TheUK’s#1TaxiNewsSource Edition 41 | SEPTEMBER 2022 Over3.7millionmagazinereadsandcounting... VEHICLE AGE ANALYSIS CANCELLED BOOKINGS AND MUCH MORE... WILL FUEL PRICES DROP? TX4 EURO 6 RETROFIT Imagecredit:TALAKO Imagecredit:LEVC
August is always a slower month news wise in the taxi industry as everyone jets off to warmer climates or spends more time at home with the kids over the summer holidays. In the cab however it’s been a very steady few weeks despite the looming economic threat. The slow news desk has given me a chance to work on further growing TaxiPoint and reaching more of the taxi industry. This month, we can confirm that we will be official media partners for the 2023 UITP Global Public Transport Summit held in Barcelona between 4 7 June. We’re delighted to work with the UITP again and look forward to reporting on the taxi service as a mode of public transport. There’ll be loads more on this in the coming months! We also want to work with other stakeholders and organisations that align with our own ethos to achieve a better networked industry with reliable trustworthy information available at their fingertips. If your company fits the profile please do get in touch.
2 SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41
TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager: Lindsey Richardson Visit us online at: www.taxi point.co.uk Write to us at: contact@taxi point.co.uk
Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2022. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.
TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson
EDITORIAL
Advertising enquiries at: advertising@taxi point.co.uk
The publishers reserve the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisers must comply with the British Code of Advertising practice. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. All written and image rights are reserved by the author as displayed. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Many thanks and be lucky, TaxiPoint Editor and Founder
Hello and welcome to Edition 41 of TaxiPoint’s monthly digital magazine.
There are currently around 58,000 licensed taxi drivers in England and Wales, and they all have a story to tell about why they chose to join the TaxiPointprofession.asked thousands of cabbies for the reasons they decided to get behind the wheel in their area. The taxi industry is currently suffering shortages of
It was a similar story for Tony White from Havant who said “it was only meant to be a stop gap job after being made redundant. That was 24 years ago”. Edward Mason is also still in the job 32 years on from it being a ‘stop gap’. Some cabbies are looking for a change in lifestyle. Ian Moore left the trucking industry after 24 years to
FEATURE
Jason White needed a job having just sold his business. “I wanted something that could give me flexibility and still earn reasonable money. On the whole that’s worked but it’s getting harder these days.”
Perry Richardson, TaxiPoint Founder and also a full time London taxi driver, said: “Passing the Knowledge in 2009 changed my life completely. I worked in Database Marketing in a rewarding charity sector, but sometimes opportunities to progress in an office environment can be slow. I wanted to buy a house, support a future family and also pick and choose when I worked.
Mandy said: “I had enough. I was on much less than half my original salary but love the flexibility and choose my own hours. It’s much harder now than 12 years ago but made the right decision for me.”
Driving a taxi can be rewarding and holds no barriers when it comes to gender, age or ethnicity. The job does vary from city to city or region to region, but wherever you ply your trade you’ll be a key part of local transport and the community you serve.
“The job also gave me the flexibility to try other ventures, which includes setting up TaxiPoint and First Look Golf. I love the job 13 years in and still feel very lucky to be in my profession!”
Overall people mainly wanted the flexibility and also the chance to work independently, building up their own successful small business.
FEATURE
Raja Ulhaq became a taxi driver for the ‘freedom’ it gave him, and Teresa Barrett found the job perfect to fit around home life as a single parent. Some grew bored of office life. Alison Hanson made the change after 30 years of ‘staring at a computer screen’. Alison added she wished she made the move earlier and loves the job. Ian Marriott also loved driving and was ‘fed up with a boring office job’. Mandy Wilkinson said she was ‘stuck’ in an office job with mounting pressure, deadlines and audits.
FEATURE
PERRY RICHARDSON TAXIPOINT FOUNDER ARTICLE
Drivers are cancelling. Riders are cancelling. Venues are cancelling. It has become a vicious circle of rejection for many on the taxi app Loyaltycircuits.between those three sections of app users is dwindling fast as users’ expectations have been flipped upside down with demand now significantly outweighing the supply of taxis Architectavailable.and TV Presenter George Clarke, a big supporter and user of black cabs, said: “I’ve always supported black taxis, but I’m getting sick and tired of a driver accepting a job then cancelling when they see another job on the street. If I cancel (which I don’t) I have to pay a fine. The driver cancels? I get nothing. Honour the job or lose loyalty.”
Clarke urged Free Now to extend cancellation fees to the drivers. He added: “I suggest you bring in cancellation fees for your customers if a driver cancels the job… that only seems fair and equal when we have to pay if we cancel and that will put an end to black cab drivers cancelling on very loyal customers.” But is charging users for cancellations the answer? Here we’ll run through why drivers, riders and venues cancel on each other and what can be done to improve loyalty and ultimately reliability across the board. The rider Pre pandemic the rider has enjoyed years of service where there was an empty taxi or private hire vehicle quite literally one or two minutes away BY:
FEATURE from their desired pick up point. Drivers in an over saturated market would fight to be the quickest for that job pinging up on their device, not knowing when the next fare would arrive. The rider held all the aces. Those rider expectations remain, but in truth the market has changed. Fewer drivers and higher on street demand means less app coverage and higher waiting times. However, patience for the longer wait in today’s fast ‘have it now’ world is low to non Ridersexistent.who are lucky enough to have found a taxi willing to travel 5 6 minutes free of charge to them are increasingly jumping in other taxis that pass their way. They might think ‘well that’s saved me a couple of minutes’, which it has, or remain unsure the cab will arrive, but that experience leaves a bitter taste in the taxi driver’s mouth who has passed up job offers on the way to the pick up. It’s essentially costing the driver time and fuel, which is money. The driver Having experienced the cancellation enroute, the taxi driver is wary of accepting longer run ins to the pick up point. Those that do accept remain cautious that the job could be cancelled at any point and spots a hand going up trying to hail their cab. The temptation to ensure work is too much for the cabbie who now cancels the job on the rider. It’s now their turn
FEATURE to be frustrated. The driver is however delighted as they’ve saved 15 20% on app fees and reduced their dead time run in with a roadside hail. It’s easy to see why loyally is lost between the two parties, but there’s also a third party in this scenario. The venues Hotel door staff acting on behalf of the rider use the apps to request taxis. However, should another taxi drop off at the hotel whilst the ordered taxi is enroute, riders are then ushered into the empty taxi on their forecourt. Great you might think, as the rider has got a taxi, the taxi driver has got an immediate fare and the door staff have a tip from the rider for their troubles finding a taxi. But what about the original taxi driver still running into the hotel expecting to pick up a passenger? They receive no cancellation fee. Why would they bother again when a request comes in, and what happens next time when the cab driver is hailed while responding to the booking? They pick up ensured job street side. The loyalty and trust has now gone which means some hotels are now booking multiple taxis for one rider. The door staff then lets the rider take the first one that arrives. The other drivers get nothing so the circle of mistrust begins all over again. Taxi drivers then recognise the hotels that use this practice and simply ignore all future requests leaving venue and rider frustrated. What Drivers hold the upper hand at the moment as there is less reliance on servicing taxi apps whilst commission free street work demand remains high. Recession dependant, this reliance is likely to remain for some time until driver numbers dramatically increase. If app operators moved the commission payments to the rider, instead of the driver, that would put the value of the job at the same level as street work. App firms could also choose to display the number of cancelled jobs in the last 100 requests. A passenger who historically shows patience will be trusted more by the driver to not cancel enroute. This could also be reciprocated where the rider can see the driver’s rate of cancellation too. Something must give soon. Trust and patience is key in the post pandemic taxi world.
16.30% North East 16.70% South West 17.90% London 36.70%
9.60% West
The number of newly licensed taxis entering the cab industry has plummeted in recent years with one region offering less than 10% of vehicles under five years old. In the latest statistics, the age of both taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV) is detailed and broken down between regions. In Yorkshire and the Humber, just 9.6% of licensed taxis are currently under five years old. Closely followed are the West Midlands (11.7%) and the North West (12%) making up the slowest regions to invest in new taxi vehicles.Afallin work levels stunted investment in new vehicles during some of the last five year period. However, shifts towards newer zero emission capable taxis can be seen in some cities. In London a healthy 36.7% of the trade’s black cabs are under five years old. In second place, sits the South West with 17.9% of the fleet newly licensed in the last five years, whilst the North East sit in third place on 16.7%. Yorkshire and the Humber Midlands England Midlands
10 SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 TAXIFLEET
OFPERCENTAGETAXIS UNDER 5YEARS-OLD Region Under 5 years old
16.20% East
11.70% North West 12.00% South East 15.80% East of
• Category 2 PiTG (up to £3,000) a zero emission range of 10 69 miles and emissions of less than 50gCO2/km. There are also regional schemes helping drivers make the move to newer cleaner taxis. In Birmingham cabbies could be eligible for an extra £2,000 if they purchase a clean air zone compliant Acrosstaxi. the border the ‘Switched on Taxis loan’ from Energy Saving Trust offers a 0% interest loan available on the purchase of a new TX Electric Taxi, available to Hackney Carriage vehicle owners licensed in Scotland. Region Up to 1 year 1 up to 2 years 2 up to 3 years 3 up to 4 years 4 up to 5 years 5 up to 6 years 6 up to 10 years 10 up to 13 years 13 years and over Unknown Average age (years) Yorkshire and the Humber 0.40% 0.90% 1.00% 2.40% 4.90% 9.40% 44.10% 24.50% 11.30% 1.10% 8.1 West Midlands 0.30% 1.10% 1.10% 3.30% 5.90% 6.20% 36.30% 21.30% 23.80% 0.70% 9 North West 0.30% 1.00% 1.10% 3.90% 5.70% 6.60% 34.70% 22.90% 22.90% 1.00% 9 England outside London 0.40% 1.20% 1.70% 4.30% 7.10% 9.70% 42.80% 18.30% 13.40% 1.10% 7.9 South East 0.30% 1.20% 1.80% 4.50% 8.00% 11.10% 46.10% 16.50% 8.60% 2.10% 7.3 East of England 0.50% 1.50% 1.80% 5.00% 7.40% 10.40% 43.70% 15.60% 13.20% 0.90% 7.7 East Midlands 0.40% 1.00% 1.90% 5.20% 7.80% 10.60% 45.60% 16.10% 9.90% 1.60% 7.5 North East 0.30% 1.60% 2.70% 5.10% 7.00% 10.90% 46.10% 16.50% 9.00% 0.90% 7.4 South West 0.30% 1.50% 2.20% 4.90% 9.00% 11.70% 45.20% 15.60% 9.20% 0.30% 7.2 England 1.10% 2.90% 2.90% 6.80% 7.10% 10.10% 38.90% 18.10% 11.30% 0.80% 7.4 London 3.00% 7.40% 6.10% 13.10% 7.10% 11.00% 28.90% 17.70% 5.90% 0.00% 6
… In Birmingham cabbies could be eligible for an extra £2,000 if they purchase a clean air zone compliant taxi…
Transport ministers recently confirmed the EXTENSION of the Plug in Taxi Grants (PiTG) scheme until at least the financial year 2023/24 for new electric taxis.
The PiTG scheme currently offers a discount on the price of eligible taxis of up to a maximum of £7,500 or £3,000 depending on the vehicle’s range, emissions and design. It is available to all taxi drivers and businesses buying or leasing a new purpose built taxi at the point of purchase from the dealership or manufacturer. Under the scheme, eligible taxis are allocated into one of two categories based on their carbon emissions and zero emission range:
• Category 1 PiTG (up to £7,500) a zero emission range of 70 miles or more and emissions of less than 50g CO2/km.
12 SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 TAXIFLEET
The turning point for many taxi drivers was when global financial institute Lehman Brothers Holding went bankrupt after many thinking they were ‘too big to fail’. Businesses and individuals restricted spending as the global market reacted to the subprime mortgage crisis unfolding.
The last recession in 2020, was a completely different experience to many before given the nature of its cause: the coronavirus pandemic. This recession lasted just two quarters, during the first lockdown period when many cabbies were simply not working.
Since Spring this year, households have seen energy prices jump 54 percent. The Bank of England are anticipating further increases up to 40 percent this Autumn, taking the average domestic energy bill through the £2,800 a year barrier. The early figures being quoted for Spring 2023 are even more eyewatering.
If a recession does materialise, spending by individuals and businesses will slow down. Especially on non fixed costs like entertainment and leisure.
What has happened to the taxi industry during a recession in the past?
If you’re working in the taxi industry there’s no hiding from feeling the pinch when it comes to fuel prices and general cost of living expenses. Many licensing authorities have raised the tariffs in their region to help cabbies continue to carry out their work. The increases were also assisting in the attempt to attract more drivers into the industry following the shortage caused by the pandemic. However, whilst fuel pump prices have now stabilised, focus has turned to the impending energy crisis which may force a UK recession according to some experts. Gas and electric prices have shot through the roof, but there will be no let up without Government intervention as further energy increases are set later this year and into 2023.
For decades economists have used the taxi industry as a barometer to the national and regional economic state. A busy and vibrant taxi industry indicates a strong economy where people are spending.
14 SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 FEATURE
Historically the taxi trade has been hit hard by recessions. In 2008, the industry experienced the ‘Great Recession’ lasting FIVE QUARTERS and the deepest felt in the UK since the Second World War.
Quite possibly. Before the pandemic the explosion of new private hire drivers servicing new app based hailing platforms saturated the market leaving supply higher than the demand. Post pandemic the landscape has changed dramatically whereby demand for taxis now significantly outweighs the current supply. That is a good thing heading into any Itrecession!isalsoworth noting that not all financial experts are predicting an ‘official’ recession. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecasted predicted UK growth at 3.8 percent for this year. It’s a similar prediction from the International Monetary Fund, who predicts annual growth at 3.7 percent.
FEATURE
However, it is the level of inflation, currently sitting at 10.1 percent and likely to continue for some time, that will inevitably ply pressure on businesses and
Rising interest rates will affect mortgages and businesses and high prices for goods that we buy abroad will continue to play a big part. What might not be an ‘official’ recession will certainly feel like one for many.
Firms across the UK will try and save cash during a recession, which inevitably has a knock on impact on jobs and the economy. In 2008 the recession pushed unemployment levels to 10 percent at its highest. Will this recession be different for the taxi industry?
Mark Childs from Bury St Edmonds said: “The trade will be protected by a diminishing number of drivers. Operators
TRADEQUESTION
In most areas around the UK the taxi industry has bounced back strongly since the remaining coronavirus restrictions were dropped. A mixture of pent up demand and a lower supply in the number of taxis available have kept work levels high throughout 2022… so far.
The looming cost of living crisis is set to explode this autumn and worsen further in spring 2023 as energy prices rise. According to the latest predictions from energy consultancy firm Auxilione, they warn of average energy bills costing £7,700 from April 2023.
TaxiPoint asked cabbies how the predicted autumn recession will affect the taxi industry given that the trade usually closely follows the level of spending in the economy. It was a defiant response from the taxi industry, with the majority undeterred by the economic instability ahead.
TRADEQUESTION and drivers can protect themselves by doing their utmost to avoid idiots and time wasters.”
Jason Croad said: “The top restaurants will always be full.” London cabbie Leigh Martin said: “After the last 2 Christmas’ I think everyone who can, will be out celebrating. On way home from London now. Theatre and restaurants very busy.”
Maddyy Ahmed, Manager of PJ Cars, simply said: “Nothing will happen.” Lawrence Williams confidently said: “Don’t panic Mr Mannering! We’ll smash it, world’s premiere taxi service.”
Gerard Walters, a cabbie from Lincolnshire, said: “The taxi trade for years has dealt with ‘boom and bust’. You end up working longer and harder. What you need to remember is when you’re busy put some away for when it’s bad.” John Minshall from Staffordshire said: “Local work for taxis for nights out will probably continue to show decline, but most other reasons for bookings I’d expect to continue. Guess it’ll depend on your mix of work ethic, marketing/advertising and type of work done. “Prices and costs will always play a part, too… important to get that right, in respect of the area (of country) you’re in and the surrounding levels of competition.” Stephen Beese said: “Been through this so many times in the last 40 years and guess what am still here it's the best guaranteed public transport customers can get.” Matthew Ronaldson, a taxi driver from Dalkeith, said work levels will be the “same as is now”.
Additional items also include full splash protection for the electronic componentry hidden away under the car, whilst the standard kit comes with a digital, dash mounted gauge to show the remaining range from the Adblue system. The stainless steel kit install comes with a full two year warranty and can be completed in a single day, at one of our regional fitment centres around the UK. As some of the age limits on taxis are relaxed in various cities this gives owners a different opportunity to extend the working life of their taxi for a minimal outlay, which for some may be a far more attractive proposition than buying new.
The iconic TX4 is the final piece of the ‘Big 3’ taxi puzzle to be available for a Euro 6 retrofit via WhilstCybrand.TX owners have been waiting for the kit to be available certain tweaks have been made to the existing production parameters to ensure that the more heavily polluting original Euro 5 TX4 has been brought right up to date, in line with Euro 6 Theregulations.hardware for the kit is neatly installed both inside the boot of the vehicle and under the chassis, with the Adblue tank itself sited in the boot, making it very easy to fill up when required. The kit also comprises a two piece exhaust, markedly different from those fitted to both the Peugeot and Mercedes taxis. This is required to accommodate an extra catalytic element to deal with the increased original emissions. The first kits were received early last month and so far, a number of cars have had their installs completed in both Birmingham and Glasgow, the latter now offering increased grant funding to owners to encourage them to retrofit and avoid emissions charges in the forthcoming Low Emission Zone.
Imagecredit:CYBRAND Imagecredit:CYBRAND
20 TAXIRETROFIT
£753.10 £9,037.24 £45,186.19 Ford Tourneo Custom (Diesel)
SEPTEMBER 2022 Daily Weekly Monthly Annual 5 Years LTC TX4 (Diesel) £37.66
21SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 TAXIPOINTFUELREPORT A steady decrease in fuel prices has given some much needed respite to cab drivers around the UK. In the ongoing monthly TaxiPoint Fuel Report, we use our unique formula to analyse the rapidly changing fuel cost landscape facing cabbies. In the review we look at some of the UK’s most popular cabs which includes the diesel TX4, the electric LEVC TX, and Skoda Octavia. A month ago, fuel prices stood at a staggering £1.96 per litre for diesel and £1.88 per litre for petrol. Those prices have fallen fast for petrol users throughout the month of August leaving the price at £1.70 when filling up from the green pump, but diesel prices have dropped a little less emphatically sitting at £1.83 per litre at the start of September. For electric we’re sticking with an average of around 28p per kWh to charge from home and roughly £9 for a full charge on public chargers for LEVC TX users. These charges are however set to change when the new energy fuel cap arrives this autumn and some public chargepoints are beginning price reviews now.
£29,073.29 Mercedes Benz Vito (Diesel) £33.70 £168.48 £673.94 £8,087.23 £40,436.16 Skoda Octavia (Diesel) £23.59 £117.94 £471.76 £5,661.06 £28,305.31 Skoda Octavia (Petrol) £26.93 £134.66 £538.63 £6,463.56 £32,317.81 LEVC TX (Petrol range extender only) £31.55 £157.77 £631.09 £7,573.11 £37,865.56 LEVC TX (1 EV Home charge then petrol range extender) £26.98 £134.92 £539.69 £6,476.30 £32,381.52 LEVC TX (1 EV home charge, 1 EV public charge, then petrol range extender) £24.41 £122.07 £488.29 £5,859.50 £29,297.48 LEVC TX (1 EV home charge, 2 EV public charges) £22.55 £112.73 £450.91 £5,410.91 £27,054.55 Nissan Dynamo (Fully electric home charge and public charge) £15.21 £76.07 £304.28 £3,651.41 £18,257.03 MG5 (Fully electric 150 miles home charge) £10.41 £52.05 £208.20 £2,498.40 £12,492.00 MG5 (Fully electric 150 miles public charge) £20.47 £102.36 £409.44 £4,913.28 £24,566.40
Perry Richardson, TaxiPoint Founder, said: “If you’re driving a petrol fuelled vehicle you will have felt some rest bite however small this month. Diesel prices remain a huge issue for the taxi industry and according to RAC sources do not look like falling anytime soon. Those with electric vehicles will now also be looking over their shoulders at both domestic and commercial on street prices rising.” £188.28 £30.94 £154.72 £618.89 £7,426.64 £121.14 £484.55 £5,814.66
£37,133.21 Peugoet Premier (Diesel) £24.23
22 FUELPREDICTIONS
ARTICLE BY: PERRY RICHARDSON
Petrol and diesel costs reached record levels earlier this year as the Russian war in Ukraine played havoc with pump Theprices.uncertainly around fuel costs remains, although the prices have recently dropped slightly from its peak which saw cabbies and other motorists forking out £2 per litre this Petrolsummer.and diesel rose rapidly due mainly to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia has been reducing its crude oil exports to much of Europe meaning a lack of supply driving up wholesale prices. There’s also a pent up demand for oil since the world awoke from its slumber during the coronavirus pandemic which has pushed up demand and therefore the Theprice.huge cost in fuel has seen most taxi licensing authorities already react to the sharp increases. Tariff reviews across the UK have seen increases ranging from 5 to 20 percent in a bid to help cabbies stay on the road and entice more into the industry given the current shortage of drivers in many regions. While the predicted future cost of gas and electric is well documented the cost
SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 FUELPREDICTIONS for petrol and diesel is less predictable. Pump prices are very reactive to current events and with no one sure how long the conflict in Ukraine will last, the cost of oil next year is hard to equate. Global and national inflation levels will also impact the future prices found on the garage However,forecourt.taxi licensing authorities have found themselves in a unique position whereby they must analyse fuel costs, both for the here and now and the future, to work out a fair taxi tariff price. The most interesting analysis exists in Northern Ireland where the Department for Infrastructure shared their workings out in a ‘Taxi Fare Increase Public Consultation’ report published on 12 InAugust.theirresearch diesel prices per litre are predicted to reach an average price of £1.82 for this year and interestingly decrease to £1.53 in 2023. Whilst this would be a welcomed boost to the taxi industry, and all motorists in general, that predicted figure remains high when compared to pre pandemic prices sitting on average around the £1.31 per litre mark.
The data from the second edition of Global Taxi Industry Report by Taxi Butler indicates that in the second quarter of 2022, the B2B bookings witnessed a 49% previouscomparedgrowthtotheyear.In the UK, despite the taxi trade
Taxi drivers are the ambassadors and the heart and soul of the taxi industry. They play a crucial role in connecting passengers, making them feel safe and comfortable, and putting a smile on their faces despite their daily hurdles. The long work hours, including extended and exhausting traffic, are just a few instances of precisely what a taxi driver experiences in a day. They are not just responsible for the security and luggage of their passengers but are also often exposed to dealing with dangerous situations, including troublesome passengers.
24 GUESTARTICLE
During my recent visit to London, in a casual conversation with a taxi driver, I asked, 'what do taxi drivers expect from their passengers?' The taxi driver mentioned “we aim to assure that our passengers feel comfortable in our taxi as we drop them safely at their desired destination, while in return, we only expect them to be polite to us and respect our taxi". In the past few years, taxi drivers have endured many challenges and are now bouncing back and getting back on track.
workcostlyreasonsindustry.impactedhaddrivers'demand,substantialwitnessingtheshortageadverselythetaxiVarioussuchaslicensing,betterelsewhere,low wages, and backlogs in background checks for drivers contributed to the shortage across the UK. However, despite the challenges, the UK and Ireland have witnessed 656.89% increase in Q1 compared to
Imagecredit:TAXIBUTLER LAURENCE DOCHERTY ARTICLE BY: HEAD OF SALES AT TAXI BUTLER
3. Backseat drivers How would it feel if someone looked over your shoulder and told you what to do all day? That's what it feels like to taxi drivers when passengers holler directions from the back of the car, frequently at the last second. If you'd like the driver to take a specific route, you should establish that before pulling away.
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2. Avoid the mess
The National Transport Authority (NTA) 2019 launched a 'Taxi Driver Respect' campaign in Ireland to encourage passengers to respect their taxi drivers. The campaign promoted the drivers' right to expect a workplace free of abuse and aggression. The six week national advertising campaign was live across digital and socialplatformsmediaand on busonshelters,boardpublic transport and on bus vehicles' exteriors in the coming weeks.
1. Greet. Smile. Respect. A nice gesture can always go a long way for taxi drivers. Next time you're travelling and the staff at the hotel front desk book a taxi for you, we encourage you to enter the taxi, look in the eye of the driver and say 'hello!' — you know, as polite human beings do. The profession of a taxi driver is seamlessly selfless and requires much patience. Irrespective of the passenger's mood, they aim to complete the ride safely and efficiently. They offer so much more when working beyond the convenience of a 9 to 5 job. However, with every completed ride, customer satisfaction and a genuine smile better their day differently.
GUESTARTICLE
comeback, the departments for Transport and councils are already working towards a sustainable solution. However, as fellow citizens and regular passengers, let’s show appreciation and encourage taxi drivers to get back on the road by following the following essential best practices.
Q1 2021. In Q2 2022, despite lockdown easing and the travel sector opening globally, the taxi booking industry in the UK saw a dip of 222.20 % in B2B taxi booking as compared to Q2 of the previous year in To2021.assist and encourage the UK taxi industry in the
4. Clarify the payment options with the driver before the ride. It is always advisable to clarify the payment options with the driver or, even better, keep the cash ready before your drop off destination. It is not good to make the taxi wait after it's reached your travel point as many drivers might have an urgency to pick up from other destinations,
As a frequent traveller, I understand how busy we can get while leaving for a crucial meeting or catching up on that flight back home, barely having time to grab a bite before leaving, carrying the food in the taxis. However, dropping food crumbs, leaving a foul smell and leaving it on the driver to clean later is something the drivers certainly don't appreciate. Always ask the driver if he is okay with you eating in his car or waiting until you get to your destination. However, if he allows you to eat, carry napkins and clean the mess yourself. I have encountered a few drivers complaining about such passengers and how uncomfortable they felt because of the munching sound and the smell of the food. One added that the next passenger often made a remark due to the behaviour of the previous passenger. He even stated that some passengers spilled food, leaving stains on the upholstery, which cost the cab company money and its reputation.
The next time we board a taxi, we could definitely put in a thoughtful effort into working on these taxi etiquettes mentioned above and appreciate taxi drivers not only in the UK but across the globe for their loyalty and selfless service towards us.
GUESTARTICLE and keeping them waiting until you get down from the cab and then pay the fare could be a havoc for the drivers or the other people on the road. This might create congestion on the road. So, instead, always keep your fare ready so that you can hand it over to the driver as soon as you reach it.
The taxi industry has faced continuous uncertainty and disruption over the past few years. Emerging competitions, regulatory changes and shifts in consumer expectations have contributed to the changing landscape of the commercial passenger vehicle industry. Taxi Drivers have endured all this and more. They play a significant part in mass transportation and are often expected to do more than merely drive passengers from point A to B. In fact, they also assist people with their luggage, sometimes picking up and delivering packages and providing sightseeing tours to people new to the city. Their work continues to be a shining example of the importance of providing friendly and accessible service to all in need. Their job is challenging and sometimes dangerous too.
5. Locate the main road nearby When the front desk at the hotel books a taxi for you via the taxi booking device, it is easier for the drivers to locate your destination. However, sometimes, you can reach out to nearby main roads, facilitating the drivers to identify and pick you up. Occasionally, the ride we book can be over a reasonably walkable distance. This could amount to a loss for the driver, especially if they spent hours waiting in line at the taxi stand for a passenger. Let's walk it, if we can, or pay him
Oneextra!of my friends in Melbourne had booked a taxi from the Melbourne CBD to the inner suburb. Altogether it was a 1.5 to 2 km journey. The driver asked about her drop off location when she got in the car. After hearing about the destination, the driver expressed his sadness and said that he had waited more than an hour and that her drop off destination was too short for him. He advised her not to search for any taxis for such a short distance next time.
Imagecredit:ENSO
An electric taxi driver can expect to pay £107.94 per tyre for a standard Maxxis tyre. The average full time cabbie can get through around six tyres each year costing over £600 in total.
The least cabbies can expect to pay for a low quality tyre is £60 per tyre which amounts to ofaveragean £360 annually. However, it is likely that the wear would be accelerated using cheaper tyres and more than six tyres would be required.
VEHICLE
A general recommendation is that tyres are changed every 20,000 miles or every 10 years. Tyres may need changing sooner if the tread is worn or air pressure is lost Frontquickly.tyresgenerally wear quicker than rear tyres and usually begin life with tread at around eight millimetres deep. However, as the tyres run along the road’s surface, friction causes the tyre to wear down.
The legal limit is 1.6 millimetres.
Full time taxi drivers can expect to spend over £600 each year on tyres alone which makes the UK taxi tyre market a lucrative one. There are 58,000 taxi vehicles licensed across England. The taxi tyre market in England is worth an estimated £30million each year. While it remains hard to predict an exact taxi tyre lifespan, cab drivers across the UK spoke directly to TaxiPoint sharing their real life experience when it comes to purchasing tyres. How often you change your tyres depends on the model of the vehicle, how the vehicle is driven and the mileage it covers. There’s also road surface variations and the quality of the tyre itself that can affect the miles you get out of a tyre.
Driving with dangerously worn tyres also puts motorists at risk of a fine of up to £2,500 and three points PER TYRE on licence.their
Driving with tyres that have a tread below the legal limit is quite simply dangerous and puts both yourself, your customers and other motorists at risk.
If you are involved in an accident and the police deem the vehicle you were driving to have illegal or bald tyres, it could invalidate your insurance.
The agreement with Zeti will see ENSO’s advanced TX1 electric vehicle tyre the world's first range extending ‘A’ rated tyre specifically designed for electric taxis fitted to more than 100 electric LEVC vehicles, ahead of ENSO’s wider rollout of its tyres to individual consumers.
VEHICLE
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New tyres please!
The ENSO Pay Per Mile Tyre will offer electric taxis access to better tyres with no upfront cost. Turning the traditional industry model on its head, it incentivises the development of longer lasting tyres and addresses the significant and growing issue of tyre pollution resulting from the continued adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
ENSO’s Pay Per Mile Tyre turns the traditional tyre distribution model on its head by selling miles rather than tyres, incentivising more durable products. Only by making fewer, better, longer lasting tyres will we address the growing problem of tyre pollution and waste resulting from an outdated industry model.
ENSO’s Pay Per Mile Tyre reduces total cost of ownership while helping to manage cash flows, while increasing EV range and reducing tyre pollution.”
Imagecredit:ENSO
A London based EV tyre manufacturer ENSO has launched its innovative Pay Per Mile Tyre in collaboration with digital fleet financing provider Zeti.
Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, Founder and CEO of ENSO, said: “The traditional tyre industry business model incentivises volume and indirectly creates huge levels of tyre pollution, and enormous tyre waste at their end of life. As EV sales grow this problem is also getting worse, given that EVs wear out tyres 20 50% faster according to Michelin and Goodyear, due to their heavier weight and higher torque.
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Circleimagecredit:HMRC HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are writing to as many as 4,000 private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers in a bid to claim back unpaid tax owed.
This year HMRC introduced new tax checks that must be completed when taxi and PHV drivers renew their licences in England and Wales.
Astonishingly, HMRC have unearthed THOUSANDS of PHV drivers who are not registered with the tax authority, but who are operating via booking apps such as Uber, Bolt and Ola. According to Steve McNamara, General Secretary Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), the majority of those under review are PHV drivers from big cities with high numbers of licensees. According to the latest Transport for London (TfL) statistics, there are currently over 96,000 PHV drivers in the capital. They form part of the 330,300 licensed taxi and PHV drivers in England and Wales who ALL must go through the new licensing renewal process if they wish to stay in the industry. A taxi and PHV licence in London lasts for three years, and this time period is similar for other licensing authorities, which potentially means THOUSANDS more drivers could face action in the coming FinancialAccordingyears.totheTimes, HMRC said the lost tax originates from PHV drivers working on booking apps, and were not traditional black taxi drivers. HMRC confirmed in a statement to the FT that the letters were “being sent to people who have earned money from driving customers who booked private hire cars through online driving applications”.
The new checks, which went live on 4 April 2022, do not include any tax calculations, but simply confirm whether a driver is registered for tax on their licensed taxi or private hire vehicle income. Drivers in Scotland and Northern Ireland will have to go through the same new licensing checks from April 2023.
UKTAXINEWS Imagecredit:HMRC
Neil Micklethwaite, Chief Operating Officer at CMAC Group, said: “The impact and knock on effect of the recent rail strikes was completely underestimated. With recent strikes on 20 August we once again expected another surge in demand, with disruption continuing into non strike days and alternative transport providers, such as taxis, helping keep the country moving.
“As we have previously stated, CMAC is committed to supporting the travelling public and have already seen demand for alternative modes of travel at 37% higher than pre pandemic levels. Given Covid 19 ravaged many of the toinfrastructurefundamentalhaveindustrylikewhichindustriessupportingonwerelythetaxiwenowatravelissueaddress.
There remains a shortage of taxi and private hire drivers nationally since coronavirus restrictions were fully dropped earlier this year. CMAC group is calling for more action from the Government to help tackle a ‘fundamental travel infrastructure issue’.
The comment comes in the wake of the recent train strikes which has had a knock on effect on other transport systems, including taxi drivers, across TaxiEngland.drivers, who usually rely on rail commuters, were reported to be waiting for hours outside stations for jobs, with one Sheffield driver only making £6 in a whole day. In some regions that scenario is flipped around to the other extreme where demand for taxis grossly outweighs the supply offered to travellers seeking to complete journeys, putting drivers under intense pressure.
” UKTAXINEWS Imagecredit:HMRC
Transport and accommodation solutions firm CMAC Group has urged the Government to provide an ‘extra incentive’ to former taxi drivers who have recently exited the industry to return.
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Taxi drivers are feeling ‘optimistic’ about the change to greener electric vehicles after cabbies get the chance to trial the purpose built cabs in SherbetSheffield.
SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 UKTAXINEWS
’s CEO, Asher Moses, visited South Yorkshire to talk to licensed taxi drivers about their experiences driving a new electric black cab. Earlier this year, Sheffield City Council opened a new scheme giving local taxi drivers the chance to trial an electric taxi. Eight “Black cab” style London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVCs) will be available for two weeks. The council chose to work with Sherbet, who were the winner in the competitive tender to deliver the scheme. Sherbet currently operate 500 electric taxis around the country. All of the electric taxis are wheelchair accessible and aim to give drivers a hands on experience of an electric taxi, while being cleaner, greener and saving on the cost of diesel. Asher Moses said on social media: “I have spent 2 days talking to drivers about going Electric and the conversations have been great. Everyone is so optimistic about wanting to make the change, now we just have to make it happen!”
Taxi drivers and holiday makers will be greeted by the highest ever drop off fees as more than two thirds of the UK’s 21 busiest airports have put prices up, according to new RAC research. London Stansted continues to top the drop off charges table with a whopping initial fee of £7 for 15 minutes (in summer 2019 it was £4 for 10 minutes), but travellers will not find other London airports much cheaper. London Luton has increased its initial drop off charges to £5 for 10 minutes (2019 £4 for 13 minutes) while Britain’s two busiest airports Heathrow and Gatwick have finally succumbed to introducing drop off fees with both charging £5, which will get you just 10 minutes at Gatwick and an unspecified number of minutes at Heathrow. Dropping off passengers at these two airports was free in 2019. Across other parts of the country, sky high charges are also prevalent. Manchester Airport gives drivers just five minutes for dropping off at a cost of £5 (an increase from £3 in 2019), while Liverpool John Lennon has raised its fees to £4 for 10 minutes (an increase from £3 for 20 minutes). Bristol and East Midlands Airports have both put up their charges to £5 for 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively Bristol Airport’s hike is especially galling as it was charging £1 for 10 minutes in 2019. Holidaymakers using the three largest airports in Scotland fair little better. Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow Airports have all doubled their drop off fees to £4 for 10 minutes. More positively, Birmingham and Belfast International Airports have kept their fees the same since 2019 (£3 for 15 minutes and £1 for 10 minutes respectively) while drivers can still take advantage of free drop off areas near the terminal entrance at Cardiff, London City and Belfast City airports.
34 SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 UKTAXINEWS
35 Sunderland City Council (SCC) are set to carry out a public consultation to revamp its taxi and private hire licensing policies which could see cabbies SUSPENDED for up to a year or licences REVOKED if caught using a hand held mobile device. The proposals put forward are based on guidance from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards. SCC will consider matters raised through consultation with drivers and companies in Sunderland. According to proposals published depending upon the circumstances of the case, an existing licensed driver whose DVLA Driving Licence is endorsed with penalty points in respect of using a held hand mobile phone, or a hand held device whilst driving, but no disqualification from driving, SHOULD have their licence suspended for a maximum of one year
A taxi driver was slapped with a £200 fine and SIX POINTS on their driver's licence after police caught the cabbie holding a mobile device. Eagle eyed Surrey Police officers spotted the taxi driver on the M25 near the south west Leatherhead junction. According to police sources the driver was seen using the mobile phone.
A Surrey Road Cops spokesperson said: “The VanguardRST caught the driver of this Hackney Carriage (taxi) was seen using their handheld mobile phone whilst driving on the M25 near Leatherhead. “The driver was issued 6 points and a £200 fine. Fatal 5 distracted driving.”
UKTAXINEWS
Taxi drivers in Milton Keynes are set for a
According to Coventry Live, Councillor Sue Markham, cabinet member for public services, looked at the requests made by the firms and decided to REJECT the proposals despite the huge increases in fuel, vehicle and living costs facing drivers. The tariffs are set to be reviewed again in November.
Inflation in the UK currently sits at 9.4% over the last 12 months. Inflation since tariffs were last reviewed in Nuneaton amounts to a huge 21%. The rejected proposal would have seen Tariff 1 starting fare rise from £3.50 to £4.10, and Tariff 2 increase from £4.75 to £5.65.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council have REJECTED pleas from the taxi trade to increase tariffs after being hit by brutal mounting fuel and living costs. The council were asked to consider raising prices after a request made by operators Mi Taxi’s and Crystal Cars. Councillors were also asked to consider that additional payments can be claimed from the passenger when a driver or operator incurs additional costs.
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TheKeynesapprovedfaresTWENTYwhoppingPERCENTincreaseoncebyMiltonCouncil.20percentincrease applies to the daytime tariff charged by black cabs in the Milton Keynes area. Night time and other special rate tariffs are set for a 10 percent increase. The increase would be the first in ten years and has arrived now as fuel costs have soared in price alongside general living costs. Representatives from the taxi industry requested the urgent increase earlier this year. The council then put the suggestions of a first rise since 2012 to a public consultation. The new daytime tariff means a six mile long journey will rise from £14.40 to £17.40. The same journey at night will increase from £17.04 to £19.49.
Fares in the region were last reviewed in June 2016. Since then the average price of petrol has risen from £1.03 per litre to £1.81 per litre.
UKTAXINEWS—TARIFFS
“We’ve led the industry in commercial operations for years, and today’s launch signals we’re on track to deliver a fully driverless service next year. Riders in Las Vegas can now experience Motional’s IONIQ 5 AV that will make that service a reality. Through our strategic partnership with Hyundai, the IONIQ 5 AV is fully customized for driverless ride hail operation, while maintaining the vehicle’s award winning comfort and design.”
Motional and Lyft plan to take the next step in the mass adoption of autonomous ride hails. Their fully driverless service plans to launch in Las Vegas in 2023, before expanding to other major U.S. cities.
Imagecredit:LYFT/MOTIONAL GLOBALNEWS
37SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 Ride hailing firm Lyft and Motional have announced the launch of Motional’s new all electric IONIQ 5 based robotaxi, an autonomous vehicle (AV) designed for fully driverless ride hail operation, on the Lyft network in Las Vegas. The launch is the next milestone in the lead up to Motional and Lyft’s fully driverless service, planning to begin in 2023 and scaling to multiple U.S. cities. This marks the first time members of the public will experience Motional’s all electric IONIQ 5 AV, which is the first all electric AV to debut on the Lyft Motionalnetwork. and Lyft have been conducting autonomous rides in Las Vegas since 2018, and now Lyft riders will be among the first to experience Motional’s new AV, which has a custom designed user experience for a fully autonomous journey. This means riders are able to easily control their ride without assistance from a driver. The enhanced experience includes unlocking the doors through the Lyft app and starting the ride or contacting customer support from the new in car Lyft AV app.
Karl Iagnemma, Motional’s President and CEO, said:
“Motional and Lyft have a clear path to widespread commercialization of Level 4 autonomous vehicles.
38 SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41 ACCOUNTANTSINSURANCE We have been arranging specialist insurance since 1989, and have become a one stop shop for all your taxi insurance needs. We offer exclusive rates from a panel of leading insurers, tailored to your exact needs. Click here for a quote or more information. TRAININGFINANCE
39SEPTEMBER 2022 - Edition 41
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