Taxi News and Views From Around The English Speaking World

Taxi-London.Net

admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:46:07 +0000

The History

The Black Cabs' history goes back to the time of horse-drawn cabs which were called Hackney Cabs. The term comes from the French word haquenee referring to the ambling horses used to pull the original Hackney Carriages. The Hackney Carriage originated in London, England in 1625. The cabs still come under some of the old rules from the horse-drawn days. The Black Cabs are the only taxis that are allowed to pick people up from the street. There are also mini cabs in London, however they can only collect someone if they have made a prior arrangement by phone.

Before a taxi driver gets his Hackney Cab Licence he or she must pass a test called 'The Knowledge'. This is a difficult test and requires the cabbie to know the streets of central London like the palm of their hand. Mini cab drivers do not need to pass this test.
The Knowledge

Taxi drivers in London undergo a demanding and arduous testing of their knowledge of the city, its daily traffic patterns and the fastest routes between locations. Estimates suggest that gathering the basic understanding needed to acquire The Knowledge involves a full-time year of study, absorbing the information provided by street maps and travelling around the city itself.

The result is that drivers of official London Hackney Cabs are renowned for their detailed and intimate knowledge of London's streets and attractions. Strangely enough, scientific study has shown that possession and expansion of The Knowledge increases the size of the anterior and posterior hippocampi of the brain - the area that handles spatial memory and spatial navigation.

Compared with baseline controls and inexperienced cabbies, long-serving taxi drivers possessed considerable more developed hippocampi.

The Vehicles

There are currently 3 makes of vehicle licensed to ply for hire in London:

LTI (London Taxis International) - FX4 taxi, Fairway taxi, Fairway Driver taxi, TX1 taxi, TX2 Taxi & TX4 taxi.
Metrocab - Series 1 Metrocab, Series 2 Metrocab, Series 3 Metrocab & TTT Metrocab.
Eco City Vehicles - Mercedes Benz Vito Taxi.
All of these vehicles have to conform to the conditions of fitness as set out by the PCO (Public Carriage Office).

http://www.taxi-london.net/

Geely aims to electrify black cabs

admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:40:53 +0000

Geely, the Chinese automaker that co-owns the company that produces black London taxis, has met UK government officials about bringing electric-powered cabs to the UK capital.

"One of our ideas is to convert London taxis into electric," Li Shufu, the company's chairman, told the Financial Times. "We are doing research on this project."

Geely owns about 23 per cent of Manganese Bronze, the Coventry-based producer of black London cabs, and 51 per cent of a Shanghai-based joint venture with the UK company that will produce the cars in China starting this December.

Mr Li said that he had discussed the idea of electric taxis in London with Boris Johnson, the city's mayor, at the Beijing Olympic games in August. Mr Johnson supports the idea.

Manganese Bronze this year signed a research and development agreement with Tanfield Electric Vehicles to develop all-electric plug-in taxis. Manganese Bronze's share price has slumped in recent weeks after hundreds of its TX4 cabs were taken off the streets following a series of engine fires.

Geely, like China's other rising automakers, is developing its own plug-in hybrid and electric cars, including an electric version of its Panda city car that it may seek to sell in Europe. Mr Li said developing electric vehicle technology would be a major strategic focus for the company in future.

Geely's plan to build London taxis in Shanghai is one of a string of investments by Chinese companies seeking to apply low-cost production to iconic overseas assets.

Rival carmaker SAIC recently relaunched production of MG TF sports cars in Longbridge and makes the Roewe brand of cars in China largely based on tools and designs formerly owned by bankrupt MG Rover.

LTI Shanghai Automobile, the JV, plans to sell the Shanghai-built cabs to taxi operators, hotels, and other buyers in China and overseas, with a view eventually to building 10,000 vehicles a year.

The Chinese operation will also supply parts produced at a lower cost to LTI's flagship operation in the UK.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/79089ff4-9e3f-11dd-bdde-000077b07658.html

Teenager locked up for attack on cabbie

admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:39:47 +0000

A teenager who punched and robbed a private hire driver during an early-hours confrontation has been sent to a young offender institution for 20 months.

Judge James Spencer QC told 18-year-old Kevin Haley that the attack on Asif Javed in Brocklesby Drive, Allerton, was a wicked offence.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday how Mr Javed had been returning home four months ago when he saw Haley knocking on a neighbour’s door.

After Haley asked the cabbie what he was looking at he punched Mr Javed in the face. Haley, of Allerton Grange Drive, Allerton, then demanded money from Mr Javed, who handed over £60.

Mr Javed was punched again before Haley fled the scene, but he was recognised by a local resident and the complainant picked him out during identification procedures following his arrest.

Judge Spencer said Haley had told “a pack of lies” when he was interviewed by the police and he noted that the teenager had a very bad record.

Haley, who pleaded guilty to robbery, was already subject to a community sentence at the time he committed the offence. Barrister Abdul Iqbal conceded that his client had an unenviable record, but pointed out that there was no previous offences of robbery.

Haley has already served 104 days on remand and he is expected to be released from custody after serving half his sentence.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/3776876.Teenager_locked_up_for_attack_on_cabbie/

London Taxi Knowledge

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:52:23 +0000

As a licensed taxi driver in the Capital you must have a detailed knowledge of roads and places of interest in London - known as the Knowledge.

How long it takes to become a licensed taxi driver depends on whether you want to be an All London driver or a Suburban driver.

London or the suburbs?

All London drivers, also known as Green Badge drivers, need a detailed knowledge of London within a six mile radius of Charing Cross.

Initially there are 320 routes or runs to learn, along with all the places of interest and important landmarks on and around these runs.

It takes between two to four years to learn and pass the All London Knowledge. Once you are licensed you can work anywhere in the Greater London area.

Suburban

Suburban drivers, or Yellow Badge drivers, need to choose from one of the nine suburban sectors and know between 30 and 51 runs in detail, depending on their chosen sector, and all places of interest and important landmarks on those runs.

It takes around two years to become a licensed Suburban taxi driver. Once qualified you can only work in the sector you are licensed for.

You can find out more about the two types of licence available on the Licence types page.

Knowledge makes your brain grow

The brain will grow as you learn and put into practice the Knowledge, says research by the Wellcome Department of Imaging Neuroscience.

On scanning the brains of 16 London taxi drivers, who had spent an average of two years learning the Knowledge, they found they had a larger right hippocampus than control subjects.

Find out more on the study on the Wellcome Trust website.

Information & Advice on Taxis & Private Hire

admin — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:36:06 +0000

Getting from one place to another in the UK is becoming increasingly difficult. The rail network is not always reliable, the tube is crowded and bus lanes are mired in traffic. Using the taxi and private car hire industry can be a solution to these difficulties. Using a taxi can be easier whether hailing one in the street or pre-booking for a specific journey. If booking early then book a car or taxi well in advance and call to re-confirm a day or two prior to the journey.

Why Use a Taxi Firm?
Taxis and private hire vehicles now offer an invaluable service to those people who need to get to work on time, who prefer not to drive at times or who don?t have a car or can?t drive. Using a taxi or hired car helps avoid using trains, tubes and buses, all of which may come with congestion, difficulties and delays. Many taxi firms allow the setting up of accounts or ongoing arrangements for regular journeys.

There are hundreds of taxi firms that provide transportation services to major airports, including Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham Airports, Gatwick Airport, Leeds Bradford Airport, Newcastle Airport, Luton Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Aberdeen Airport from a home, hotel or other location. Using a taxi means no worries about traffic delays, parking, or timely arrival. If using a taxi to catch a flight make sure to book a pick-up time well in advance of the check-in time. Taxis also provide transportation between airports for connecting flights. Taking a taxi to the airport is convenient and cost effective.

Alternatively, when on holiday, a car hire firm may be more suitable — especially if there a few days free to explore surroundings, discover hidden sights and visit secluded villages, for example. Many will offer a free service to pick up and drop back at the airport if the car is hired for a week or more. This option allows time to explore at a leisurely pace. Prices start from ?30-?35 per day, depending on the duration of rental and type of vehicle.

How to Choose a Taxi Firm
When hiring a taxi in advance, use one from a reputable firm. Make bookings by phone or have the hotel arrange the hire. There will always be a registered taxi rank inside/just outside airports and train and bus stations. In many cities and towns taxi can be hailed down in the street for short journeys — in others they may have to be picked up at a taxi rank/office. Don?t be tempted to use unlicensed taxis or mini-cabs — especially late at night in pub/club districts — as this can be dangerous.

Care Hire Tips
If hiring a car for a longer journey/longer period then these tips will be useful:
Be sure the taxi or car hire firm carries insurance.
If the vehicle insurance policy is from an EU based insurer (including the UK), it will cover third party insurance in EU countries. But third party cover can be inadequate to cover all costs and it is safer to have more insurance when hiring a car. Check with the insurance company to see that there is adequate cover for the countries involved.
Take photos of the hire car before driving off and make notes on its condition. Before returning the car, take more photos and notes on its condition and sign them. This is valuable evidence should any dispute arise. The hire company should also note the condition of the car on the contract.
If an accident occurs, get a written estimate of the repair costs. Check with the hire company as to what to do next, but a written estimate should help avoid disputes regarding repair costs.
Return the car on time.
Check all paperwork and ask for a copy of the final form. Then no one can change the report or charge extra later. Check the contract thoroughly and ask for explanations of anything that is not clear. Be aware of extra costs like petrol/mileage, child seats and taxes.
Choosing a Taxi Firm Online
There are advantages to choosing a taxi firm online:
Price quotes are provided in advance via e-mail or the website.
No queues.
Ensures dealing with a known taxi firm.
No need to worry about language barriers.
Convenience.
Trade Bodies
There are many trade bodies/associations for taxi and private hire vehicle services including:
The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA)
The London Motor Cab Proprietors' Association (LMCPA). Contact the LMCPA on Tel 020 7275 7589.
The Licensed Private Hire Car Association (LPHCA)
The National Private Hire Association (NPHA). Contact the NPHA on Tel 0161 280 2800.
The National Taxi Association
Setting Up a Taxi Account
By using a taxi firm consistently, they will get to know the journeys made regularly by the passengers and any needs they may have. Sometimes discounts are offered for regular use or regular trips. This also saves paying for a taxi as it is used as it will be charged to the account to be settled up later. Make sure to have the contract read thoroughly by an appropriate person in the company to check it is OK. Most importantly, do check that the firm is registered with an appropriate association and that they have full insurance cover. This will save time, hassle, and money.

Consider using a taxi firm or car hire for transportation instead of driving or using trains, the tube or buses. This could save a lot of hassle, time and money in the long run.

Far East Taxi News

admin — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 08:20:09 +0000

Check out this site I just found! Far East Taxi News. News from taxi drivers & companies around the Far East!!

Far East Taxi News

About the London Taxi Directory

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:31 +0000

LOOKING FOR A NEW CAB… Click on Taxi Sales

LOOKING TO CHANGE ACCOUNTANTS… Click on Taxi Accountants

NEED A LOAN OR MORTGAGE… Click on Financial Services

The London Taxi Directory has been developed by the same team that are behind the very popular Taxi-Mart website. We have extensive experience in the London taxi trade. Our expertise runs from driving taxis and running a fleet of black cabs right the way through to taxi sales and of course the Taxi-Mart website.

The main aim of the London Taxi Directory is to provide a complete all round service for licensed London cab drivers. We have information on all companies providing all services to the London taxi trade from companies who sell taxi insurance to companies that provide medical care and taxi repairs.

What ever your Taxi Trade needs, our aim is to provide for it. No matter what information you need to find that relates to the London Taxi Trade, this is the site for you. The idea for this site is not new but we want to make this the best site of it's kind. So if you have any ideas on how we can improve please let us know.

Week by week we will be adding new services and products as they become available, so it's well worth bookmarking the site to aid your next visit.

www.londontaxidirectory.co.uk

Visit the UK Taxi Directory

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:58:06 +0000

Why not visit the UK Taxi Directory. The main aim of the site is to provide an all round directory service for all UK Taxi, Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers. If you are looking for a taxi related service in your area or any other area it will be listed here. We make no distinction between Hackney Carriage, Licensed Taxi or Private Hire. There is information on the site which is applicable to everyone in the UK Taxi and Private Hire Trade. We have information on all companies providing all services to the UK Taxi Trade, all the way from companies that sell taxi insurance to companies that provide medical care or taxi repairs.

Using the site is very easy. If you want to look at Taxi Service Providers from all Regions, leave "All Regions" in the drop down box on the left side above the category listings. Then click on the category header that you are interested in. If you want to narrow the search to a particular area, choose it from the drop down box and then choose the category that you are interested in. Listings in bold have been placed by our advertisers. Follow these links and you will find details of special offers available only to UK Taxi Directory members.

The UK Taxi Directory has been developed by the same team that are behind the London Taxi Directory and the very popular Taxi-Mart website. Our experience was originally drawn from the London Taxi Trade, buying and selling taxis, running a taxi workshop and also previously from the courier industry. Since starting Taxi-Mart some 3 years ago we have allied this "Taxi Trade Knowledge" with a broad understanding of the internet and more especially search engine marketing.

www.uktaxidirectory.co.uk

Run crusade for the family of a dead ‘outsider’ cabbie

admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:38:37 +0000

It was the North Indian taxi drivers who bore the brunt of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s tirade against ‘outsiders’ in February. Now, in a sudden volte-face, that very party is fighting for the family of a cab driver from Uttar Pradesh.

Kishanpal Singh, 24, a driver with Meru cab services, died in an accident on Saturday. Following his death, MNS stalled the operation of the cab service and forced it off roads demanding that Singh’s family be compensated. They also claimed that the company should ensure the safety of the 700-odd Meru drivers.

Interestingly, most of the cab drivers employed by Meru are North Indians.

However, when contacted MNS vice president Arafat Sheikh claimed that they were fighting for Singh and his family on “humanitarian grounds.”

Three days post the incident, the party has alleged that the company is not willing to support the driver’s family. Sheikh said, “Officials from Meru cab are not willing to speed up the insurance process for Singh’s family. On Monday, we had called a meeting of all Meru drivers and invited the company officials to discuss the issue but they did not turn up.

We are going to hold a meeting on Wednesday and if they don’t attend the meeting we will have to resort to undemocratic methods.”

However, Harsh Mehta, PRO for Meru, claimed that MNS did not invite them for any meeting. “We had gone to Singh’s residence with a cheque of Rs3 lakh as compensation. But we could not give it to them because MNS activists didn’t let the head of the family meet the company officials,” he said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1175047

City staff propose jump in cab fares

admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:30:49 +0000

Taxi riders are facing a fare increase of nearly 23 per cent on an average five-kilometre trip.

City staff are recommending that base rates, per kilometre rates and waiting rates for city cabs be raised to offset higher operating costs.

They're calling for a 20 cent jump in the base rate, which covers the first 71.4 metres, bringing the fee to $3.20. The per kilometre rate would increase 42 cents to $1.82.

The proposal goes to a city committee Monday.

The changes, which would still have to be approved by city council, mean an average five-kilometre ride would cost $12.17, up from $9.90.

The last time the base rate increased was 2006, when council approved a 50-cent hike. The per-kilometre rate stayed $1.40.

Waiting time goes to 13 cents per 14 seconds, up from 10.

Ron VanKleef, president of Hamilton Cab, said the increases are needed to deal with skyrocketing fuel costs and insurance costs.

"Between insurance and fuel, the drivers are getting hit and that's why we're pushing strongly to get an increase," he said.

Ejaz Butt, head of the Cab Drivers Welfare Association, said he's pleased about the increase, although concerned drivers may not pocket the extra cash.

He said there's worry the fees drivers pay to lease their cabs may go up, which could offset the fare gain.

"Eventually the customer is going to be victimized by raising the price," Butt said. "And the driver is not going to make enough money in spite of that."

He said the city should become more involved in the industry to ensure all of those involved are treated fairly.

Anthony Rizzuto, vice-president of Blue Line Taxi, said the increase is a little high. He would've preferred a flat 50-cent hike on the base rate and maybe a small adjustment to the mileage rate.

Rizzuto, who said he did not raise rates to drivers after the last fare increase, said he has not decided what will happen this time. VanKleef said Hamilton Cab has no intention of raising driver rates.

dbrown@thespec

http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/395793