TaxiPoint March 2021 Edition 23

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Edition 23 | March 2021

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“TAXIS SHOULD TAKE A KEY ROLE IN MAYOR’S TRANSPORT STRATEGY”

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EDITORIAL

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ROADMAP

OUT

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.

With the Government having now unveiled the ‘Roadmap’ out of lockdown, the light at the end of the tunnel appears to finally be coming into sight and the taxi industry continues to focus on moving towards life and work postCOVID. We’ll keep providing extensive coverage of all the latest lockdown, restrictions and SEISS support news to help drivers and operators navigate through the challenges of the next few months and into the recovery beyond.

In this edition we are delighted to welcome a number of high-profile guests who share their opinions on the last 12 months and what lies ahead in the capital, across the devolved nations, and for the whole of the UK. They cover support, transport strategies, vehicles, technology, the importance of the taxi industry, and potential opportunities for the trade.

As always, we hope you enjoy the read.

Perry Richardson, TaxiPoint Founder

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.

OPINION

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Image credit: LEVC

WHEN IS A

NOT A HAIL?

The Abstracts of Law all London Taxi drivers are issued Transport for London (TfL) are aware that by allowing with. The Courts have considered what plying for hire private hire vehicles to ply for hire via an app will means and what follows is a digest: make the two-tier system no longer viable.

‘An unhired taxi passing along a street is not legally bound to stop when hailed as it is not legally plying for hire when it is in motion. It is deemed to be in motion for these purposes even when actually stationary, providing it becomes stationary due to prevailing traffic conditions or, for example, to comply with traffic signs or signals, or the directions of a traffic warden or constable. If a taxi driver stops his vehicle in response to a signal from an intending hirer and speaks with him he is then technically ‘found standing in the street’ and must accept a lawful hiring or he commits the above offence. The ‘for hire’ sign does not legally affect this position whatever it indicates.’

THE TWO-TIER SYSTEM In response to the Law Commission regarding the twotier system the Government confirmed that the defining characteristic of a Taxi is that it takes immediate hiring whereas Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) must be booked through an operator.

TfL are quoted in the ‘Plying for Hire – Taxi Briefing’, as saying: “The clear distinction between Taxis and PHVs should be retained, which includes the requirement for PHVs to be pre-booked through a licensed operator at all times, regardless of the means of communication. In London, taxis can be hailed on the street, booked in advance or hired from a designated taxi rank. Ranks are the only place where a taxi can be So, what constitutes a signal? And when is a hail not a hired whilst stationary and cannot be used by PHVs. Ranks are located in places where demand is greatest hail?

Charity

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

OPINION

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6

including mainline railway stations, hotels, and major shopping areas.

encourage plying for hire or ranking by PHVs in the hope of securing an immediate hiring.”

“Any move to confuse the distinction between the two services would be catastrophic to the London market.

If anything, there is a need in London to reinforce the distinction between the two different services.

Allowing existing PHVs to ply for hire would remove the universal standard. It would render the investment taxi drivers have made in purchasing taxis and learning the Knowledge worthless. Furthermore, lower standards would in all probability result in the market becoming flooded.”

When recently asked for clarification on this, TfL reiterated the above, however they went on to say there is no reference in the 1998 PHV Act or associated operator regulations as to how far in advance private hire bookings must be recorded by licensed operators before the journey is undertaken.

TECHNOLOGY, PLYING FOR HIRE AND E-HAILING According to the 2015 briefing, TfL also stated in their response: “The technological modes of engaging private hire services requires further investigation by the Law Commission so as to ensure this does not

Yet in spite of these comments one can clearly observe PHVs forming ranks waiting to be pre-booked, it is obvious that our right to ply for hire is being infringed by such practice, and now our right to be hailed in the street it would appear is being emulated.

With the advent of Smartphone apps entering the market, the term e-hail evolved in particular with the arrival of first Zingo, GettTaxi then shortly after Hailo who are now known as FREE NOW. As the description e-hail was coined for apps dedicated for the sole use of the London Taxi trade no one objected to the use of

OPINION the term in this way, however the term e-hail now appears to be spoken of when referring to PHV hirings.

Surely this is wrong and it should not be used in this context. Hailing is the exclusive right of the licensed taxi and clearly it matters not the method of hailing. If a vehicle is hailed in real time with the use of a device showing available vehicles on a map then that is tantamount to plying for hire. The issue regarding such methods along with the immediacy of a hiring, must be addressed, so as to ensure our right is not infringed.

WHEN IS A HAIL NOT A HAIL? Plying for Hire is clearly the exclusive right of the London Taxi as confirmed above by both the Government and TfL. It centres around two distinct practices, that of waiting to be hired on a rank or stopping in response to a hail in the street (which also

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 7 includes private property) both of which are immediate in their nature. What is the point in stating only London Taxis can be hailed in the street and take immediate hirings, if PHVs can imitate this practice using technology? Surely the rules applicable to the real world must be reflected and adhered to in that of the virtual one.

The dictionary definition of hail is: ‘(verb) Call out to someone to attract attention.

Example: Signal an approaching taxi to stop, “she raised her hand to hail a taxi”’ The dictionary defines immediacy as: ‘The quality of bringing one into direct and instant involvement with something.’

So, when is a hail not a hail, and when is a prebooking not a pre-booking?

FEATURE

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 9

ESSENTIAL”

Image credit: FREE NOW

The last 12 months has heralded change in every aspect of life and work. There has been no exception to this for FREE NOW who have seen a number of changes as they merged private hire app Kapten together with their taxi app, introduced a new green vehicle pledge, and there have even been reports of an Uber buy out.

restrictions are lifted, there is also a question of changes in people’s habits, in work policies or a population drop in city centres, especially in London.

Moreover, restrictions on international travel may remain for much longer than the local restrictions, which will impact airport trips and demand from tourists. Therefore, I expect overall mobility in the UK TaxiPoint caught up with Mariusz Zabrocki, UK General cities to be lower for a couple of years.

Manager at FREE NOW, to discuss these points openly “On the positive side from the perspective of the taxi and talk about the industry’s recovery as we begin to and PHV industry, I expect people to move away from travel the Government’s Roadmap out of lockdown buses, tube and rail and increasingly choose more and many look forward to more positive changes to personal ways of transport, apart from taxi and PHV, come. that would be bikes and e-scooters for example.

How do you expect the taxi and private hire industry to recover once all COVID-19 measures have been dropped? Do you see a fast recovery in work levels or a slow improvement?

“On balance, I expect the industry to come back to pre-Covid levels by the end of the year, with taxis recovering stronger than PHV due to additional personal space and perceived safety.

Over the past year on the FREE NOW platform, taxi has been recovering much stronger than “I expect mobility levels to gradually increase with every step of the relaxation of the COVID-19 measures. PHV when lockdowns were lifted and its share There won’t be a sudden jump overnight. Even if all in our business has increased substantially.”

Image credit: UK Parliament CC3.0

FEATURE

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Since Kapten joined the FREE NOW platform platform. What’s more, taxi driver engagement is at an what has been the feedback from drivers and all-time high, so things are looking really good on the taxi side. passengers?

“Ahead of the merger, there were some black cab drivers who were very vocal publicly in their criticism.

We were optimistic and expected taxi drivers to benefit from increased demand as a result of combined apps and marketing budgets. Drivers who we talked to privately were displaying a ‘let’s wait and see’ attitude.

“You are asking what was the feedback since then.

People’s actions are more reliable than words. We’ve seen a continuous increase in taxi drivers since the merger. We’re especially popular among LEVC and Nissan Dynamo drivers due to the benefits we offer to EV drivers, such as on-car advertising, priority allocation and extra rides from EV requests. More than 80% of London EV taxi drivers are registered on the

“On the other hand, PHV drivers were the ones that changed platform, had to adapt to a new app, new features, and not everything worked the way it should at the beginning. For example, some key features that PHV drivers were used to were added only some time after the merger, such as Waze navigation. As a result, driver satisfaction dropped visibly during the first months after the merger. It has now recovered to premerger territory, but we will continue our work to improve the app.

“In some ways, we are finding similar themes on the passenger side. Existing taxi customers haven’t experienced any major changes, they continue using black cabs as much as before the merger (adjusting for mobility levels) and their satisfaction has remained high. We have also seen an increase in passengers that

FEATURE

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had not used black cabs previously, trying them out and seeing the benefits, so overall the taxi passenger base increased.

“PHV customers, the same as drivers, had to switch to a new app, with different features, and initially didn’t see some of the features they were used to.

The result was also similar: an initial drop in satisfaction, but now PHV customer satisfaction is high again and is on a very positive trend.”

Image credit: FREE NOW

How can the licensed taxi industry and the private hire industry compete against each other on the same platform?

“We see the two services as complementary to each other. We know there is high consumer demand for both and sometimes a black cab is favourable for a journey, for example, in the city centre or with bigger groups, while they might prefer a PHV for a night out.

Our ambition at FREE NOW is to offer more choice to passengers and enable them to decide which vehicle type is best for them. We want our customers to have a better choice of ride-hailing app and one that is fairer, greener and pays taxes locally.”

It has been reported that ride-hailing firm Uber were in talks to buy FREE NOW. Are these discussions ongoing and how might an acquisition like this impact the UK taxi and private hire market?

“We cannot comment on our shareholders’ activities or stories of this nature. Our priority is to continue working with drivers to ensure that we can support them in helping the country get moving again post lockdown.”

What new developments can we expect from FREE NOW in 2021? Are there plans to include other modes of transport on the FREE NOW platform?

“Our Green Pledge is the big new development in 2021. We will continue to focus on making the fleet greener and greener. More than 60% of taxi rides are already in EV vehicles and almost 20% on the PHV side.

We’re about to start communication to the drivers of older taxis and PHVs, so that they know how they can switch to EVs and how FREE NOW can support them both financially and non-financially.

“In the future we are looking to include other modes of transport on the app, such as escooters when they are available in London, Mariusz Zabrocki but taxi and PHV will remain at our core.”

UK General Manager at FREE NOW Image credit: UK Parliament CC3.0

EXCLUSIVE

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“AN ESSENTIAL PART OF

OUR TRANSPORT NETWORK”

The support provided to the taxi industry throughout the pandemic has varied significantly between the devolved nations. The Welsh response has been widely regarded as one of the most supportive throughout the UK, when compared to other regions.

TaxiPoint contacted the Welsh Government to gain more insight into how they have helped taxi drivers throughout the pandemic and what prompted the decisions to act. We also take a look at what lies ahead for the industry in Wales as we move out of the coronavirus restrictions into a new normality.

How has the Welsh Government monitored and evaluated the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the taxi industry in Wales?

What have the key findings been?

“We’ve been in regular discussion with unions and the industry to establish what support has been needed over the course of the pandemic.

how we can help alleviate that. There’s also been very understandable safety concerns and we’ve been looking at how we can best address these, which led to our free PPE scheme.”

What role has the taxi industry played in communities across Wales since the pandemic began?

“Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are an essential part of our transport network and this has been particularly true during the pandemic. Drivers have supported essential travel and provided a valuable service to their communities, such as undertaking deliveries of food, and transporting patients to vaccination appointments. We remain hugely grateful for their work.”

How and why has the Welsh Government actively provided further support?

“In addition to the funding provided by the UK “The need to limit travel to save lives has obviously Government, self-employed drivers have been able to caused enormous financial pressures from the limited apply to the four rounds of our discretionary grants customer base, so a lot of focus has been placed on and we’ve supported businesses through non-

EXCLUSIVE

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

domestic relief.

“We know this has been a difficult time for so many “In terms of wider support, last month we launched a people, both personally and professionally, and we want people to be able to travel freely again as soon scheme to provide free PPE to drivers. We know as it is safe to do so. everyone wants to make vehicles safe, clean and hygienic and this was a way of making it easier. We worked closely with the WLGA and Lyreco – which distributes the packs – to deliver this scheme.

“Advice and guidance for drivers is available on our website and we encourage people to have a look through if they feel it’d be helpful.”

What measures are currently in place to monitor the ongoing impact and what would you say directly to taxi drivers about the future of their industry in the short and longer term?

“We meet regularly with the unions and the industry as we seek to ensure policy is strongly informed by the situation on the ground.

“The public health situation has been improving thanks to everyone’s hard work but we still need people to limit travel to bring down levels of the virus further. Our decisions will always be guided by the latest public evidence but we hope that in the coming months the process of lifting restrictions can accelerate and drivers will see their business pick up.

“Taxi and PHV regulation has been devolved to Welsh Government and we plan to legislate in the early part of the next Senedd to bring the licensing regime up to date and ensure it remains fit for purpose. As part of this process, extensive engagement will take place with the taxi and PHV industry representatives and unions in order to shape the proposals.”

EXCLUSIVE

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SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT: ‘THE PROGRESS OF THE

VACCINATION PROGRAMME IS A CAUSE OF OPTIMISM FOR THE FUTURE OF THE TAXI TRADE’ The continued progress of the coronavirus vaccination programme ‘is a cause of optimism for the future of the taxi trade’ says Scottish Business Minister after a difficult 12 months for the nation’s taxi drivers.

Speaking exclusively to TaxiPoint, the Scottish Government’s Business Minister, Jamie Hepburn, was also quick to praise the service provided by cabbies throughout the pandemic.

Hepburn said: “We know how difficult this pandemic has been for taxi drivers and their families. They’ve truly gone the extra mile, continuing to provide a vital service for key workers and vulnerable individuals throughout the lockdown and beyond.

Hepburn MSP Image credit: Scottish Government (Flickr)

“In addition, provisions within the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, have amended licensing legislation to provide licensing authorities with additional flexibility and discretion to help minimise, as far as practicable, the possibility of taxi or private “Following the introduction of tighter regulations at hire car drivers facing the prospect of losing their Christmas we launched a £57 million support fund, enough to provide grants of £1,500 to all of Scotland’s licence through no fault of their own because of the pandemic.

38,000 taxi and private hire drivers.

“The creation of the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Driver Support Fund is in addition to support provided through our COVID-19 Public Transport Mitigation Fund and the UK Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

“Nobody wants the current restrictions to be in place any longer than absolutely necessary and the progress of the vaccination programme is a cause of optimism for the future of the taxi trade and the reopening of the wider economy.”

FEATURE

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16

SHAUN BAILEY

“TAXIS SHOULD TAKE A KEY ROLE IN MAYOR’S TRANSPORT STRATEGY”

Image credit: www.shaunbailey.uk

Licensed taxis should take a key role in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy says London Mayoral Candidate Shaun Bailey.

The comments come as Londoners await the result of the Mayor’s and Transport for London’s (TfL) Streetspace appeal application which is due soon.

The appeal follows the High Court ruling on 21 January that found the Mayor of London and TfL “acted unlawfully” in their treatment of licensed taxis, in the Streetspace for London Plan and associated Guidance and the A10 Bishopsgate Traffic Order.

In a lengthy and detailed judgment, Mrs Justice Lang underlined a series of failings by TfL and the Mayor, describing their decision-making process as “seriously flawed”, with the decision to exclude taxis being based on “superficial” and “inadequate evidence”.

The Judge noted that denying taxis access to London’s roads could have “severe consequences” for passengers who cannot walk, cycle, or use public transport and that “the needs of people with protected characteristics, including the elderly or disabled” were “not considered” before the Plan was announced or the Guidance published.

FEATURE

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TfL applied to the Court of Appeal on 10 February for permission to appeal the judgment.

Shaun Bailey, Conservative Candidate for London Mayor, said: "London’s black cabs are iconic, an integral part of London’s identity. But like too many issues in London, they've been ignored over the last five years.

“Licensed taxis should take a key role in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy. So as Mayor, I’ll offer every single cabbie an interest-free loan to buy an electric cab - helping more cabbies make the switch and clean up London’s air.

“And given how important black cabs are to those with disabilities, we should make it easier for cabs to keep people moving by giving them access to more of London’s roads.

“This May, London's black cabs can get a fresh start.

And I'll work with cab drivers to deliver it."

Image credit: LEVC

FEATURE

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

Could there be anything more ‘London’ than hailing an iconic black cab or having a double-double pie and brother Robert, his father Glen, and grandparents mash in the capital?

Ronnie and Edna Mitchell were all involved with the garage at various points throughout the years.

Well thanks to one man you can now go full-out Cockney by having your pie and mash cooked and delivered in a jaw-dropping converted black cab direct to your front door.

The man behind the new initiative, Jamie Mitchell, is the 30-year-old Grandson of Ronnie Mitchell who started up Stables Taxis in the 1970s.

Jamie’s family lived and breathed the taxi industry growing up around the taxi trade. Jamie himself, his

“My Grandad started Stable Taxis in the 1970s where my dad also worked. I used to go to the garage as a kid at weekends and polish cabs and tidy up. I worked there from leaving school with brief breaks to go travelling,” said Jamie.

As the coronavirus pandemic struck, the young entrepreneur decided to take the risk in merging two of London’s most loved icons.

FEATURE

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Jamie said: “I realised a couple of years back that I wanted to try something different, and went on an evening cooking course. Once lockdown hit I realised that this was my opportunity to try something new.

on the cab in late October.

“I spent many evenings figuring out how I would include food and taxis and make it work, this is when the idea of Ronnie’s Black Cab came up! After sharing the idea with my Grandad and seeing his excitement at the idea of pie and mash being cooked in the back of a cab, it was clear I had to get to work straight away!”

“The main long-term aim for Ronnie’s Black Cab is to be hired for events, parties, weddings and such things. At the moment I’m doing deliveries, to build up a following before COVID restrictions start easing.”

“He did a great job on the taxi, and obviously it being a very rare request things didn’t always go according to plan.

Sadly Jamie’s Grandad Ronnie passed away in November and the taxi wasn’t finished until the end of December. But since the cab opened up its hatch to its first customers the feedback has been ‘great’.

Jamie said: “I’ve received great support from lots of taxi drivers which is very much appreciated and some nice messages regarding my Grandad also.

“The fantastic response to the taxi itself and our homemade pie and mash means I’m excited for the future of Ronnie’s Black Cab.”

To check out the full menu, hungry visitors are urged to visit: www.ronniesblackcab.co.uk The end product is based around a distinctive black TX4 taxi rescued from the scrapheap. With some clever engineering, a folding serving hatch has now been inserted into the passenger cabin of the taxi along with a cooker and serving table.

Jaime said: “I came up with the idea in September 2020 and after doing some homework on how I would get it to work and stripping out a scraped cab at Stables, I realised it could be done.

“With regards to the conversion, I had many quotes off various food truck conversion companies, but they were very expensive and not based anywhere near London.

“So after asking around I was told to see a guy in Greenwich called Henry Stringer (Stringer LTD) who was very excited about the project and got to work

WORKERS’ RIGHTS

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

“WE ARE CONSIDERING THE SUPREME COURT’S JUDGMENT” SAYS TFL FOLLOWING UBER WORKERS’ RIGHTS RULING

Transport for London (TfL) have confirmed they are ‘considering’ the judgment of the landmark Supreme Court ruling which saw Uber drivers handed basic workers’ rights.

impacts on the provision of transport services in London.”

The confirmed action from TfL follows the recent Supreme Court ruling handing victory to Uber drivers after a long battle for workers’ rights. Tens of thousands of Uber drivers can now claim the right to be classed as workers, which includes the right to earn the minimum wage and holiday pay, after the Supreme Court handed down its judgment.

said: “Today’s Supreme Court decision on Uber will have consequences for the private hire sector in London. TfL will need to give urgent consideration to what this could mean for transport around the capital in the future.

TfL’s response follows the London Assembly Transport Committee’s warning that the transport Speaking to TaxiPoint, the capital’s transport regulators should provide ‘urgent consideration’ to regulator also said it is looking into the potential the private hire sector based on the consequences of impact of the judgment across all transport services in the workers’ rights judgment.

London.

Alison Moore AM, Chair of the Transport Committee,

A TfL spokesperson told TaxiPoint: “We are considering the Supreme Court’s judgment and any

“While today’s ruling is mainly focused on the employment rights of Uber drivers, this decision may have a knock on effect for transport in the capital. As more details of the impact of this decision emerge,

WORKERS’ RIGHTS

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

In response to the Supreme Court’s judgment, Jamie Heywood, Uber’s Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “We respect the There is also now renewed pressure on TfL to reconsider the current licensing regulations placed on Court’s decision which focused on a small number of drivers who use the Uber app in 2016. private hire operators based on the results of the judgment.

“Since then we have made some significant changes Steve Garelick, GMB Regional Organiser Logistics, Gig to our business, guided by drivers every step of the way. These include giving even more control over Economy & Local Government, said: “GMB will be writing again to the Mayor and TfL to reconsider the how they earn and providing more protections like free insurance in case of sickness or injury. We are regulations in relation to private hire operator’s behaviours in relation to licensing. Clearly we expect committed to doing more and will now consult with every active driver across the UK to understand the the same standards as are expected of drivers who changes they want to see.” are licensed by the regulator.”

THE MAYOR

PARTY

KHAN LABOUR

IEA

THINK TANK

our Committee will be investigating what this means for Londoners and London’s private hire drivers.”

Professor Len Shackleton, Editorial and Research Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “This judgment will raise costs for Uber users, who are often young people who cannot afford conventional cabs. It will also reduce the availability of rides at the time people want them and squeeze out the large proportion of cab drivers who can only work part-time, as Uber will likely concentrate on a smaller number of workers who can commit to regular hours.

“A ruling which raises prices and inconveniences consumers, while cutting off earning opportunities for many thousands of workers, is hardly the great achievement hailed by the unions. When the logic is extended to other areas of the gig economy, we will see tens of thousands of young people unable to find any work at all at a time when conventional jobs will be very hard to come by.”

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Employment Rights and Protections Secretary, said: “This is a hugely important ruling with significant implications for the gig economy.

Uber drivers and all gig economy workers should get basic rights at work, including decent pay, safety and job security.

“The landmark judgment is also testament to the hard work of the ADCU and GMB trade unions and drivers who have brought about this action.

“Increasing numbers of workers are engaged on exploitative zero hours and insecure contracts. The Supreme Court has sent a very clear message that companies should not game the system by undercutting the rights of their employees.”

Sadiq Khan, London Mayor, said: “This is a landmark decision for people who suffer from low pay and a lack of security at work.

“I want London to be the best place to do business and also the best place to work. Gig economy workers deserve the same rights as other workers.

“I urge businesses in the capital, including private hire companies, to pay their workers the London Living Wage, and to give them the security they deserve.”

TECHNOLOGY

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24 Image credit: what3words

WHY ARE OPERATORS MOVING

TOWARDS WHAT3WORDS?

This month taxi and private hire despatch software firm Cordic became the first systems provider to offer what3words bespoke geocoding technology on all of its white-label applications. They join private hire operator Addison Lee as one of the first in the industry to integrate the technology into their platforms.

enough to ensure drivers will find their passengers’ exact pick-up spot. Relying solely on lengthy descriptions and landmarks could often lead to confusion and lost time.

One of the biggest challenges for taxi operators, drivers and passengers are communicating precise locations where no valid address is available. For example, when picking up a passenger from a large venue, airport, car park, industrial estate, rural areas, and so on, street addresses are not precise

Drivers and operators will now be able to obtain more precise locations, improve despatch time efficiency, and enhance users’ experience. Expect to learn and hear more about what3words throughout 2021.

what3words now allows three seemingly random words to solve this problem by pointing taxi drivers to their meet-up’s precise 3-metre square. Every 3There has been much talk about ‘what3words’, but metre square has been given a unique combination what does it mean to the taxi and private hire of three words: a what3words address. Entering /// industry and how can it help? admiral.turkey.pushed as a destination for example, Basically a what3words address is a human-friendly will take you to the front entrance of what3words’ London office. way to share exact locations using a 3-word code without a street address. It is optimised for voice If passengers were looking to go to the canal side input, ideal for drivers using mobile devices safely, entrance they could be dropped off at /// and contains built-in error prevention to identify bands.piano.gave and walk to /// and correct input mistakes immediately. youth.runner.guess.

OPINION

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

DR MIKE GALVIN IF NATIONAL TAXI STANDARDS ARE THE

ANSWER...

WHAT WAS THE QUESTION? The Taxi and Private Hire industry is facing more upheaval when parliamentary time becomes available to legislate for national standards.

IF NATIONAL STANDARDS ARE THE ANSWER… WHAT WAS THE QUESTION? Humans have an endearing feature whereby a simple slogan is grasped and adopted as a great idea with little or no real consideration of what the implications actually are. The Government has committed that it ‘will take forward legislation when time allows to enable these’ [minimum national standards]. So great, here we go then ‘National Standards’ or is it ‘Minimum National Standards’ or as oxymorons go this is a great one ‘high minimum national standards’. Heaven knows what we are getting, what the implications actually are and whether they are a good idea or not. The bandwagon is rolling and national standards, minimum, high or low will provide a new utopia for the industry won’t it… er, haven’t we been here before?

CALL ME OLD FASHIONED – BUT WHAT PROBLEM ARE WE SOLVING? It is probably a personal view but when does piecemeal legislation actually work? A quick tweak here, a little change there, an extra clause stuck on the end of some entirely different legislation has time and time again left industries fuming, helpful politicians with egg covered faces and policymakers trying to present to regulators a bodge up as a logical and sensible piece of ground-breaking legislation on which to build and develop regulation and actually enforce it. Dare I mention the Deregulation Act? I believe that change had a lot to commend it but I am probably a lone voice and since the implications, unforeseen consequences and practice have come into view it has not only divided the industry but left it clamouring for another knee jerk solution… ABBA. How many bites at this apple do we want before we give it the level of scrutiny it rightfully deserves?

Parliament is not going to set aside an annual allocation of parliamentary time for ‘the taxi and PH

OPINION allocation rules bill’ debate and discuss it every year until the industry decides they like a particular version. No, instead we will find the door shut firmly in our faces every time we ask for another change and heaven forbid a complete overhaul of the legislation that governs us.

So why, as an industry, do we accept and even support at times this sloppy and poor approach to legislation? In fact, why is legislation seen as the natural answer whereas maybe within the current legislation and with some hard miles with regulators a better or even workable outcome could be achieved – why because there is no glamour in meeting the 300 or whatever licensing authorities, berating the LGA and generally trying to work with councils and others when a few high level and highly publicised meetings with Minister X and Lord Y is an option and a photo opportunity.

SO WHY IS THIS SITUATION ACCEPTED?

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

outcome is sadly inevitable.

WE EITHER ENGAGE OR WE TAKE THE CONSEQUENCES The democratic process takes time, energy, often money, requires competence and lots of shoe leather and persuasion and engagement. New legislation can fundamentally change the rules of the game. The, if we are honest, forlorn search for the mythical level playing field in an uneven world and the constant ranting about potential judicial reviews and other nonsense to overturn every ‘mistake’ made, every stupid idea, many of which the industry championed or passively or even unknowingly acquiesced to, neither enhances our industry to policy makers nor does it make for a framework that is better suited to prevailing conditions. Short circuiting the process, a quick read at best, a survey, and the acquiescence or even support and then years of moaning, ranting and impotent threats is not a public policy strategy – no sir! Neither is the victim’s lament of ‘it seemed a good idea at the time’ or it would have been alright if they had applied the lazy catchall of ‘common sense’!

Why are we not engaged in important decisions that will impact every business in the industry? Why do trade associations think that a survey constitutes consultation and scrutiny, provides not only the answer but somehow legitimises the process and ultimately the policy? Would you make other SO WHAT HAS THIS GOT TO DO WITH ME? decisions in this way?

Oh, nothing much, just your business, your income, The car showroom sends you a survey – do you your exit or whether you have anything to pass onto want a new car Y/N? You tick yes. They take your your kids - so not important really (sic). Folks, let’s car away and give you a new one – a Robin reliant… wake up here. National Standards flow smoothly off happy? A Bentley which you can’t afford… happy? A the tongue but like any concept, like any bright idea two-seater, an MPV or a pink pick-up truck… ok I’ll and like any unifying policy (let’s get Brexit done stop there but you get the concept. I think the and drain the swamp spring to mind) the devil is in causes and reasons are relatively straight forward – the detail. Will national standards, high, low or the industry is lethargic, often inept, not prepared whatever be good for the industry? I can put my to invest and prone to leave it to someone else. hand up here and say clearly – I don’t know! So why That ‘someone else’ doesn’t have the time, maybe don’t I know – because I don’t know what it means, the competence, the budgets or the energy to do I don’t know what the problem is we are solving and what should be done and that is to critically importantly I have not seen anyone start to examine what problem we are trying to solve, what consider what is wrong with what we have now and the options are and what the implications and likely, whether national standards actually solve whatever and even unlikely consequences of each are. The

OPINION problems we perceive that we currently have and at the risk of being nerdy may I mention it… evidence!

New legislation is always a risk – a nuance here, a poor interpretation there, an amendment or two and what we had before looked like the promised land in comparison. We need to risk assess any change. These are complex nuanced issues – if what we have is unworkable, wrecking businesses and importantly putting customers at risk change it – if not... maybe talk yourself off the ledge.

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

considering the options, the risks and maybe getting a couple of opinions. This is a big step and deserves serious consideration. Every business is one decision away from disaster – this is one big decision.

In many respects it has gone forward to Government because ‘we’ support it. Government will find time for legislation because it appears to be a problem that can easily be fixed and has some perceived public benefit in respect of safety.

In the dim and distant past (the 80’s) when Meanwhile back on the farm I’m not sure that Westminster Council wanted to close Oxford Street anyone has really given this much more than a and make it a pedestrian zone, I and a group of cursory glance or a catchy title. And before anyone colleagues at the LTDA spent months looking at all pipes up with the Task and Finish Group and with sides of the argument, of the benefits to each great respect to them, I am not talking about a few stakeholder group, of the options, and after meetings where the goal was consensus on a basket reaching a clear decision why it was bad for the of different agendas. I am talking about line-by-line London Taxi Industry and importantly other scrutiny of detailed policy documents, of facilitated stakeholder groups including I might add the discussion of hard miles looking critically and as far traders in Oxford Street, of critiquing and testing as possible clinically at the options and potential our arguments and then we spent months lobbying outcomes. Who is gathering the evidence? I and away it went. The victory was not that we (by thought, he said and someone told me is not this time not just the taxi industry) had stopped it BUT that we were clear why it was a bad idea, what the alternatives and options were, and were able to authoritatively deliver those arguments and crucially evidence. We had also built incredibly strong alliances and positioned ourselves as an authoritative and evidence-based voice. Important for future challenges.

WHERE IS OUR EVIDENCE? New legislation is not like going to the barbers for a quick trim to cheer yourself up. It is major surgery. Once in place it is not going away anytime soon. No one would normally undertake elective surgery without

DR MIKE GALVIN

OPINION evidence. That is not happening and the industry does not have the infrastructure to make it happen.

Neither, I will add, does the industry have the infrastructure to support the passage of any legislation through parliament – changes of this nature which are, make no mistake, fundamental to the industry’s future need constant lobbying, review of amendments, trade-offs and attention during its passage and implementation. That body does not exist in this industry.

SO WHAT DO WE DO? National Standards are unlikely to go before parliament any time soon but that is no reason to leave it for another day. No one in the industry is busy at the moment and technology enables discussion. Rather than sit back, let it happen and

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

then spend the rest of your career moaning and lamenting the change, now is the time to actually develop clear and well thought through policy proposals and come out with something that is a better fit or and let’s be really radical here decide that what we have is already a good fit and that legislation with all its risks is not worth it.

Although better/good fit might not sound much of an ambition you are highly unlikely to get legislation that works solely for your business – so a good fit to me is a good outcome. However, before any of that is considered, whoever will do this work should look carefully at the benefits and disbenefits of what is in place now - maybe it’s not perfect but is it a good fit? The best can be the enemy of the good – be careful what you wish for!

GLOBAL OPINION

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30 Image credit: Mileus

JURAJ ATLAS MILEUS CEO

Q&A

Taxi drivers and operators across the world are planning and adapting for the world post-COVID. TaxiPoint were lucky enough to talk to Juraj Atlas, CEO of Mileus, to discuss the potential opportunities available to everyone in the industry, wherever you may be working, in the months and years ahead.

workers who represent 26% of the total workforce and whose job doesn't necessarily require them to be present in their workplace and can often be done remotely. Some of them may have even increased their productivity while WFH.

“Despite that, I am a firm believer that we won't stay working from home post-pandemic, even if our Mileus provide an intermodal mobility technology occupation does not require our presence in the for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) operators, office at all. At least not every working day. Instead, which aims to grow their ride frequency and I think we will adopt a new weekly rhythm revenue while reducing congestions and pollution combining WFH and working from the office (WFO). in the cities they operate in. The Czechia based “This newly formed rhythm will lead to a decreased tech firm also aims to improve the comfort for commute demand compared to the pre-pandemic commuters using taxi and PHV operators. times as some occupations, especially among

Do you predict a change in commuting and knowledge workers, will start splitting their travel habits post-COVID? If so, what might workweek between WFH for some days and commuting to their work location a day or two they look like? within a week.

“It's clear that many businesses and their employees had to adapt to new working arrangements as COVID-19 forced them to work from home (WFH), which has lowered the need for commuting to the city on a daily basis.

“This was the case particularly for the knowledge

“As a result, the costs of commuting (discomfort and price) will decrease in line with the commute needs of the knowledge workers, now commuting only one to three times a week rather than the previous five times a week.

GLOBAL OPINION “Commuters using public transport will experience a lower number of these uncomfortable trips while saving money spent on tickets. In comparison, those using private cars will save time wasted in congestion and searching for parking spots, in addition to saving on fuel and parking costs.”

Will there be any new opportunities that offer themselves to the taxi industry?

“I am convinced there will be. The lowered number of commute trips might lead to an increased motivation of commuters to look for premium services in order to further decrease the discomfort of their commutes.

“First of all, the commuters will have a discretionary income saved by commuting less. Moreover, it will also cost them less, in aggregate, to upgrade and pay for increased comfort during their transport as they will make fewer commute trips per month. In other words, they will now be required to pay only two- or three-fifths of what they would have paid before to increase the comfort of their five commuting trips per week.

“It's also important to bear in mind that many

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

occupations of the knowledge workers belong to the high-margin/higher-income economy segment.

“This shift in working arrangements will create a unique opportunity for the taxi industry that can take advantage of the newly found discretionary income of these knowledge workers. This should already bring some additional demand for taxi services as we know them.

“But there's an opportunity to further increase the motivation of commuters to pay for a premium service more frequently – by lowering the average order value (AOV) for a single taxi ride. Now, I hear you saying that's not possible without losing out on profits.

“But it is, through intermodality – an automated interconnection of public transport and taxi services. Our Mileus solution including API & SDK technology enables the intermodal service that helps taxi and PHV operators decrease the AOV for their transportation service without cutting the profits.

“This would allow the residents to enjoy more comfort by paying only a fraction of the previously required cost of the whole taxi ride.”

Do you think there will there be a sharp or slow demand increase for taxis once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted?

“There are opposing forces that will drive the demand for taxis. So it is quite hard to predict. Just as it is hard to predict how fast the pandemic measures will be lifted throughout time. One positive force is the fear of crowded places, such as transit.

Another, negative one, comes from the economic downturn which, of course, will have a psychological effect even on Image credit: Mileus

GLOBAL OPINION those people who might not have been financially impacted by the pandemic. The whole society’s mood will take a toll on general willingness to pay for premium services.

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

combining them together into an automatically integrated journey that’s guaranteed to be available every day might be the way to go.”

What can the taxi industry do now to “But there will undoubtedly be a new demand to be prepare for post-COVID life? served by taxi services. Mainly because in addition to public transport commuters, private car commuters might also get motivated to use the premium service.

“Municipalities worldwide have accelerated their efforts of shifting urban road infrastructure from cars to active mobility during the pandemic, which will in turn increase the discomfort (congestion, parking) for private car commuters.

“For a taxi or PHV operator looking to launch intermodal operations, it's often about answering these important questions. Where to deploy? In which residential area? How much capacity is needed, where and when? How much investment is needed? What's the ROI and how long to break even?

“This is where Mileus can also help with our analytical technology for modelling and planning “Consequently, commuters previously using private the business, finances, and operations of the cars might be willing to substitute their vehicles intermodal service. Our analytical solution enables with a different transport mode for some of their the taxi or PHV operator to build a business plan commuting needs. What's important to mention and ensure the service is economically sustainable. here is that when it comes to comfort and “So while preparing for the post-COVID life, the taxi guarantee of availability, they will expect a very and PHV operators can analyse the business close experience to what they were used to from potential of providing the intermodal service to their private cars. their customers. This way, they can ensure they are “That's why having public transport or taxi as ready to capture the new demand effectively once independent options might not be sufficient, but the restrictions ease out.”

“The lowered number of commute trips might lead to an increased motivation of commuters to look for premium services in order to further decrease the discomfort of their commutes.”

JURAJ ATLAS, MILEUS CEO

VEHICLE

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

Image credit: MG

Like all MG models, the new MG5 EV comes with a 7 year/80,000-mile fully transferable warranty as standard. It is powered by a 115kW electric motor (equivalent to 156PS), giving acceleration of 0Since then, the newcomer who quietly entered 60mph in just over eight seconds, with a 52.5kWh the taxi scene, has quickly built up a unique Lithium-Ion battery pack that can be charged from reputation and is already seen as a viable zero to 80% in just 50 minutes using a rapid offering in the UK taxi EV market. The MG5 EV’s charger.

Car manufacturers MG took bold steps into the electric vehicle market with the new MG5 EV released in October 2020.

flexibility and practicality as an estate car coupled with absolutely no exhaust emissions, makes the vehicle an interesting option for cabbies looking for a future proofed industry car.

The MG5 EV joins MG’s rapidly expanding electric car portfolio, alongside MG ZS EV and the new MG HS Plug-in, which together are expected to account for over 50% of MG’s UK sales in 2021. The brand is already the fourth most popular EV brand in the UK and the latest model will further strengthen its position.

Arguably one of the most notable features of the

Image credit: MG

VEHICLE

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 35 Image credit: MG

Arguably one of the most notable features of the MG5 EV is a WLTP approved combined range of 214 miles in normal day-to-day use. This rises to 276 miles if the car is used solely for urban driving, as confirmed by the WLTP City driving cycle.

Prices start from just £24,495 after the Plug-In Car Grant (currently £3,000) and some users will benefit from 0% Benefit-in-Kind tax during the 2020-21 tax year, or 1% in 2021-22.

Daniel Gregorious, MG’s Head of Sales & Marketing, said: “All New MG5 EV is an important addition to the MG range and helps us to take the next step in our Momentum and Growth plan, positioning MG as a high-tech EV leader, the go-to brand for mainstream and affordable EVs. “We now have a range of three plug-in cars with something for everyone and with MG5 EV we’ve turned over a new leaf with Europe’s first SW EV. With a big boot, a big range and a small price tag, we really believe that MG5 EV is a real breakthrough in terms of value-for-money, practical EVs in the UK.” Is this the saloon style taxi the industry has been waiting for?

Image credit: MG

Image credit: MG

TECH:CES 21

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

TAXI THE SUN?

POWERED BY

Image credit: Sono Motors Image credit: Mercedes-Benz

SOLAR POWERED

MOTORING GEARS UP

A solar fuelled taxi, or at least a cab that substantially reduces annual fuel and running costs, has long been the holy grail for those working within the industry.

Sono Motors are looking to become the company that revolutionises the future of solar-powered transportation, as it unveiled the next frontier for its polymerbased Sono Solar Technology at CES 2021.

In line with Sono Motors’ vision for an affordable, accessible world without fossil fuels, the company has created a platform to expand the use of the solar technology innovations borne from Sono Motor’s futurist solar powered car the Sion.

Jona Christians, Co-Founder and Chief

Executive Officer of Sono Motors, said: “We have found a way to deliver sustainable, free power across various transportation applications by replacing the traditional ‘paint shop’ process with integrated solar Image credit: Sono Motors

TECH:CES 21

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

technology. While Sono Solar Technology is cheaper, lighter, and much more efficient than conventional glass-based solar cells, I am most excited about the potential uses that will arise thanks to its incredible flexibility.”

The Sion exhibited the first series-intended solar integration on the body for the model during CES 2021. Those parts either come from series suppliers or are parts that are close to series. Besides the successful implementation of the electric drive unit, the chassis and the MPPT Central Unit (MCU), Sono Motors achieved something remarkable by placing solar panels on all straight and curved exterior parts of the vehicle.

Sono Motors also took a step forward in the development of the Sono App and infotainment. The in-vehicle control units now communicate with the app and infotainment. For example, in live tracking of solar energy, keyless entry, opening the charging lid, control of the cabin temperature and ambient light

Image credit: Sono Motors

all communicates across all platforms.

It’s also worth mentioning new high quality surface materials and dashboard give the vehicle a modern look and a good indication of the standard look and feel of the Sion.

GLOBAL STAGE FOR INNOVATION AND MOST INFLUENTIAL TECH EVENT IN THE WORLD

Image credit: Sono Motors

TECH:CES 21

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

MERCEDES-BENZ

HYPERSCREEN

THE BIG IN-CAR CINEMA DASH

Image credit: Mercedes-Benz

The unique Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen is seen as the big in-car cinema.

The large, curved screen unit stretches almost the entire width from the left to the right A-pillar. In addition to its sheer size, the high-quality, detailloving design is said to also provide a "wow" effect.

Added to this is artificial intelligence (AI): with software capable of learning, the display and operating concept adapts to its user and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.

Image credit: Mercedes-Benz

Thanks to the so-called zero layer, the user does not have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands. The most important applications are always offered in a situational way at the top level in view.

Taxi drivers haven’t had much in the way of exciting dashboards. The LEVC TX brought the industry up to date most recently with its digital control screen, but this slick full-length screen takes it to a new digital and aesthetic level.

Image credit: Mercedes-Benz

TECH:CES 21

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

EYES ON THE

HUD Image credit: Panasonic

Panasonic Automotive introduced its new Augmented Reality (AR) HUD at the CES 2021 to provide motorists a glimpse of how their vehicle windscreens might adapt in the future.

According to Panasonic the key features of the new AR HUD include:

Technology giant Panasonic has utilised latest advances in optics, volume optimisation and imaging technology, combined with AI technology to render near-field and far-field content for vehicle information (like speed), object and pedestrian detection, and mapped route guidance.

- Advanced optics - Advanced optical design techniques provide expanded field-of-view (beyond 10 by 4 degrees) for virtual image distance of 10m or greater; detects pedestrians and objects through enhanced low light and night-time view.

Scott Kirchner, President Panasonic Automotive and Executive Director of Panasonic Smart Mobility, said: “The HUD market is one of the fastest growing categories in mobility, but traditional HUDs only cover a small section of the road.

“Panasonic’s AR HUD solutions cover more of the roadway, with traditional cluster content like speed and fuel in the near field as well as 3D overlays in the far field, showing navigation and other critical driver data mapping spatially to the road ahead. And in a future with more selfdriving vehicles, our AR HUD could provide an important added level of comfort and assurance for AV passengers as well.”

- Eye tracking technology - Projects information at driver’s level of sight based on driver’s eye position.

- AI navigation accuracy - Artificial Intelligence driven AR navigation technology detects and provides multi-colour 3D navigation graphics that adjust with moving vehicle’s surroundings.

- Vibration control - Panasonic’s proprietary camera image stability algorithm enables AR icons to lock onto the driving environment regardless of the bumpiness of the road.

- Real-time situational awareness - Driving environment updates occur in real-time; ADAS, AI, AR environment information updates in less than 300 milliseconds.

- 3D imaging radar - Sensor-captured full 180degree forward vision up to 90 meters and across approximately three traffic lanes.

AUTONOMOUS

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 40

Image credit: Volkswagen

The introduction of autonomous systems for traffic use in 2025 is currently being prepared at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, with the technology set to be used for ‘Robo-Taxis’.

With the budget for the autonomous driving budget now confirmed by the Supervisory Board, VWCV is taking the next significant step towards the future of autonomous mobility.

Christian Senger, Head of Autonomous Driving, has said: "This year, for the first time, we are conducting field trials in Germany, in which the selfdriving system by Argo AI will be used in a version of the future ID. BUZZ by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The aim is to develop a ride-hailing and pooling concept similar to what MOIA offers today.

In the middle of this decade, our customers will then have the opportunity to be taken to their destination in selected cities with autonomous vehicles."

The commercial vehicle brand is responsible for the development of fully autonomous systems and their commercial use in urban areas. VWCV will develop and build Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV), such as robo-taxis and vans. The company says their aim is to transport an “entire society”, with all its requirements for clean, intelligent and sustainable mobility.

Additionally to the investments in Argo AI, the Group says it is also investing billions in projects of the Car.Software Organisation that develops, in As part of their cooperation, Ford Motor Company parallel and independently of Argo AI, assisted and and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have invested automated driving functions up to level 4 for the equally in Argo AI, a company specialised in private mobility sector of all Volkswagen Group software platforms for Autonomous Driving. They brands. say the goal is the consistent and fast development Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles develops the and use of autonomous systems. In addition to the vehicles in which Argo's self-driving system (SDS) initial investment of one billion US-Dollars, will be used. They are based on the all-electric ID. Volkswagen also brought its subsidiary AID BUZZ, which will have its world premiere next year.

(Autonomous Intelligent Driving) into Argo AI.

FUEL

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

The price of fuel on the UK’s forecourts rose by 3p a litre in February, making it £1.70 more expensive to fill up a family car and nearly £5 dearer than in late 2020, data from RAC Fuel Watch reveals.

fuels during February. Asda had the lowest priced petrol and diesel in February at 118.41p and 121.51p, narrowly ahead of Sainsbury’s which was only 0.5p more expensive.

After four months of consecutive rises, a litre of petrol now costs an average of 123.38p (up from 120.22p at the start of the month), while diesel is 126.47p (up from 123.35p) having risen for the last three months.

A full tank of unleaded now sets drivers back £67.86 whereas on 1 November it was £4.87 cheaper at £62.98 due to a litre being almost 9p less at just 114.52p. Compared to 1 November a full tank of diesel is now £4.75 more expensive at £69.56, versus £64.81 when a litre was 117.85p.

Looking around the UK regions and nations however, RAC Fuel Watch can reveal a significant retailing anomaly, with prices in Northern Ireland around 5p a litre cheaper than the UK average at 118.38p for petrol and 121.92 for diesel. The RAC understands this is as a result of fuel being imported from the Republic of Ireland where taxes are lower per litre, coupled with the benefit of sterling being considerably stronger against the Euro than it was two months ago.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “February A sharp increase in the price of a barrel of oil has was another rough month for drivers at the pumps driven the rise in forecourt prices. In February alone and there is great uncertainty over the future of oil rocketed by $10 a barrel to $65.83, a price not seen forecourt prices, with fears of further rises looming since mid-January 2020. And compared to 1 large. Those using their cars more frequently will have November 2020 a barrel now costs $29 more. found themselves having to fork out far more in The average price of fuel at the big four supermarkets February than they have at any other time during the pandemic with a complete fill-up now costing almost is 4p a litre cheaper at 119.32p for unleaded and £5 more than it did at the start of November.”

122.24p for diesel after an increase of 2.8p on both

COVID-19

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 42

NEW AFFORDABLE

‘20TEST’ COVID TEST KIT

COULD PROVIDE TAXI DRIVERS

RAPID PEACE OF MIND

Image credit: Driver Bubble

Driver Bubble, a global supplier of taxi and private hire partition screens, have announced the Europewide launch of an affordable, CE certified, rapid antigen home test kit that could provide rapid peace of mind to cabbies and workers during the pandemic.

The kit contains a testing card, a sterile disposable swab, a sample treatment solution and a simple, selfexplanatory guide. 20test is offering free shipping on orders above five kits directly on their online store.

Steven Blom, co-founder of Driver Bubble, said: "At The 20test provides 96.9% accurate test results Driver Bubble, we are continuously working towards within 15 minutes. It is being pitched as one of the making the world a healthier and safer place. Since quickest, most affordable and most reliable rapid April 2020, we have been helping to protect antigen tests for COVID-19. According to the firm the hundreds of thousands of lives across the globe and rapid antigen test correctly identifies 92.0% of people provide peace of mind to thousands of with COVID-19 and 99.26% without COVID-19. transportation businesses and their passengers.”

CHARITY

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 43

Image: Unite Wales

It goes without saying that the taxi industry has been hit hard since the outbreak of the global pandemic in the UK. Drivers have been left out of work with very minimal travel taking place due to widespread lockdowns and restrictions. Despite the lack of earning potential and the stress caused from not knowing when the trade will eventually pick up, taxi drivers around the UK have continued to offer ongoing support to others who are struggling.

He went on to add they were “still caring for locals that are suffering from food poverty due to this pandemic” and confirmed that all donations were to be made to foodbank organisations across Cardiff.

Peter Hughes, Secretary of Unite Wales Union, also congratulated the generous contributions from the taxi drivers. He said: “Despite an incredibly challenging year for the Cardiff taxi and private hire trade, they’ve supported other drivers who are struggling to pay In our last edition we featured the story of ‘Mentality’ mortgages and feed their families.

- a not-for-profit organisation which has been set up “Very proud to know and work with them all. This is by individuals including London taxi drivers to offer what being a trade unionist is all about.” support to those hardest hit during the last year.

One of the foodbanks set up to help the most In this edition we take a look at the amazing work vulnerable, which benefited from the wonderful achieved by taxi and private hire drivers in Wales, who donations is the AL-IKHLAS CENTRE, which was raised over £10,000 for foodbanks despite struggling allocated £3,000 to assist with food supplies. to make a living for themselves.

Speaking of the donation, Unite Union Wales said: Taxi drivers, along with the Unite Union Wales Taxi “Fantastic to see our members in the Cardiff taxi and section, then personally distributed the funds raised to private hire trade donating £3,000 to AL-IKHLAS a number of foodbanks in a show of support to CENTRE. Incredible generosity shown by drivers, who families who need it most. despite struggling financially themselves, have raised Yusef Jama, Secretary of the Unite Wales Taxi, called funds to help the most vulnerable in our society.” the efforts of the cabbies an “amazing achievement”.

GLOBAL NEWS

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 44

AROUND THE WORLD USA Ride-sharing app Lyft have introduced a new service ‘CALL A LYFT RIDE’ for those who do not have access to their app via a mobile phone. Passengers can now request a ride via any landline phone in cities across Florida.

The new feature allows the booking of a car to be made directly through an agent, the way a traditional pre-booked car can be booked.

The firm says the service will see a ride arrive within minutes of a telephone booking which is “perfect for seniors and folks without access to the Lyft app”.

Passengers will have a price confirmed for each ride before any car is despatched, and payment for the journey will be taken over the phone by way of credit or debit card. Passengers will receive text messages informing them of any important information in relation to their booking throughout the process, which can be shared with family and friends.

Image credit: LYFT

SINGAPORE Singapore has begun its COVID-19 vaccinations exercise for taxi and private hire drivers. Over 50,000 drivers will now have received vaccination allocation details.

The scheme is a joint effort by the LTA and Ministry of Health, which is supported by the NTA (National Taxi Association) and the NPHVA (National Private Hire Vehicles Association).

GLOBAL NEWS

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 45

AROUND THE WORLD AUSTRALIA Taxi licence valuations across the country are rapidly dropping according to a new study, first reported by the Brisbane Times. The average valuation of a taxi licence in Brisbane was at around $500,000 in 2014, but the reported price now sits at approximately $41,107.

Ride-sharing app Uber landed on Australian shores in 2014 shaking up the industry, and together with the current pandemic, traditional taxi drivers have seen the trade take a hit, which has consequently impacted licence valuations.

SINGAPORE RUSSIA

GERMANY Hundreds of traditional taxi drivers staged a protest in Berlin against the Federal Government’s decision to change the Passenger Transport Act in order to open up a free market, paving the way for companies such as Uber.

Around 500 taxis took to the streets to demonstrate their disapproval of the decision, with drivers warning that the changes to the current Passenger Transport Act would see the “creeping death of the trade”.

Yandex, Russia’s biggest ride-sharing firm and e-commerce giants, reported a 2% rise in net profits in 2020, and is planning a mammoth push in its ever growing online sector. With the global pandemic having a huge impact on falling ride-sharing journeys, the company has said it will continue to focus on growth in its flourishing sectors such as media service, food delivery and e-commerce.

Greg Abvosky, Chief Financial Officer of Yandex, said: “We will invest meaningfully in 2021. We are looking to spend $400-500 million (approx. £360,000) across the various e-commerce initiatives that we have at Yandex.”

March 2021 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 46

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