, adding to a busy Bank award of around £1,800.00.

Holiday weekend, the reforms are a perfect storm.

The new tariffs being as follows: Let us start by looking at the changes.

THE LAW What is Whiplash?

Well, the Civil Liability Act 2018 defines a whiplash injury as an injury of soft tissue in the neck, back or shoulder that is a sprain, strain, tear, rupture or lesser damage of a muscle, tendon or ligament in the neck, back or shoulder or an injury of soft tissue associated with a muscle, tendon or ligament in the neck, back or shoulder. So, if you suffer whiplash then you are likely to be compensated in line with the above tariff.

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31 These costs will no longer be payable after 31 May 2021.

Who do the reforms apply to?

The reforms are aimed at drivers and passengers of motor vehicles. Vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, horse riders and children are excluded from the changes and their claims will continue under the current rules.

Why are the reforms being

There is a provision to add a further 20% to damages implemented? in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances have not been defined in legislation and The reforms are a direct result from insurance will be taken on a case-by-case basis. companies lobbying the Government to change the law surrounding compensation claims, particularly A new online Portal by the Official whiplash claims, given that they amount to the Injury Claim greatest number of claims.

For anybody involved in a Road Traffic Accident from By directly reducing the amount of compensation the 31 May 2021, as a driver or a passenger of a motor insurance companies must pay to victims of injury, and vehicle, with injuries likely to be worth below their Solicitors, the insurance companies promise to £5,000.00, their claim will now have to be submitted pass on a saving of £35 to each motorist. It is yet to be on a completely new online system. seen how the insurance companies will be held to The Official Injury Claim portal is designed to be used

by Litigants in Person to submit their own claims to insurance companies. The system has only gone live on 31 May 2021 so it remains difficult to predict how easy or difficult it will be to use for Litigants in Person.

The portal is being managed by the Motor Insurers Bureau who will also be opening a call centre with staff giving assistance to those having difficulties with the online system.

Where are the PI Solicitors in all of this?

You may be wondering where the Solicitors are in all of this. The new laws now mean that any personal injury claim worth under £5,000.00, and £10,000.00 overall (when you add loss of earnings, medical treatment costs and certain vehicle losses) will now be considered a small claim with no legal costs recoverable. Currently Solicitors get paid £500 + VAT if a case settles on the MOJ Portal at Stage 2 and more if the case is dropped off the Portal, and then issued.

account, or whether the reforms will in fact reduce insurance premiums as promised.

Will I still be able to get legal help for an accident after 31 May 2021?

In short, yes, but you may find it harder to find a Solicitor willing to take your case on. Personal injury Solicitors have ordinarily acted in personal injury claims under ‘No Win No Fee’ agreements, retaining a maximum 25% of the compensation awarded towards their legal costs.

However, the new tariffs make it difficult for those Solicitors to continue to act in these cases profitably.

Many Solicitors are considering increasing their deductions from compensation up to 40%.

Alternatively, those not wishing to instruct a Solicitor will be able to present their claim to the insurers directly by using the Official Injury Claim Portal from 31 May 2021.

THE LAW

As a personal injury Solicitor, I remain committed to my clients and will continue to act for those not wishing to pursue their own claims against the insurance companies.

What the Reforms mean for Taxi Drivers

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

to take on the claim, then you as the client may be asked to pursue the claim yourself directly from the third-party insurance company. This is something that many individuals may not be entirely confident or willing to do.

No doubt many in the industry will be paying close attention to developments over the new few months to see how the public react once they realise what Taxi drivers have historically used a combination of the new rules might mean for them. However, if there claims management services and personal injury solicitors following an accident. A claims management is one thing that’s certain, and that’s that nobody can company would normally provide a replacement taxi predict with any degree of certainty exactly what the vehicle, allowing the driver to continue to work while personal injury market will look like after 31 May 2021. their vehicle was being repaired, while a personal injury solicitor would arrange a medical appointment and negotiate a settlement of a claim.

So where do the reforms leave taxi drivers? It is anticipated that claims companies who provide replacement hire vehicles, such as taxis, will remain open for business. Recovery of hire charges is not in itself directly impacted by the reforms. The question that remains is who will recover those hire charges from the at fault party? If there’s no Solicitor willing

NEW

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

A fun new children’s book has been published which follows the adventures of a cab driver’s pet dog Percy around London.

The book is written and illustrated by taxi driver George Quinn. The ‘Taxi Tails’ book joins Tom the cabbie and his pet dog Percy on an adventure around the capital. It’s a perfect storybook to share with the family, whilst also learning a little London Knowledge along the way.

The book is pitched at kids with a reading age between 5-7 years old, however the story and fantastic illustrations will also engage children of a wider age range too.

A printed Taxi Tails book is available to buy from Amazon for £4.99 and is also available on the Kindle platform too.

George T Quinn said: “My stories are inspired by my work as a London cabbie and also by my mischievous border terrier, Percy, who often joins me in the cab.

My grandad, Tom, was also a cabbie, after whom I named the cabbie character.

“I have driven a cab for over six years, and am still always learning. London is such an inspirational place to be so there’s always a wealth of new material.”

George added: “I do most of my writing and illustrating while working the ranks!

“My first story ‘The Stamp’ is out now and I am working on the next one in the series which is about Mudlarking!”

Image credit: G.T. QUINN

CHARITY

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

Founded in 1928, the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children (LTCFC) continues to assist many special needs and vulnerable children. The charity is renowned for the taxi outings taking hundreds of children to the seaside. A firm favourite in the calendar is also the Annual Mad Hatters Party at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.

Unfortunately due to the pandemic the party was cancelled, however Chairman Michael Son BEM came up with the idea of a remote competition to find the best Mad Hatters Hat made by London’s schoolchildren instead.

Hamlets Council. The winners were presented with cheques.

First Prize went to Harry, who received a cheque for £250. The Second Prize went to Frank, who attends the Willow Primary School, and received a £150 The LTCFC received many entries from schools in the cheque. The Third Prize of £100 was awarded to London area. The presentations took place on 26 May Ruby, who also attends St. Mary & St. Michael Primary School.

2021 at St. Mary & St. Michael Primary School in Tower Hamlets. Attending the event were Aware of the financial restraints schools endure, in competition winners’ classmates, teachers, parents, addition to the children’s prizes, the LTCFC awarded and Deputy Mayor Councillor Sarajul Islam of Tower £1,000 to the school of the first prize winner, to purchase much-needed equipment.

Two London Cabbies will be attempting the Three Peaks Challenge on 26 June to raise vital funds for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

London Cabbies, Scott Murray, 33 from Harrow, and Seb Philp, 40 from Shoreditch, will be attempting the Three Peaks Challenge for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

Over a 24-hour period the cabbies will climb the highest peaks in England, Scotland, and Wales, walking 23 miles and climbing over 10,000ft, and they are hoping to raise £2,000.

Ian Parsons, Taxi Charity Chairman, said: “Like many charities across the UK, The Taxi Charity had to put all fundraising activity on hold, so to hear that two of our volunteer London cabbies are attempting the Three Peaks challenge to raise some much-needed funds for us is fabulous news.”

GLOBAL NEWS

On 30 March 2021, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) determined the number of taxi licences to be issued in the year commencing on 1 July 2021: • •

Zero taxi licences to be issued for Sydney (the Metropolitan Transport District).

Zero taxi licences to be issues for the areas of NSW outside the Metropolitan Transport District.

Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, TfNSW determined not to issue taxi licences at this time. The pandemic has had significant economic impacts - travel restrictions, social distancing measures and periodic lockdowns.

This has, in turn, had an impact on the point-to -point transport industry overall, including taxis, adversely impacting overall demand for services. The number of taxi licence plates on hold grew significantly in 2020.

The majority of submissions received throughout the stakeholder feedback process were also in favour of not releasing any further licences at this time due to insufficient demand.

TfNSW may make multiple determinations after making its first determination for a year.

TfNSW will continue to monitor demand for taxi licences throughout the year to inform whether a further determination is warranted.

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 35

Article from:

Voice of the Australian Commercial Passenger Transport Industry

GLOBAL NEWS

SberAutoTech, a Sber ecosystem company, has revealed a prototype of its own autonomous taxi vehicle for future mobility in Moscow. FLIP, the brand-new and fully self-driving vehicle, is said to have been developed to match the highest level in international driving automation classification. This consists of a combination of lidars, radars, and cameras to evaluate the road environment.

David Rafalovsky, CTO of Sberbank Group, said: “FLIP’s electric platform removes all limitations resulting from the layouts of conventional vehicles.

Combined with the flexible architecture of SberAutoTech’s self-driving technology, it will enable us to roll out solutions across a variety of verticals, like freight transport, last mile, and taxis.”

Image credit: Sber

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

Smart Taxis, a cab service in the city of Bangkok, has started using electronic rooftop signage to announce whether the driver of the taxi has received their COVID-19 vaccination for the general public to see.

The LED displays the information to inform passengers that they are moving around the city in a cab with a fully vaccinated driver, in an attempt to instil confidence in the travelling public again.

Tesla’s Model Y vehicle could soon be joining the Model 3 in cruising New York City streets as iconic yellow cabs, after the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) approved a pilot program to introduce more battery electric vehicles to the yellow cab industry.

Gravity, a sustainable mobility and electric vehicles infrastructure company, have taken the lead in the pilot program. CEO Moshe Chen said: “What Gravity is bringing to New York City is beyond electric vehicles; these will be the taxis of the future and the charging spaces of the future.”

GLOBAL NEWS

Fully autonomous ‘robotaxis’ could soon be seen on the streets of Germany, after a government landmark bill to legalise the commercial use of fully autonomous vehicles passed with a clear majority verdict.

In a press release by the German Government, a spokesperson said: “This legislation makes Germany the first country in the world to permit self-driving vehicles in regular operation and across the nation.”

Image credit: LEVC

June 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37

The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has launched into the Spanish commercial vehicle market with the appointment of a new dealer partner, Auto Elia, in Madrid. Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC, said: “Spain is an important market for LEVC as we continue to grow our brand and representation across Europe. By partnering with Auto Elia in Madrid, this strategic move gives our TX and VN5 products great exposure and success to customers in the capital city and also supports the region’s ambition to accelerate the switch to electric commercial vehicles.”

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

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