The UK’s Premier Taxi Publication
Edition 11 | March 2020
Over 80,000 digimag reads last month
FULL ANALYSIS
PLUS!
70 Years of the BLACK CAB www.taxi-point.co.uk
CONTENT AND EDITORIAL
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p6 TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Editor:
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Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager: Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at:
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www.taxi-point.co.uk
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Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquires at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk
Welcome to the eleventh edition of TaxiPoint’s DigiMag. There’s certainly no sugar-coating the news surrounding the outbreak of Coronavirus, and the trade is without doubt about to go through some tough times. The same can of course be said for most other industries. TaxiPoint will be leading from the front, reporting daily, on the new challenges emerging for those working within the industry. Whilst the coming months look set to be hard, it’s important the industry and all communities work together to minimise the risks associated with COVID-19. This edition focuses on the early issues surrounding workers’ rights and the sharp downturn in work, but as updates emerge and we learn more about how our roles in our communities could potentially change in response to the pandemic, we’ll of course be reporting on it.
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 2020. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.
We wish you and your families all the best in the coming month.
Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Chief-Editor and Licensed Taxi Driver
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COVID-19
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 4
THE THREAT TO AN ALREADY UNSTABLE TAXI INDUSTRY The outbreak and sudden downturn in work due to Scottish cab driver, Murray Leith, said: “Scotland has the Coronavirus pandemic has brought a very real and taken a big hit as well not many old folk going to their stark threat to the taxi industry across the UK. usual haunts. Airports are declining and pubs empty. Tough times but as usual no help from government.” As a taxi driver and a self-employed worker, a city without movement means a job without purpose, leaving many concerned over finances and the ability to keep turnover coming in each week.
Another Scottish driver, Tommie Downie, said: “I’m sitting here wondering if I should go out to work I’m 66 don’t want to give up working to retire I also have The UK taxi industry has recently been pushing drivers breathing problems But don’t like to let people down.” beyond standard working hours due to its highly competitive and over saturated nature. Lack of work, Times will be tough, not just in the taxi industry, but or even worse, the potential of no work, means there for every household reliant on income which cannot has never been a more important time for the escape the consequences of the pandemic. government to step in and help ease financial burdens, but also safeguard the future of the industry. In a recent poll conducted by TaxiPoint, respondents indicated that the recent downturn in revenue has fallen by between 31-60% for over two fifths (44%) of the workforce and more than 60% for nearly a third of cabbies (31%). A quarter of the industry’s respondents have however managed to weather the early storm, claiming revenue hasn’t dropped (6%) or only fallen by a more manageable 1-30% (19%). Drivers contacted TaxiPoint via social media displaying their concerns. One cabbie, Amy Hodkinson based in the North West, said: “Our firm work solely in airport transfers and this has crippled us so I've had to go working for another firm temporarily until air travel picks back up.”
CONTINUED COVERAGE ON P32
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VEHICLE
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6
Image credit: LEVC
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS of the ‘Black Cab’
Though the company name has changed over the decades, London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) say the core principles at the heart of their vehicles remains unchanged: purpose-built to withstand the demands of the job, focused on reliability, comfortable working conditions and the best passenger experience.
drawing on their experience to combat global mobility challenges such as air pollution, noise and congestion with the TX, arguably the world’s most advanced purpose built taxi.
Though the origin of LEVC dates back to 1908, the expression ‘black cab’ really began with the introduction of the FX3 taxicab. To celebrate 70 Today, the image of the ‘black cab’ is as years since the FX3 went in to service, here’s a synonymous with the UK as the Union Jack, Big Ben chronicle of the most iconic taxis of the last seven or red phone boxes. Designed and built in Coventry decades. - the heartland of the British automotive industry each vehicle has always been specially created to meet the demands of their era. FX3 and FX4 combined an enhanced passenger experience with unrivalled dependability. Then the manufacturer met the challenges of new environmental, safety and accessibility legislation with the Fairway, TX1 and TXII. Next, the TX4 helped the taxi trade meet the needs of 21st Century cities. Now, we find LEVC
Image Image: credit: LEVC LEVC
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VEHICLE
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 8
FX3 - THE ORIGINAL
passengers with darkened glass in the small back window and no interior driving mirror. The FX3 went Following its formal introduction at the 1948 on general sale in 1949, for £936 plus 33.3 per cent Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition at Earls purchase tax. Its key selling point was its ‘enclosedCourt, London, the FX3 went in to fleet service. It drive’ compartment – it was the first taxi with full featured a chassis and a 16hp, 2.2 litre petrol engine weather protection for the driver, although it did supplied by Austin and a pressed steel body built by feature an open luggage platform instead of a front Carbodies in Coventry. Sold in London by Mann & passenger seat! Like all London taxis built since 1906, Overton, the cab was light and airy in comparison to its turning circle of 25ft ensured the cab could pre-war landaulets, yet still ensured the privacy of its navigate the tiny roundabout in front of The Savoy Hotel. In 1954, a diesel-powered production version of the FX3 was introduced. Demand for this vehicle was driven by the unacceptably high fuel consumption of the petrol model.
Image credit: LEVC
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VEHICLE
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 9
FX4 - THE RESILIENT
introduced to further improve the vehicle. In 1962, a manual version was released. In 1968, the FX4 was Planning for the FX4 began in 1955. As development given a facelift, known as the ‘new shape’ by those in costs grew evermore expensive, the existing FX3 the trade. The roof-mounted indicators were chassis was used as a starting point. The vehicle was replaced by indicators mounted within the taillights fitted with independent front suspension from BMC's and on the front wings. The battery trays were fitted larger contemporary cars and with the Austin with drainage channels – previously, rainwater had Westminster rear axle. The engine was the FX3’s 2.2 collected under them and in the space of a few years diesel, mated to a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox. would rot through the metal and pour onto the Neither a petrol engine nor a manual gearbox option driver's right foot! Under-bonnet soundproofing was were offered. The FX4 was unusual for two reasons: fitted, making driving less tiring, which also helped first that a fixed windscreen was approved – until with communication with passengers, as did a better then, it was believed an opening windscreen gave design of interior partition. the driver better visibility in the pea-soup London In 1971, a new, 2.5 litre engine gave the FX4 much fogs. Second, and most important, it was the first better acceleration and a top speed of over 70 mph. production London taxi to have four doors, giving A special Silver Jubilee FX4 was produced in 1977 and weather protection to both driver and luggage. presented to the Prince of Wales. The FX4 was announced to the trade in 1958 and In 1982, the first of three models with Land Rover shown at the Commercial Motor Show. It went on diesel engines was made. This was the FX4R, which sale at £1,198 in 1959. was followed in 1985 by the 2.5 litre FX4S and in Over the years, several versions of the FX4 were 1987, the luxuriously trimmed FX4S-Plus.
Image credit: LEVC
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VEHICLE
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 10
THE FAIRWAY THE CLASSIC Released in 1989, the Fairway was the best-selling version of the FX4, and a vehicle which many still think of as the London taxi. Its name, actually taken from some special sports bodies for private cars that were built by the company in the 1930s, reflected many London cabmen’s love of golf.
TX1, TXII AND TX4 - THE NEW KID AND THE UPDATES
In 1997 the final Fairway was produced and presented to the National Motor Museum. At the same time, a new taxi. The TX1 took to the streets. An evolution of the Fairway, it featured a completely new body, but maintained the well-loved, traditional The Fairway featured the TD Series Nissan engine, appearance of the earlier cabs.It took just 28 months 2.7 litres, and was available both as a manual and an to design and put into production, bringing saloon automatic. Three finishing packages were available: car standards of comfort, safety and refinement to bronze, a basic model; silver, with a vinyl roof, the driver’s working environment. sunroof and carpeting; and gold, with wood finish The TXII incorporated a Ford engine in order to meet door cappings, headrests and heavy-duty carpet in the emissions standards of the time. Additional the passenger compartment. improvements included a passive anti-theft system, Wheelchair access was provided as standard – swan fully integrated into the engine management system, neck hinges were fitted to the nearside rear door, and full width glass in the rear doors, which had enabling it to be locked open in a 90-degree position, restricted opening to reduce the possibility of and the rear seat cushion could be folded up to allow passengers who wanted to avoid paying their fare by a wheelchair to be manoeuvred into rearward-facing escaping through the window! position. Introduced in 2007, the TX4 featured a more efficient In 1992 the Fairway Driver was released, with new engine, updated design and suspension. There was front suspension, back axle and disc brakes. It also no TX3 model - the TX4 was so named because it was featured a split rear seat, allowing both a larger built to comply with the new Euro 4 exhaust wheelchair to be accommodated and a passenger to emission requirements. The TX4 featured in the sit on the rear seat. The manual version cost closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, £19,912 and the automatic, £21,312. alongside the Spice Girls, who performed standing on top of The Fairway Driver 95 of 1995 featured detail specially prepared Fairways! improvements, including electric front windows as Private owners of the TX4 have standard, a Clarion radio/cassette player, a fingeroperated lock on the driver’s side of the sliding glass included celebrity Stephen Fry. partition and red edging to the seats.
Image credit: LEVC
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NEW APP
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 12
Self employed drivers?
Are you HAVN a laugh?! Image credit: Havn
In a busy market, in a busy city, London’s newest chauffeuring service hopes to do things slightly differently from the seemingly growing norm of selfemployed gig economy workers.
service, however this pride is also met with some frustration in that it’s (a) not already been done, and that (b) the other players aren’t following suit quickly enough. This is the future of travel.
Havn announced its London launch in February, offering customers the chance to book a ride in one of their all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, stressing that responsible business practices are at the core of its business model.
Personalisation. With car ownership in decline, the level of personalisation we can offer makes our passengers feel like their journey really is their own. With temperature controls, quiet mode, and music preferences, along with in-vehicle entertainment, Havn provides the most comfortable travel experience possible.”
All of the firm’s drivers are fully employed, setting it apart from other ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Bolt, who already operate in the capital.
In December 2019, Uber drivers were given an early Christmas present when the Court of Appeals upheld a In what they believe is “a bold move”, the company is ruling that they should be classified as workers. The going against the tide when it comes to gig economy appeal was launched by the Silicon Valley firm after an workers or subcontractors, saying being fully employed initial ruling back in October 2016, when the Central “inherently means that they are properly taken care London Employment Tribunal ruled in favour of the of”. GMB Union who represented Uber drivers against the firm. Havn has three core beliefs, and here’s what the firm says about them: “Properly employ and look after the chauffeurs. Do not feed the gig economy or encourage more sidehustlers. Whilst a good concept in theory, the results of this have seen a dangerous free-for-all, damaging not only the employing brand but the customers and drivers themselves. Only ever use a fully-electric fleet of vehicles. We are very proud to be London’s first all-electric chauffeur
This is a business model Havn are clearly trying to steer clear of, but in a city which is now considered one of the most congested on earth, can they really compete? Not only are there the likes of gig-economy laced ridehailing services competing for passengers, the capital is also home to the most iconic knowledgeable taxi drivers in the world – the London Black Taxi driver.
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NEW APP
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 13
Havn say all their drivers will be entitled to holiday, training and set hours – a maximum of eight, which it believes will mean they will never drive tired, in turn, providing a “consistent” quality. The firm says the mindset that better outcomes are a result of more hours spent in the office has proven to be efficient. “Efficient in getting you exhausted”, a complete disillusion of the work one used to enjoy, or even worse, total burnout. The company said: “We challenge every business owner and manager reading this to take their first step towards eliminating hustle culture in their companies, if they haven't already. Hustle culture does not belong in 2020 or the new decade now. Its time to work smarter; not harder.” Only time will tell if Havn will have what it takes to compete and thrive amongst London’s finest cab
drivers who now also boast the capability of offering a ride in one of their new fancy electric taxis – the TXE.
“Having seen the effects of the hustle culture, gig economy workers, and multi-jobbers, one of Havn’s core values is putting people first.” Havn
Electric vehicles may currently be all the talk of the town, but they may be in for a shock when they realise designated charging bays are not so easy to access.
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LEGAL
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14
KNOW THE LAW...
TAXI SIGNAGE
Uber drivers in South Gloucestershire will not be as part of another word; or allowed to display ‘taxi’ on their cars; what does the (b) any sign, notice, mark, illumination or other law say on PHV signage? feature which may suggest that the vehicle is a taxi. It is clearly important for the public to understand The law is clear in so far as it relates to signage “on what type of licensed vehicle they are travelling in. It or above the roof of any vehicle” that is not a is also important for legal purposes that the public hackney carriage (taxi). understand how they can book or hail a licensed vehicle. As such, the distinction between a PHV and However, what about similar signage on PHV a hackney carriage (taxi) is important and should be roundels or private hire operator’s signage and/or advertising? For this, there is no primary legislation visible. similar to section 64. In theory therefore, it is not an offence for a PHV to display “any sign which consists of or includes the word “taxi” or “cab”” (other than Section 64(1) of the Transport Act states the on or above the roof) or similarly for private hire following: operators. (1) There shall not, in any part of England and However, the principle of section 64 should remain Wales outside the metropolitan police district and the same either way. Licensing authorities can, the City of London, be displayed on or above the adopt licensing policies that, in practice, extends roof of any vehicle which is used for carrying section 64 to also apply generally to private hire passengers for hire or reward but which is not a licensing. taxi — There is no known cases or judgement on the use of (a) any sign which consists of or includes the word licensing policy to extend the section 63 power but “taxi” or “cab”, whether in the singular or plural, or the legal basis for setting policy is well established. “hire”, or any word of similar meaning or appearance to any of those words, whether alone or
Transport Act 1980
Article written by:
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FEATURE
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16
New roadside police team ready to set their sights on London motorists breaking new 20mph limit Drivers in London will be seeing more roadside police officers as a new speed enforcement team set their sights on motorists breaking the new 20mph speed limit. Transport for London (TfL) brought in the new lower speed limits across central London TfL road network on Monday 2 March. The new 20mph speed limits will be enforced across all TfL roads within the Congestion Charging Zone which includes Millbank, Victoria Embankment and Borough High Street.
From April, a new speed enforcement team will identify speeding drivers across the capital, including within the new 20mph speed limits. The team will be deployed to known high-risk locations for speeding, equipped with the newest laser video speed enforcement technology. Speed is said to be a factor in around 37% of collisions in London where a person dies or is seriously injured.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am absolutely determined to do everything I can to As part of the joint commitment with TfL to eliminate eradicate all deaths and serious injuries on London's death and serious injury from London's roads, the roads and these new measures are a vital step along Metropolitan Police will continue to target the way to helping us to achieve this. dangerous, careless and illegal driving across “By cutting speed limits on TfL's roads within the London's roads. Congestion Zone we are saving lives, while at the same time making our streets more appealing for Londoners to walk and cycle around the capital.”
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EDITORIAL
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 17
How will other road users be treated? Editorial by Perry Richardson I’m sure everyone would support the ideology of ‘Vision Zero’ with the resulting no road fatalities if successful. However, it also has to be realistic in its aims and workable for everyone using the capital’s roads. During the day these roads very rarely allow traffic to travel faster than 20mph due to heavy congestion, so the effect in terms of reducing road collisions is going to be minimal.
worked upwards of three years to obtain it. Saying that, there will of course be frustration from all motorists during the night when faced with an empty three lane carriageway. Crawling at 20mph whilst cyclists, e-scooters, e-skateboards and any other unregistered vehicle flies past will test the patience of many.
And that will become the big test for this campaign. How will cyclists and other road users be At night it’s a different prospect. It will be treated? Will they be subjected interesting to see whether City Hall and the Met to the same enforcement as Police put their new enforcement resources into policing the early hours of the morning, rather than drivers? Zero fatalities and serious injuries requires ALL the static road traffic of the daytime. road users to have to opt in, I don’t think taxi driver road habits will change otherwise it’s just another money making scheme much given the high standards of professionalism with the added bonus of trying to deter people from and the value of holding a taxi licence having using their cars.
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TYRES
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18
Four licensing authorities pass private hire vehicle fitted with illegal unmarked part worn tyres Four licensing authorities in the North West have been exposed issuing licences for private hire vehicles fitted with illegal unmarked and unsafe part worn tyres.
vehicle as safe, despite part worn tyres dating from 1999, 2001 and 2003 being fitted on the taxi. One of the tyres was an illegal part worn winter tyre, imported from Germany some 10 years ago.
The discovery raises bigger questions around passenger safety across the UK and just how thorough and safe the taxi compliance and licensing procedure is.
No tyres were marked as ‘Part Worn’, as they should be by law, next to the BS or ECE approval mark.
Each council’s approved test centre passed the
needs to be stopped now.
John Stone said: “This lack of care from our local councils is appalling and raises serious questions over John Stone, owner of Stone Tyres and founder of the taxi passenger safety in the North West and indeed Independent Tyre Fitters Alliance, purchased a Skoda across the United Kingdom. Octavia and fitted it with 4 illegal part worn tyres and “Part worn tyres are not safe, yet some councils are submitted the vehicle to St Helens, Liverpool, Wirral awarding licenses to vehicles running on illegal and and Sefton council-approved test centres for a taxi potentially unsafe tyres – it is a disgrace and the compliance test. licensing of vehicles running illegal part worn tyres “Full credit to St Helens council as when I approached them with my findings they took the issue with great seriousness and decided there and then that this wouldn’t be allowed to happen again. I’m pleased to say that on the back of this campaign St Helens MBC has already agreed to ban the use of
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TYRES
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 19
part worn tyres on all licensed vehicles. They should be “John has exposed a serious flaw in taxi licensing applauded for such a pragmatic and positive response, testing procedures in not one, but four, areas in the which ensures the safety of the public.” North West and we are extremely concerned that the practice is nationwide. There is now hope that other councils will follow the proactive lead set by St Helens and also only allow safe “The combined age of those four different makes of new tyres to be used on vehicles entrusted to tyre was 67 years old, they had illegal repairs, different transport the general public. speed ratings and no part worn mark, this really is beyond belief! John is to be applauded for the The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 govern the sale of part-worn tyres, but these are rarely incredible work he has done to expose this shocking situation, but it is appalling that it has taken his being adhered to, allowing unsafe and illegal tyres to personal efforts to uncover such apathy towards flood the UK’s part worn tyre market. The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) which represents passenger safety.” national and independent tyre distributors across the UK, recently reiterated its call for an outright ban on part worn tyres due to safety concerns. Stefan Hay, NTDA Chief Executive, said: “As we have advised the DfT on a number of occasions part worn tyres should not be fitted to vehicles, full stop.
Hay added: “Inspections carried out over several years into the sale of part worn tyres have shown serious safety breaches, including dangerous and unsafe repairs, exposed cords, bead damage and evidence of runflat damage. We call on these councils to review their procedures without delay.”
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WORKERS’ RIGHTS
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20
END OF THE
LEGAL ROAD?
French employment ruling 'end of legal road' for Uber says GMB
GMB, a union for private hire drivers in the UK, says a French court’s ruling that Uber drivers are employees should be the ‘end of the legal road’ for the tech company.
Susan Harris, GMB Legal Director, said: “GMB welcomes the decision from France's highest Court on the employment status of Uber drivers.
Instead of accepting the judgement of the courts, Uber took their case to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in November 2017, which ruled against the ride-sharing company.
“GMB calls on Uber to recognise that the judgement in France is the end of the legal road, to abandon their legal challenge in the UK and sit down with GMB, the union for Uber drivers, to discuss the way forward.”
“GMB has, on behalf of its members, had similar The GMB union has won a hat trick of legal cases success in the UK with our courts recognising that against Uber in relation to workers’ rights. In October Uber drivers are workers and not self-employed as 2016, the Central London Employment Tribunal ruled Uber claims. in GMB's favour - determining that Uber drivers are “But still Uber persists in using the legal system to not self-employed, but are workers entitled to avoid its responsibilities to our members; Uber has workers’ rights including holiday pay, a guaranteed appealed now to the Supreme Court and we are set minimum wage and an entitlement to breaks. to return to court in July 2020.
Then in December 2018 the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling again.
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Charity
May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20
UK TRAFFIC
The £6.9
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 22
BILLION
Traffic Jam!
INRIX, one of the world’s leading transportation analytics firms, has collated detailed data and published its findings on traffic and congestion in all major cities across the UK. And it reveals the shocking truth behind the cost of sitting in heavily congested traffic.
The findings show, on average, Brits wasted 115 hours in congestion during 2019, costing the country £6.9 billion, that’s on average £894 per driver.
Leading the way as the most congested city in the UK is London, where on average commuters sit idle for 149 hours per year. Across the capital, the total damage to the economy exceeded £4.9bn. Belfast (112 hours), Bristol (103 hours), Edinburgh (98 hours) and Manchester (92 hours) complete the top five list. Trevor Reed, Transport Analyst at INRIX, said: “Congestion costs drivers, businesses and the UK economy billions of pounds each year. With the rising price of motoring, consumers are getting hit hardest.”
Table: INRIX
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AIR QUALITY
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 23
Testing could spark cleaner taxi engines and prolonged vehicle age limits across the UK Technology that could spark cleaner taxi engines and prolong the vehicle working age limit is set for UK testing. A company based in Germany called HJS say that they can offer a cost effective solution to cabbies and licensing authorities looking to reach Euro 6 standards by retrofitting a highly efficient SCR system without impact on the engine control unit and performance. As local authorities across the UK look to improve air quality in their area, older taxis have come under attack. In London, owners of Euro 5 standard taxis registered as early as 2015 have seen their vehicle licensing age limits cut from fifteen years to twelve.
running at Euro 5 standard who could make the change to extend their taxi age limit by three years. Steve McNamara, LTDA General Secretary, told its members: “The LTDA are developing a system to convert all 4,400 Euro V taxis to a Euro VI standard. This will enable members who wish to keep these cabs to benefit from a 15 year age limit. “The added benefit is that once these cabs are certified as Euro VI standard they will become more saleable outside of London, where many authorities insist on Euro VI for all newly licensed taxis, and thus more valuable.
“It has taken forever, the initial cab was Taxis are seen as a significant contributor to toxic air converted in Germany last August, but the quality, and are said to be responsible for 16% of NOx detail and requirements from TfL and other and 26% of Particulate Matter (PM) emissions in bodies have resulted in long delays. Hopefully central London. we are now reaching the end of this process If the retrofit was to be approved by local authorities and the cab should be attending the Millbrook the industry could see a swifter move to cleaner vehicles. In London alone there are roughly 4,400 taxis proving ground very shortly.” Image: LEVC
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EV
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24
Electric cars. You can’t escape the clamour for them in an ever-changing industry as the world, and more locally the cities we ply in, demands cleaner and greener air.
The pure vehicles will enjoy the smooth, and quick, acceleration most electric drivetrains have to offer.
However, with so many different types of AFV’s entering the market, what are the fundamental differences between a ‘Plug-in’ and an EREV? What’s ‘Pure’ and what’s not?
number of EV’s on the roads around the UK. Issues around the need for more chargers, better located chargers, better maintained and cheaper fuelling are regular concerns for current EV drivers.
Pure electric
Plug-in hybrid
However, the big downside is based around the range and the anxiety it may bring. On longer journeys you In fact, according to figures released at the start of the may need to plan where to stop and have back-ups in year by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and mind as relying on the UK charge point network at the Traders (SMMT), Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFV) moment is a risky business! surged in 2019 to take a record 7.4% market share. Whilst rapid chargers are on the increase, so is the
This does what it says on the tin: a ‘pure’ EV is a car or The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is currently taxi that has the single electric motor and battery becoming more prevalent in the private hire market, power source. with the Mitsubishi Outlander being a prime example. The only pure electric taxi currently on the market in the UK is the Nissan Dynamo, unless your local authority is allowing passengers to squeeze into a Nissan LEAF or enjoy the luxury of a Tesla.
The PHEV carries a smaller battery than the pure electric vehicle and will only be able to travel a very short distance before it runs out of electric juice.
After that the petrol or diesel engine will kick in, These vehicles will produce absolutely zero emissions making the vehicle a bog-standard internal from the tailpipe and are the most cost effective when combustion engine car. it comes to refuelling. These vehicles are ideal for the drivers heading down to the shops for the weekly shop, but for a taxi driver
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EV
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25
it will offer very little if you’re looking for a cleaner move away from the diesel. With the added weight of the battery, some PHEV’s are actually less efficient and more fuel costly than their internal combustion older brothers and sisters mainly due to the extra weight of carrying two motors.
engine fires up and effectively becomes a generator, supplying power to the car’s battery pack and electric motor. The engine runs at a fast idle and will sustain the battery until such a point as you’re able to plug it in again.
Extended Range Electric Vehicle An Extended Range Electric Vehicle, or EREV, may sound just like a plug-in hybrid, but it isn’t. The fundamental difference between the two is that the EREV’s electric motor always provides drive to the wheels, whereas the plug-in hybrid runs just like a normal internal combustion engine when its battery is depleted. An EREV has an electric-only range, but once the battery drops to a critical level, a petrol or diesel
Image credit: LEVC
The advantages are that you get the same refinement and instant torque as an electric car, but none of the range anxiety. On the negative side, the electric range is generally much lower than a pure electric car, though it is usually more than a plug-in hybrid. The most popular EREV model in the taxi industry is of course the LEVC TX taxi. Other EREV cars on the UK roads include the BMW i3 and Vauxhall Ampera.
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UK STORIES
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26
Taxi drivers from around the globe undoubtedly cross paths with some… well, let’s say ‘colourful’ characters from time to time. And indeed, in many cases we ourselves are considered a unique breed of men and women. Here’s just a couple of the wacky and strange stories we’ve come across in the past few weeks that would definitely fit into our taXi files…
ALLO ALLO ALLO
ARE YOU FLOPPING SERIOUS? Two things that really don’t go well together: alcohol and, well, more alcohol. Working the night shift in a taxi almost guarantees you some drunken drama at some point, and that was no different for this South Yorkshire taxi driver who came across a ‘heavily intoxicated’ male passenger.
So drunk he was, that the driver had to call the police Greater Manchester Police – Eccles Team – flagged up to remove him from the vehicle. That’s not strange I a taxi driver they witnessed clearly running a red light. hear you say! Well here comes the twist (quite literally) When stopped by the officers and questioned over his because seemingly not content with a small telling off decision to commit such a dangerous manoeuvre, to by the officers, the man decided to run at full speed the astonishment of the police officers, the driver towards the parked police car, twirl around like the attempted to justify his actions by replying “you can do Angel of the North, jump into the air, and belly-flop, it in France”. crash, bang, wallop, onto the vehicles bonnet. Officers said it was definitely a 5/10 for posture. Pause for thought… No doubt flabbergasted; the officers carefully explained to the man that Eccles was not in France. A ticket was issued to the man who clearly took ‘cross-border’ laws a step too far.
The man was arrested for being drunk and disorderly, taken to a cell for the night and issued a £90 ticket. I’d say to both the taxi driver and the officers, just be grateful the man didn’t strip off first before showing off his Tom Daley impersonation.
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UK
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27
Autocab and CityFleet sign largest tech deal to date in UK dispatch market Taxi technology company Autocab has announced an agreement to supply leading black cab operator CityFleet with its Ghost booking and dispatch system, and custom-branded passenger app.
ComfortDelGro, which operates 41,600 vehicles across Asia and Europe, CityFleet operates in three UK cities – London, Liverpool and Aberdeen – under the brands ComCab and DialaCab.
Owned by Singapore-based mobility company
Autocab will be delivering a next-generation booking platform to CityFleet’s corporate customers, which they say will deliver unparalleled duty of care, the very latest user experience and a feature-rich corporate booking solution to accommodate the intricacies of global corporate ground transportation requirements across Europe. The partnership will also add CityFleet’s vehicles to the iGo network, a collaborative fare-sharing platform which includes more than 150,000 private hire cars globally utilised by business travellers, trip aggregators and travel management companies.
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GLOBAL
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28
DIAL-AN-UBER
The decision comes after the company said it will be moving its profitability target to the end of 2020.
Uber Technologies Inc. have announced a new pilot Workers were told they would receive severance feature aimed at those who are not familiar with using packages and would have the opportunity to apply for mobile phone applications. new jobs within the firm if they wished. The feature, which will initially be available in Arizona, gives customers the opportunity to book a ride by calling a phone number rather than using the Uber The former engineer for Google’s autonomous car passenger app. division, Waymo, was ordered to pay $179 (£136)
ANTHONY LEVANDOWSKI
The dial-an-Uber option was built based on feedback from older adults who said being able to order a car the more traditional way of speaking to an operator would help their transportation needs.
million to his previous employers following a contract dispute. Levandowski made a highly controversial move to Uber from Google, sparking major concerns surrounding confidentiality law.
Customers will be able to dial the landline number, where they will be paired with a live team member who will confirm their trip request and provide an upfront price quote.
The ruling upholds the award Google won in arbitration. Following the decision, Levandowski filed for bankruptcy, claiming he had less than $100 (£76) million in personal assets.
Uber said they are looking to expand the service in the future.
OFFICE CLOSURE The ride-sharing firm confirmed the closure of its customer support office in downtown Los Angeles, resulting in job losses for 80 staff members.
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GLOBAL
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29
Around the World
USA – New York
Holland – Amsterdam
New York City have been ordered to pay $810 (£618) million to cab drivers who have been left in huge debt following the major drop in value of taxi medallions.
An Amsterdam taxi firm has launched a new service which allows passengers to request a female driver if it would help them feel safer.
The decision came after accusations were raised surrounding the inflated value of medallions which prosecutors addressed as fraudulent.
Hakima El Allaoui, Director of Staxi, said the service is a must, based on feedback from passengers who have previously taken a journey with a female driver. He stressed the importance for customers to feel safe and secure during a taxi ride and believes all customers should have the option to request a female driver.
Head prosecutor, Letitia James, said an investigation by her office showed that the auction price of thousands of medallions had been artificially inflated, sending taxi drivers into spiralling debt during a period The firm also believe this may also be the preferred of major uncertainty within the industry. option for gay and transgender passengers who have sometimes been subject to refusal by some male More than 950 licensed yellow taxi-cab drivers have declared bankruptcy since the arrival of Uber and Lyft. drivers. In 2019 taxi companies joined forces to fight discrimination after a taxi driver refused to give Pride ambassador Jennifer Hopelezz a ride.
Germany – Volocopter The German flying taxi start-up has announced that it has extended its Series C funding round to raise a total of £75 million. This includes £43 million which it has already secured from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the company responsible for London’s first zero emissions capable taxi – the TXE electric taxi. Volocopter announced that the new funding will be used for the certification of the VoloCity air taxi service to hire more industry-specific experts to assist the development of a secondgeneration VoloDRome for commercialisation of its heavy-life cargo drone. Volocopter is the first company to get the ‘Design Organisation Approval’ from the European Aviation Safety Authority for its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
Image: Volocopter
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March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30
How to fix it… even if you’re LAZY! Glenn Shelford Fat loss expert This month seems to have flown by already; even though I’ve been banned from about 40% of the places I work due to recently returning from Thailand! And because of said Thailand trip, a few of my clients haven’t seen me for a couple weeks and their motivation has been running at an all-time low.
Glenn@gfitpt.com
is in charge! Should and shouldn’t are learned, and all it leads to is guilt, bad feelings and making the situation worse… which if you’re an emotional eater, makes you stressed so you reach for MORE snacks, making it worse!
Ideal You Vs. Actual
I want to go into motivation a little bit here; why it’s bulls**t in some ways, why you sometimes go through phases of LOW motivation, and how to conquer it and We can all be childish, selfish, stubborn, unreasonable, get your ass moving on whatever you’ve been putting bit of an ass, confused, overwhelmed... probably a hell off. of a lot more than we’d ever like to admit. “Should”: A famous man once said, one day I woke up and “should all over myself”. And we ALL do this. You, me, your grandma, aunties, uncles, mates and cousins. We ALL have got a visual action of who we ARE vs. who we’d like to be. We say things like:
So to expect this “you” to be able to smash the gym, control their foods, not fall victim to cakes, chocolates and booze is kind of silly... Yet this is the pressure we put on ourselves.
So what to do instead? Expect less! Yes, expect less of “I should be able to control what I eat.” yourself. Plan for where you are RIGHT now, as “My stuff is sitting right there, I should go to the gym.” opposed to trying to get into “ideal you”.
Your kid couldn’t go from an F student to an A student in one week could they? Gotta go through D, C, B-, B+ Before you know it, you have SHOULD all over yourself etc... So, do the same, instead of thinking: too. “An hour in the gym tonight, right that’s it... time to In the nicest way possible, this is the bulls**t I’m get to work fatty.” talking about. If you were able to “should” your way Just walk/jog around the block. It may not feel like into doing something, I wouldn’t have a job. enough, but it’s better than what you’re currently Some of your customers probably “should” walk a bit doing, hey? more (!), but they don’t because the inner selfish one “It shouldn’t be this difficult to not snack.”
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And build consistency from there. I guarantee that if you do that for a month, doubling the block walk will feel more like a workout, AND you’ve nailed 30 days then. For more specific examples of this, email me on: Glenn@gfitpt.com One more thing as well, if you DO want to use a bit of external pressure to kick yourself up the ass, make it PAINFUL to fail. We’re naturally “immediate gratification” based creatures. “Avoid the chocolate bar today so you can feel skinny in 6 months”... Er, nah thanks! But if you can add some PAIN to the immediate, and also REWARD yourself for avoiding that, you’ll be hugely more likely to stick with the habit.
Want an example? Declare to a friend/family member: “I’m going to transfer you £100, and every time over the next 14 days that I snack when I shouldn’t... you can keep £10 of it.” Then put your agreement on Facebook. I can already hear your scepticism coming through! But, just wait it gets better...And then, at the end of the 14 days, you get to spend that £100 on all the chocolate you want… I’m JOKING of course! But seriously, reward yourself! Take yourself out or do something you’ve been putting off, something you’d really enjoy. We know it would work with the stubborn, selfish you we spoke about. So it’ll work now! Let me know how you get on.
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COVID-19
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32
ADVICE TO CABBIES AND TAXI STICKER PRODUCED Taxi and private hire drivers have been advised to “As ever, Taxi drivers should consider regularly take precautionary measures in the wake of the global cleaning card payment devices. Licensees who share a Coronavirus outbreak. taxi or private hire vehicle should consider regularly cleaning the steering wheel and instruments.” The initial advice which was issued by Transport for London (TfL), came following concerns regarding the now very apparent implications of Coronavirus (COVID-19) originating from Wuhan, China. Based on HM Government and NHS public information, drivers are being encouraged to: •
•
•
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) have also produced a sticker to be displayed on the partition of taxis encouraging passengers to take precautionary measures too.
Always carry tissues and use them to catch coughs and sneezes Dispose of used tissues in the bin as soon as possible Wash hands with soap and water, or use sanitiser gel, to kill germs.
Graham Robinson, TfL’s Interim General Manager Taxi and Private Hire, added: “We advise all licensees, including taxi and private hire drivers, to follow these simple and sensible steps at all times and particularly in the wake of the outbreak of Coronavirus. “We would also encourage licensees to take sensible and routine precautionary measures such a cleaning surfaces regularly with sanitising wipes or spray to get rid of germs.
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COVID-19
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34
“THE CORONAVIRUS HAS SHINED A LIGHT ON THE
OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS” As the scale of the Coronavirus pandemic hits drivers in the taxi and private hire industries, one union has called for ride-hailing operators to honour sick pay and pay minimum hourly wages. In a statement released by the United Private Hire Drivers’ (UPHD) union, they say there could be a significant risk to public health during the current Coronavirus crisis unless urgent action is taken by the government, local authorities and the big minicab operators. Officials from UPHD claim drivers are working as much as 30 hours per week just to cover the vehicle rental and other costs to break even. The group states that without access to worker rights such as minimum wage and sick pay, drivers who are infected may simply not be able to afford to stop working. To prevent the minicab industry becoming a risk of infection transmission, the UPHD has written to the CEO’s of large operators including Uber, Ola, Bolt, Kapten, ViaVan and Addison Lee, calling for them to act. The group are calling on operators to pay sick pay for any period of illness or quarantine to be calculated at a rate of the Real Living Wage plus an allowance of £250 per week for vehicle financing costs.
Yaseen Aslam, General Secretary of United Private Hire Drivers, said: “For too long, illegal and unsafe industry working conditions have been ignored by private hire operators, licensing authorities and central government. “We now need urgent action on the part of large multinational operators, regulators and the government to protect drivers and the travelling public from the risk of poor industry work practices becoming an accelerant for wider Covid-19 infection.” Wes Streeting MP for Ilford North said: “The Coronavirus risk has thrown into sharp relief just how vulnerable workers in the gig economy are to bouts of illness and the resulting loss of pay. Many drivers will feel compelled to carry on working when they’re unwell, potentially putting themselves and others at risk. “Operators must act immediately to reassure drivers and the travelling public that they’ll treat drivers with the fairness, compassion and respect they’re owed.” Nadia Whittome MP for Nottingham East said: “The Coronavirus has shined a light on the appalling state of workers’ rights in this country. Uber must give sick pay, to protect the health of their workers and the general public.”
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COVID-19
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36
UBER: SHARES DOWN AND HELP OFFERED Uber Technologies Inc. have seen stock market shares been diagnosed with Coronavirus. drop to an all-time low as the outbreak takes its toll on The firm have set up a specialised team available day both the global and ride-sharing economy. and night to support public health authorities in their Shares closed the markets on 13 March at $22.60, response to the pandemic. following the advised protocol by some global For drivers suspended from the app, Uber have offered governments for workers to remain at home rather some ‘financial assistance’ for up to 14 days. It is than commute to work. however currently unknown how much that assistance Earlier this month, Uber announced that they will suspend drivers for 14-days if they are found to have
will amount to.
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TECHNOLOGY
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37
Image: The Tyre Collective
Researchers develop device that sucks up 60% of worn tyre particles before becoming airborne Researchers at Imperial College London have created a device that could help remove up to 60% of potential airborne tyre particles.
and politicians are now focusing their attentions on the impact of particulate and plastic pollution caused by brake, tyres and road wear.
The group of student researchers, called The Tyre Collective, have showcased a prototype device which attaches close to the wheel catching positively charged tyre particles as they wear off when driving.
A report published in July 2019 by the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) called for urgent action to address the problem of tyres and brakes, which is predicted to account for 10 per cent of national emissions of PM2.5 by 2030.
The futuristic device positioned close to road level takes advantage of airflows and the ‘Magnus effect’ when the vehicle is in motion. The harmful fragments of tyre are collected in a removable storage unit which can then be recycled and used in future tyre walls. Whilst electric vehicles (EV) will of course lower the tailpipe emissions going forwards, many researchers
Studies have shown EV’s are also generally heavier, due to the weight of the battery, than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles which in turn wears tyres at a faster rate. Researchers suggest that this could cause an increase in tyre wear emissions from 7 kilotonnes in 2015 to nearly 10 kilotonnes by 2030 in the UK. Im
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HEALTH
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38
‘TAXI BRAINS’ study could uncover critical insights into early detection of Alzheimer’s disease A new study involving London taxi drivers is set to begin with the hope that it may uncover critical insights into the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
The project is run by the research group of Professor Hugo Spiers, which is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology at University College London. The project group are now asking for more of the 20,000 ‘All London’ cabbies to take part in a The project, called ‘Taxi Brains’, will help scientists fight dementia with the help of London’s licenced taxi simple test based around their navigation skill and have a brain scan. drivers' brains. Cabbies brains are larger in a region that shrinks early in Alzheimer’s disease; the hippocampus. Scientists hope that understanding which parts of the hippocampus get bigger in relation to navigation ability will provide critical insights needed to help develop diagnostics for the earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Research UK and Ordnance Survey have joined forces to fund the project and volunteers will be compensated for any parking costs and receive £30 and a picture of their brain for taking part.
Robert Lorden (pictured), a London Cabbie and author of ‘The Knowledge: How to train your brain like a London cabbie’, said: “This is such a friendly team. It’s Early diagnosis will help doctors treat patients sooner, been a joy to help them with this work and feel that I’m able to use my brain to help scientists combat limiting the disease and improving quality of life. dementia.” Im
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HEALTH
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 39
A spokesperson from the Taxi Brains research group wrote on their website: “Navigation and the ability to plan routes between places is an important skill to have, especially in a complex city like London. “Nowadays, it seems very convenient for many people to rely on GPS and automated instructions instead of their own ability to find a route to a destination. “However, there is a group of expert navigators in London, the licensed London taxi drivers, who resist these technologies and take pride in their own ability to plan routes between places for their customers. Solely based on what is known as the Knowledge of London and acquired through years of training in specific Knowledge Schools, black cab drivers learn to navigate in a city with a street network that contains about 58,000 streets. “This unique ability to reliably and flexibly adapt to situational factors and plan routes on a daily basis, has a remarkable impact on their brains. “In a study, researchers found that, for taxi drivers, the part of the brain that is involved in spatial navigation, the so called hippocampus, is larger than for non taxi drivers (Maguire et al., 2000). “At the same time, the hippocampus seems to be an area affected for people suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia, which can explain why they become disoriented and have increasing difficulties finding their way as the disease progresses (Tu et al. 2015).”
Image: LEVC
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CHARITY
March 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk |40
Taxi Charity war veterans enjoy a private visit to HMS Queen Elizabeth
A group of war veterans enjoyed a private visit to the Royal Navy’s largest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, as special guests of the Captain and Commodore. On 28 February, a fleet of six London Licensed Taxis escorted the group of nonagenarian veterans from London for this VIP visit to tour HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth Harbour.
The tour of the ship included, a walk through the aircraft hangar, refreshments in the Captain’s cabin and a tour of The Bridge. From The Bridge, WWII veteran WREN Marie Scott, who transmitted messages to and from the beaches on D Day, had the honour of transmitting a short message over 75 years after she sent messages to those coordinating Operation Neptune.
Following an overnight stay at the Royal Maritime Club, the black cabs escorted the seven veterans to Portsmouth Harbour where they were joined for the visit by Taxi Charity Patron, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB, CBE, DL.
Marie Scott, WWII D Day Veteran, said: “It was a real honour that The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans arranged for me to transmit a message today, 75 years after I transmitted messages to and from the beaches on D Day.”
The group of veterans included five WWII veterans; two who served on aircraft carriers, one who was part of the Russian Convoy, one who served in the in the Royal Navy and a WREN who was stationed at Fort Southwick on D Day.
Frances Wyhowska, Vice President, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: “The Taxi Charity would like to thank the Captain and crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth who gave us all VIP treatment during our visit. The look of excitement on the veterans’ faces made today an outstanding experience for us all.”
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CARD PAYMENTS
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Charity
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