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Do you know your cab?

Tuesday, 27 July 2010 09:42 |

Written by George Simms |

We have been having meetings about our image latterly because we have been losing hotel and better class work to Private Hire. Some P/H companies are demanding that their drivers wear shirt and tie and look generally smart and this has paid off for them. Looking good leads to a better attitude. We have just had a survey of drivers who think that the entry test should be harder and the licensing department should use mystery shoppers to stop overcharging and general bad behaviour. The drivers who responded were very critical of the standard of new drivers. We have spoken to licensing who have used more mystery shoppers than we expected. To our surprise their reports were favourable and most rides were 75% satisfactory with many 90% satisfaction rides. Licensing do not think they can make the test harder since the pass rate is only 30%. The universal grumble of the mystery shoppers was of an unfriendly and off putting attitude. This contrasts with the trained positive attitude of modern shop assistants, bank clerks and people behind counters generally and now modern private hire. We must change our ways or be left with the drunken dregs.The latest bad news is that a member of the Councils Physical Disability Partnership Board asked a driver at Piccadilly Station if he could use the swivel seat and was told the vehicle did not have one, he then asked to use the vehicle ramps and was told the cab did not have them. Licensing and Network Rail then spoke to a number of drivers and out of 8 only one knew he had a swivel seat and how to use it. No doubt we will hear more about this.

Permits for Manchester cabs at Old Trafford?

Tuesday, 20 July 2010 12:37 |

Written by George Simms |

George Simms the TODA secretary has written to the Trafford Licensing Officer asking if it is possible to reintroduce the arrangement we had with the old Stretford council, when Manchester cabs could buy a permit from Stretford to work at Old Trafford footbal ground the cricket ground and the White City dog track on match days. Of course the dog track is long gone but the other two are very much alive, and reviving the permit system would give a better service to the public, give some income to Trafford if they charged say £10 per permit for 1,000 cabs, and some more work for our over large fleet. The Trafford cabs cannot possibly cope with the huge numbers who go to Old Trafford and providing a good service will help reinforce their image.

Making off without payment

Monday, 02 March 2009 11:47 |

Written by Administrator |

MakingOffWithoutPayment

We wish to draw your attention to the document which clarifies the legal position in regards of persons who hire a taxi but subsequently make off without payment.

A number of drivers have contacted TODA over this issue since they have had passengers who made of without making payment for the journey. These drivers had reported these people to the police but were told that it was a civil matter to be pursued privately through the courts.

This document shows this to be incorrect as per the 'Theft Act 1978 Section 3'.

Taxi passengers who make off without payment are commiting a criminal offence as stated by the Theft Act 1978 Section 3. They are liable to arrest and could receive a conviction for up to 2 years imprisonment.

Last Updated (Monday, 02 March 2009 23:43)

Licensing Worksop

Thursday, 20 May 2010 11:08 |

Written by George Simms |

The taxi licensing section will soon be closing as part of the town hall refurbishment.

The licensing unit will be holding a worksop at Manchester Airport Feeder Park to give details to trade representatives. Two TODA representatives will attend on behalf of TODA members.

The worksop will outline; - Postal renewal processes, On line proposals, Payment options, Premium appointments, Services avaailable at First Street - Customer Service Centre, DVLA mandates for licence checks. The worksop will take place on Wednesday 26th May at 11am. A report will appear on this site after the event for the benefit of members and non members.

Last Updated (Thursday, 20 May 2010 11:21)

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