Sunday 31 August 2014

New York. 

Is this the first fatality involving the "Taxi Of Tomorrow" ?

The Nissan NV200. 

TAXI CRASHES, KILLS PEDESTRIAN ON UPPER EAST SIDE




NEW YORK (WABC) -- One person was killed, and another was injured when a taxi crashed on the Upper East Side.



"It looked like she was OK," said Justin Havlik, a Good Samaritan.

When he woke up Friday morning, Justin Havlik couldn't have imagined he'd find himself shoulder to shoulder with strangers, trying to save a woman's life.

"We just did what we had to do," another Good Samaritan said.

The onlookers jumped into action just after 2 Friday afternoon, after a 58-year-old woman started to cross 79th Street at Madison. 

"Like a thud and then you heard screaming," said Paige Morrow, a witness.

The taxi plowed right into her, pinning her underneath.

"They couldn't actually pull her out," Havlik said.

"I got ahold of her hand; there wasn't much we could do until we got the car off her," the other Good Samaritan said.

"I grabbed the bottom of the car and I screamed and I lifted the car," Havlik said.

"What are you going to run the other way? Lady's under the cab?" the other Good Samaritan said.

"And then I rested the car on my knee, like braced on my thigh holding it," Havlik said.

The Good Samaritans lifted the taxi and rested it on its side, but the woman underneath was in very bad shape.

"She was moving her mouth, but I don't know," the other Good Samaritan said.

"She had a lot of head trauma, a lot of head trauma," Havlik said.

Paramedics rushed her to Lenox Hill Hospital, but it was too late.

As they worked to piece together the accident, police questioned the cab driver for hours.

Eyewitnesses say it looked like he was in shock.

So was Havlik when he found out that the woman didn't make it.

"I was praying to God that she was going to be OK," Havlik said.

The taxi driver, who is licensed, was not hurt. His passenger, a 32-year-old woman, was treated for pain at the scene but was not seriously hurt. 

No charges have been filed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/30/nyregion/taxi-kills-pedestrian-in-manhattan.html?_r=0

http://www.latinpost.com/articles/20379/20140830/taxi-overturns-on-woman-in-nyc-killing-her.htm

http://nypost.com/2014/08/29/woman-killed-by-taxi-despite-bystanders-who-lifted-cab-off/



UBER sabotage: Codename SLOG.

Sabotage, attempts at conversion, secret plans and phones to be used only once. The challenge of the new generation of taxi is taking a worthy series "Homeland" or any movie about spies. Two leading actors. One is Uber, the well known chauffeur service, available in 45 countries and – in Italy, including in Rome and Milan. The other is the startup rival Lyft, which offers a similar service, but for now only in the United States. 

Codenamed SLOG 

Lyft drivers are recognizable by the garish pink plush put whiskers on the muzzle of the car. For this detail, or for anything else, especially in New York, the service has begun to gain ground. That's where Uber would put up an incredible campaign of sabotage, to try to change the drivers side Lyft. This was revealed by is an American site investigation The Verge, which includes the testimony of one of the persons hired by Uber to hinder competition. The operation is called SLOG and it is really worthy of a 007 film. 

The evangelizers from taxis and the Uber low blows 
The doubt that Uber was trying to hinder Lyft in all ways had already emerged in early August. But now it turns out as. At the heart of all there are the so-called "Brand ambassador", ambassadors and evangelizers of the verb uberiano. Boys and girls recruited to present the service especially to potential users and which – according to the findings of the investigation – since this summer have begun taking aim at drivers of Lyft. By booking themselves service racing rival. And, once on board, trying to convince the driver to change banks. 

The effort of recruiting and sabotage was very well organized. For its ambassadors, Uber has raffled rich bonus for every driver converted to the cause. Not only. Not to uncover any task, the company supplied its mobile phones, SIM cards and credit cards can be used only once, to book a ride on Lyft without leaving a trace. But there were also reports and charts online to avoid contacting the same driver twice. 

A double advantage 
Once on board, the ambassadors were required to follow a detailed conversation manual, useful to convince the driver to remove moustache Lyft rose from snout to Uber. If the operation was successful, here they are ready to remove and deliver the "driver's kit" means a package given to each driver to work with Uber. But even if unsuccessful, there was an advantage: he had prevented the Lyft driver to pick up another customer and, therefore, the rival to spread further. 

Reply: "we're aggressive, but not disloyal" 

After angry taxi drivers (and not only in Milan), the prohibition of work in Berlin and Hamburg, in general the whole debate on the legality of the service, to Uber there seem to be more hard times than expected. The company admitted the existence of SLOG, but only as a marketing campaign and recruitment of new drivers. «Our practices are aggressive, but not unfair, "said – at a glance – the heads of Uber, Ryan Graves and Travis Kalanick, responding to criticism on Twitter. But there's more: own Kalanick reported that Uber was in turn a victim of sabotage: «we counted over 12 thousand ran reserve and then delete from employees and drivers Lyft». And if the war was just beginning? 

Translated from :

http://www.lastampa.it/2014/08/31/tecnologia/taxi-tra-ambasciatori-e-sabotaggi-tutti-i-colpi-bassi-di-uber-contro-i-rivali-mbcGCxhiL96A3LI1EubyIK/pagina.html?


 

Saturday 30 August 2014

Sex Attacks sell newspapers.

Its all about sex attack's in the Tabloids, its sells newpaper's, but sadly does not help our trade, at the most difficult of times.

Hopefully this trend will fade out in a few days.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2737804/Man-posing-taxi-driver-elbows-child-head-tosses-pavement-terrifying-attack-New-York-street-trying-sexually-assault-mother.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Rotherham sex abuse victims 'ferried to gangs and abused by taxi drivers paid by council staff'

More than 20 of the seedy drivers were blacklisted and reported by worried youth workers, who claim police and local authority chiefs did nothing

Taxi drivers paid by council staff to ferry vulnerable young girls from Rotherham care homes also drove them to terrifying encounters with sex abusers, a whistleblower told the Sunday People.

More than 20 of the seedy drivers were blacklisted and reported by worried youth workers, who claim police and local authority chiefs did nothing.

In addition to transporting underage girls to be attacked by men in fast food joints and cafes, drivers are said to have abused them in their cars.

Horrified carers noted the reg numbers of rogue cabbies in the South Yorkshire town where 1,400 girls fell victim to Asian gangs from 1997 to 2013, according to a report released last week.

Care managers stopped ­using seedy drivers they suspected were preying on girls they carried between care homes and meetings with council ­officers and probation officials.

Our whistleblower, who spent 12 years working with girls classed as “out of control”, believes the sex abuse scandal actually started among taxi drivers.

She said it was common knowledge in the town that there was a “massive” abuse problem with married Asian taxi drivers, some as old as 70.

One particular firm came under ­suspicion as far back as early 2000. She said: “About 20 of the drivers were involved.

“They would pick up the girls and then deliver them to various takeaways.
“The girls got a ride out of it, free food and were given clothes.

“The police were told about this time and time again but nothing was ever done. I don’t remember one conviction.

“It was so well known we were banned from using this particular taxi firm to transport the youngsters.”

The ex-care worker added: “If we had no other option then we had to use them and take down the registration numbers.

“Workers at children’s units were told to take down registration numbers of taxis who picked up the girls.

“These were all given to police but ­nothing happened.

"It was obvious years ago that some taxi firms were not trusted to take youngsters to meetings with key workers and court hearings.

"The trouble is, drivers would change firms all the time, so it was hard to keep up.”

Our whistleblower said drivers would also try and inveigle themselves into positions of responsibility.

One of them tried to join Rotherham Council’s panel for “restorative justice”, which aimed to help troubled youngsters.

Our source said: “He said he wanted to help the community but when I saw his name on the list alarm bells went off.”

Police checked the man out and told the council workers he had previously been arrested but not charged.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/rotherham-sex-abuse-victims-ferried-4137352?
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SUNDERLAND

A TAXI firm has launched a smartphone app which it hopes will help keep Sunderland passengers safe from rogue cabbies.

Southwick-based Station Taxis launched the app, which is available for both iOS and Android phones, in the wake of a Northumbria Police operation.

Operation Sanctuary, which has so far led to 120 arrests and 21 charges, is investigating allegations of sexual offences against vulnerable females.

The firm’s bosses were concerned to learn that some victims have been transported in taxis to addresses where they have been sexually assaulted or raped, while others had been picked up by rogue cab drivers.

The Station Taxis app uses GPS technology which allows customers to book a taxi using their current location and track their vehicle without having to make any phone calls or wait in queues.

The service also provides the name of the driver and the registration number, model and colour of the vehicle – to ensure passengers do not get into the wrong car by mistake.

Managing director Trevor Hines said: “The new app makes booking a taxi a lot easier, and ensures that you know who is picking you up. Being able to track your vehicle lets you know exactly where it is, and how long it will take to arrive.

“We will continue to support the police and the taxi licence department in their efforts to make travelling by taxi safer in Sunderland and the surrounding area.”

The Station Taxis app is free to download for iPhones from the Apple Store or for Android phones from Google Play.

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/sunderland-taxi-firm-launches-new-app-to-help-keep-passengers-safe-1-6812899
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EIRE

TAXI industry bosses have warned that sex offenders and convicted criminals could still be driving cabs as dozens of operators were busted by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

A total of 65 unlicensed taxi drivers have been identified by the authority in the past three months, according to a report.


Between April and July, the authority received 161 consumer complaints against taxi drivers.

A total of 106 of these were from passengers who complained about fares.

Industry experts said the figures would be alarming for anyone who uses a taxi, particularly women travelling on their own.

National Private Hire and Taxi Association representative Christy Humphries said the high rate of complaints should be a cause for concern. He said that all 65 of the drivers who were unlicensed should be "named and shamed" by the authority.

"If you don't have a licence, you don't have insurance," he said. "If the licensed driver isn't driving, then who is?

"It appears as if convicted criminals and sex offenders could be free to drive taxis, given the alarming level of non-compliance."

Section 64 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 sets out the categories of complaint that can be dealt with by the authority.

These include complaints relating to the condition, roadworthiness and cleanliness of the vehicle as well as the conduct, behaviour and identification of the driver.

investigates

The Authority also investigates claims relating to overcharging and other matters concerning fares as well as the hiring and booking of a taxi.

If consumers are not happy with the identification and general appearance of a vehicle, they may also register a complaint.

hnews@herald.ie

BRADFORD

MOTORISTS have been warned to always obey warning lights after a Bradford taxi driver became trapped on a swing bridge over a waterway.

The "embarrassed" driver was left helpless as he had to sit in his vehicle while the bridge took him spinning out onto the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Local resident Russell Ingle joined bemused onlookers on the towpath and took a phone picture of the white Bradford Hackney Carriage stranded on the Morton Bridge at Crossflatts near Bingley.

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing - he must have just got under one barrier heading towards Crossflatts and then was trapped because the one in front of him was already down," Mr Ingle said.


"To be honest, what bothers me is the safety aspect because those bridges are all carefully counterbalanced and having a one and a half tonne vehicle on it could really upset the balance.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/11442317.Taxi_trapped_on_canal_bridge_as_it_swings_out_over_the_waterway/?ref=rss
---------------------------------------------------
Eire.

TAXI industry bosses have warned that sex offenders and convicted criminals could still be driving cabs as dozens of operators were busted by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

A total of 65 unlicensed taxi drivers have been identified by the authority in the past three months, according to a report.

Between April and July, the authority received 161 consumer complaints against taxi drivers.

A total of 106 of these were from passengers who complained about fares.

Industry experts said the figures would be alarming for anyone who uses a taxi, particularly women travelling on their own.

National Private Hire and Taxi Association representative Christy Humphries said the high rate of complaints should be a cause for concern. He said that all 65 of the drivers who were unlicensed should be "named and shamed" by the authority.

"If you don't have a licence, you don't have insurance," he said. "If the licensed driver isn't driving, then who is?

"It appears as if convicted criminals and sex offenders could be free to drive taxis, given the alarming level of non-compliance."

Section 64 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 sets out the categories of complaint that can be dealt with by the authority.

These include complaints relating to the condition, roadworthiness and cleanliness of the vehicle as well as the conduct, behaviour and identification of the driver.

http://www.herald.ie/news/sex-offenders-could-be-taxi-drivers-claim-30546754.html?

Thursday 28 August 2014

Burnley

Taxi driver waved sex toy at undercover police woman - Pendle Today

A taxi driver who produced a sex toy and waved it towards an undercover police officer posing as a passenger has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Jamil Iqbal (41), of Humphrey Street, Brierfield, was jailed for 16 months, suspended for two years, after admitting attempted sexual assault at Burnley Crown Court.

The father-of-six, who has since surrendered his taxi licence and is now working as a part-time takeaway delivery driver, was also made the subject of a two-year supervision order and a 10-year sexual offences prevention order.

Mr Mark Stuart (prosecuting) said police had deployed undercover officers in relation to information received and one of these, named only as Nicky, called Victor’s Taxis in Brierfield from the Oaks Hotel in the early hours of December 7th last year.

Iqbal arrived in a car bearing the logo of another firm. but told Nicky he was from Victor’s.

He began asking her deeply personal questions and the pair exchanged mobile telephone numbers.

Nine days later, Nicky called Iqbal again from a restaurant in Cliviger and asked for a “two drop” taxi for herself and a colleague, Sarah.

Iqbal turned up, this time in an unmarked taxi, and picked the officers up, dropping Nicky off in Brierfield and then setting off towards Barrowford with Sarah.

He again asked the officer the same personal questions, unsuccessfully tried to get her into the front seat with him and then produced a sex toy which he waved towards her.

After he dropped her off, officers in support stopped Iqbal and arrested him. In interview, he suggested that it was as much the women who had instigated talk about sex, but declined to comment further when told they were undercover officers.

Mr Aftab Anwar (defending) said Iqbal had pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity and asked the court to give him credit for that.

“The pre-sentence report clearly demonstrates he is deeply remorseful and knows he has done wrong.

“He had been a taxi driver for 12 years and has worked in factories where there were women workers and nothing like this has happened before,” he said.

“He has already been punished by losing his job and I would ask that any prison sentence is suspended.”

Judge Beverley Lunt, in passing sentence, said: “Women in particular trust taxi drivers and are entitled to feel safe when they get in a taxi.

“These undercover officers may have saved some innocent victim from being subject to a serious sexual assault or an extremely unpleasant incident.

“There is no explanation offered as to why you acted in the way you did and while the offence is serious, I can suspend an immediate custodial sentence,”

Iqbal was also banned from holding any kind of public service vehicle licence in the future.
----------------------------------------
UBER GERMANY.

Hengeler Mueller has won a victory for ‘sharing economy’ taxi service Uber in a battle over whether the company can continue offering its product in the city of Hamburg.

The German firm is advising Uber across the country as the company seeks to roll out its smartphone app into all major cities. The app enables private individuals to offer transport in their own car and potential users to reserve rides.

Earlier this month the Hamburg authorities issued a cease-and-desist order against Uber and its app ’UberPOP’ which was temporarily suspended pending a hearing in the city’s administrative court.

Yesterday (27 August) the court ruled that Uber could continue providing its services, deciding that the Hamburg traffic authorities were not the responsible authority and that the prohibition order could not be based on the Passenger Transportation Act.

A ruling by the administrative court in Berlin is expected soon over the use of both UberPOP and UberBlack, a similar app for limousines.


http://www.thelawyer.com/news/practice-areas/litigation-news/hengeler-wins-reprieve-for-uber-in-german-battle-over-taxi-app/3025012.article?
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NEW YORK

Shocking footage shows taxi driver throw child aged 3 from car after 'sexually assaulting toddler's mum'

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/shocking-footage-shows-taxi-driver-4122936?
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SOUTH SHIELDS

A TAXI driver yesterday began an appeal to get his operator’s licence back after he left a four-year-old girl disabled in a car crash.

Amir Azad caused a five-car pile-up when he smashed into the back of a Volkswagen Polo, which was stopped at traffic lights on the A194 Leam Lane, near the Lindisfarne Roundabout, in Jarrow, in March.

The car was owned by Lisa Orrock and Chris Bootes, whose daughter, Jessica Bootes, was left with the left side of her skull missing, paralysis down the right side of her body and a loss of speech after the crash, as her face had smashed into the front passenger seat.

She was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, and spent 11 days in an induced coma.

Azad, of Taylor Street, South Shields, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after the crash, but was eventually charged with driving without due care and attention.

The 35-year-old admitted the charge at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court and was given a £250 fine and six penalty points on his licence.

In June, South Tyneside Council revoked Azad’s taxi licence.

Yesterday, he arrived at and left court, hiding his face behind an umbrella, as he began his appeal against the decision.

Geoffrey Forrester, for Azad, asked that the council’s solicitor, Debbie Lloyd, provide “details of all action taken against all existing taxi drivers for careless driving convictions within the last three years”.

Mr Forrester asked for the information to be provided to him within seven days.

A date was then set for the hearing, which will go ahead at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on October 14.

The family, from Centenary Avenue, Harton, South Shields, had been going to McDonald’s restaurant when the collision happened at about 6.30pm on March 4.

At Azad’s criminal court case in June, it was said that others caught up in the crash offered assistance to Jessica, but the court heard that, when approached by Jessica’s parents, Azad told them “calm down, accidents happen” before asking if they had insurance.

In a victim statement read out in court, Mr Bootes said: “What happened will stay with me forever. It has hit me so hard. It eats away at me. I try to get my head around what happened.

“Should we have gone a different route or left sooner?

“We are the victims – we had not done anything wrong.

“The lack of remorse from the driver stays with me. I will never forgive this man.

“Jessica has to start her life all over again while he goes on living his.”

Ms Orrock’s victim statement continued: “Standing there, and not being able to help Jessica was horrific and will stay with me forever.

“How a split second can change a family’s lives – it baffles me. Our lives changed but not half as much as it has for our little girl. How do you explain that to her?”

Mr Forrester, defending, said Azad has been driving for 17 years and was remorseful.

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/crime/taxi-driver-who-left-girl-fighting-for-her-life-begins-battle-to-get-licence-back-1-6809576


BBC Monday September 1.

This is one program not to be missed.



Monday 25 August 2014

Manchester.

Hailo, the world’s favourite taxi app that enables people to hail and pay for a cab with just two taps, celebrated a landmark occasion in Manchester this weekend with the world’s first Cake and Cuppa cab service.



To create a special welcome for its 20 millionth passenger, Hailo commissioned an artist to turn the backseat of a cab into the quintessential British front room, complete with sofa style seats, radio, slippers and the morning papers. The cab pulled up in Manchester Piccadilly station and laid on tea and cakes for passengers. 

No fares were taken, and instead Hailo donated £1000 to local charity, Forever Manchester, which helps people improve the quality of life in their neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester by supporting local projects.

Russ Hall, Hailo co-founder, commented: “Hailo is a British start-up success story, and we wanted to thank our customers with something that reflects our roots. What better way than with the quintessential British tradition of a brew and cake? We’re so chuffed to reach 20 million passengers, and love that we could celebrate the milestone in Manchester, the latest city in which we’ve launched.”

Bob Azam, one of Hailo’s driver partners and a Manchester cabbie for 10 years, adds, “I was so over the moon to have my cab transformed for the occasion, I might not change it back. It was a great way to celebrate our British heritage and customers loved it.”

Sunday 24 August 2014

Manchester.

I am in reciept of one of the best email exchanges I have had for several years. The following was direct to the Inspector of Police at Manchester 'A' division.

I am proud to reproduce it, but , when we pay the highest Licence fee's fee's in the Country, why do just a few driver's have to do the work of Council staff, who, in this case appear to take August off. ??
----------------------------------------
Inspector Greenslade

Could you please advise me on who it is I should contact in order to commend officer 1134, ably assisted by officer 14777? My colleague Andrew Hardman and myself approached the officers about the illegality of a private hire pick up point operated by Manchester Cars on Princess Street last night. The pick up point was supposed to be a pick up point for pre-allocated vehicles taking pre-booked work. The officers observed briefly and took on board that all passengers approaching were simply entering into the first vehicle and details were clearly being taken by Manchester Cars employee. The officers approached the employee and asked for details of the operation and then asked how the bookings were being made. The employee openly accepted that he was taking the bookings at the pick up point itself. Officer 1134 then ordered him to stop and pointed out that only pre-booked work was to be taken from that point forth. He asked who his superior was and set off to the office in order to address this large scale offending.

Of course, after a brief period, the 'tout' carried on operating illegally. The problem is clearly that the licensing department sanction these pick up points in the first place. They are obviously going to be abused and lead to mass breaches of s.45 Town Police Clauses Act 1847. Tonight will be no different and neither will the rest of the weekend. Of course, the licensing department hide behind their 'unequivocal' instructions that these are to be pick up points only. It's ridiculous. Do they not make observations and enquiries as to the mechanisms of the way these operations actually work on the ground? It took these officers' a couple of minutes to ascertain illegality yet licensing see no problems with the operations.

I have been justifiably hard on the police in terms of holding them to account when it comes to a previous level of unwillingness to enforce where licensing offences are being committed. I think it only right that I acknowledge good practice when it occurs. These two officers' took their duty seriously and intervened. I commend them and hope to see greater intervention in the future.

Yours appreciatively
Karl Warburton (and Andrew Hardman)

Thursday 21 August 2014

Taxi fare powers stay with council - Wigan Today

WIGAN revellers can continue to enjoy some of the cheapest taxi rides home in the county – despite changes to regulations on cabbies.

The new rules will give greater powers to council officials to work with other authorities but won’t remove their powers to set fares.

Council chiefs will also be able to continue to control the number of licensed taxis allowed to operate in its area, following new recommendation by the Law Commission.

Wigan Council’s director of environment Terry Dunn said the proposals do suggest freeing-up cross-border working for private hire vehicles.

Operators should no longer be limited to using drivers and vehicles from their own licensing area, the report says.

Nor should they be restricted to only inviting or accepting bookings within that licensing area or be restricted to only inviting or accepting bookings within that area.

Mr Dunn added: “Under the Commission’s recommended regulatory framework, licensing district boundaries lose much of their importance in relation to private hire vehicles.

“National standards for private hire, set by the Secretary of State following consultation, will ensure uniform standards.

“This will allow consumers to expect, as a minimum, the same level of safety and quality where ever they are and will remove the incentive for both taxi and private hire applicants to seek licences in an area with less exacting standards.”

The Commission’s draft Bill also defines a lawful private hire booking as one where the pick-up point and destination are recorded by the operator and where advance price information is available on request.

Customers will be able to continue to “approach or hail” a Hackney cabs for a journey beginning there with no need for arrangements in advance.

Although local authorities like Wigan will continue to administer licenses applied for in their area, they will do so on the basis of national standards, pointed our Mr Dunn.

It will have no discretion to vary the criteria for private hire vehicles and drivers licences.

Once licensed, providers will be able to work nationwide and find themselves subject to enforcement action by officers of any licensing authority.

Wigan has regularly topped nationwide for the best value taxis.

http://www.wigantoday.net/news/local/taxi-fare-powers-stay-with-council-1-6798381
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BRISTOL

Avonmouth Conservative Councillor Matt Melias is set to grill Mayor Ferguson over what measures can be taken to detect and deter taxi drivers currently operating illegally in the city.

The move follows reports that private-hire vehicles originating from outside of the area are openly competing for business with Bristol's own Hackney Carriages and private-hire cabs.

As a result, concerns have been raised within the trade that rogue operators are giving legitimate cabbies a bad name through overcharging customers, displaying a lack of local knowledge and driving effectively without proper insurance cover.

Now, Cllr Melias is raising this issue directly with the Mayor at the next Members' Forum, scheduled for Tuesday, 16th September 2014.

Cllr Melias (Con, Avonmouth & Shirehampton) said: "It is really important that the regulating Authority - Bristol City Council - gets a grip on this situation and nips it in the bud.

"This illegal trade is not only having an effect on the livelihoods of Bristol-based drivers, it also represents a real health and safety concern for the travelling public.

"I already have two constituents who allege that they have been on the receiving end of serious physical assaults by cab drivers.

"The night-time economy makes a significant contribution to the city's economic and cultural prosperity and anything that undermines or threatens this must be taken seriously.

"Professionals have suggested the best way forward in dealing with this menace, better or more rigorous enforcement, and I think we should trust their judgement and take this action.

"I am looking forward to hearing what the Mayor is doing to protect the Bristol Blue cabs brand and restore the confidence of customers."
---------------------------------------------
NEW YORK

City to sell 6,000 new green taxi permits

The city’s plan to more than double its fleet of popular green cabs has been given a green light, The Post has learned.



The Taxi and Limousine Commission this week began selling 6,000 permits for the next wave of lime-green cabs, which serve residents of upper Manhattan and the outer boroughs.

The new batch of street cabs will be added to the 6,000 or so green cabs currently rolling around underserved city neighborhoods, bringing the total up to 12,000, the TLC said.

Demand for the $3,000 permits was sky-high, according to a TLC spokesman, with a wait list of about 6,300 drivers hoping to get their hands on one.

The agency has plans to meet with hundreds of applicants this week, the spokesman added. If approved, the livery-car owners would be allowed to give their cars that trademark coat of green paint and equip them with credit-card readers.

The city was supposed to start doling out the permits in June but pushed back the date in order to engage more with stakeholders.

“We know that a lot of drivers are interested in the new permits and have been waiting patiently for us to start the second round of sales,” said TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi.

“And I know they’ve been popular with riders, so this is good news all around.”

The city said it plans to eventually release a third wave of green cabs sometime next year, bringing the fleet up to 18,000 with 50-percent wheelchair accessibility.

The first permits for 6,000 green cabs were issued by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg last year, to the delight of transportation starved residents.

Despite being a champion of the outer boroughs, Mayor de Blasio has been critical of the rollout of the green taxis, a position supporters link to the more than $350,000 in campaign funding he got from yellow-taxi interests during his run for mayor last year.

As public advocate, he worked with the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade’s failed attempt to stop Bloomberg’s plan to allow the green cabs to pick up passengers in outer boroughs.


Green cabs can only pick up hails in the outer boroughs and above East 96th and West 110th streets in Manhattan, while yellow cabs mostly serve Manhattan and the city airports.

Wednesday 20 August 2014

LONDON RMT

RMT members on the march, photo Paul Mattsson



On 14 August, the Uber taxi fare mobile phone app was banned in Berlin. This followed protests in cities across Europe against the software.

Dave Wallis, a London taxi driver, RMT member and Bob Crow’s cousin, says why drivers are campaigning against the app
On Wednesday 11 June 2014, London witnessed its biggest London taxi protest. Licensed drivers gridlocked central London in protest over the apparent inability of Transport for London (TfL) to enforce legislation. The Uber smartphone app operates in direct contravention of the 1998 London Private Hire Vehicles Act.

The smartphone app works out fares using GPS. We say this is like using a taxi meter, which only London taxidrivers are legally entitled to do. This is a right that drivers gain from completing the ‘Knowledge of London’ and attempts to undermine this are an assault on our livelihoods.

Why anyone should want to spend an average of five years studying the London Knowledge when a smartphone app can offer similar privileges is a no brainer.

I believe the allowance of such apps to be another attack on the public transport network, alongside privatisation and deregulation favoured under the Tory-led coalition and London’s Mayor Boris Johnson.

June protest
The June protest was superbly attended by drivers and supported by all trade organisations. TfL claimed the protest was pointless. But there were over 10,000 drivers, gridlocking roads from Trafalgar Square all the way west to Notting Hill and East to Tower Hill.
Bridges were also blocked so traffic going south and north was severely affected. Our protest was a complete success.

But now the battle continues. RMT Taxi division held a flash protest on Wednesday 9 July at TfL’s Palestra offices, outside a meeting to discuss taxi tariffs. We picketed outside and were supported by passing London taxi drivers and members of the public.

TfL has also said that that the London taxi trade is here to stay and they are not trying to deregulate. But I can assure everyone who uses our iconic taxis that TfL are carrying out what we call back door deregulation.

They have flooded the market by giving permission for satellite minicab/private hire companies to set up in night clubs, shopping centres etc, impacting on the work of the London taxi driver. This is without the illegal touting going on the street, inside stations etc.
London taxi drivers’ earnings have dropped more than 50% over the past six years. So when TfL say the London taxi trade is here to stay, I can tell you we will start to disappear off the streets as it will not be financially possible to run our vehicles.

MP Margaret Hodge has written to Boris Johnson asking why TfL allows cars to take bookings through the app without a licence to operate in the capital. London taxi drivers want a fair and level playing field. But TfL don’t want to play fair, so our fight will continue.

source:

http://taxi-news.co.uk/category/london-news/


In the Switzerland, uber right now offered a taxi service which is legal at least in Zurich. It is called «Uber-X» and conveys no individuals, but only drivers and vehicles with a taxi license. The taxi drivers must have passed a driving test for commercial passenger transport and regularly go to the doctor. The taxis have a tachograph. 
If uber legally may convey taxi rides under these conditions also in the city of Bern, the industrial police don't know yet. «Currently lawyers clarify whether is uber can be reconciled with the taxi regulation of in the canton of Bern», says Marc Heeb, head of the Bernese trade police. "Soon we will decide a clean solution and lets say under what conditions uber may convey taxis in the city of Bern."
In Zurich, it already works: no phone call, only with two clicks on the Smartphone can be ordered there a driver over the taxi app uber. The app locates the site of the customer via satellite and advised the fastest available driver. Whose directions - takes an average of six minutes in Zurich - can track the customers on their Smartphone. Or they will be informed by SMS: "Hi, your uber at this moment arrives! 
You do not need cash. The expenses will be debited from the credit card. A trip for which you would pay normally 30 francs in Zurich taxi cost 20 francs.

Soon, the uber-app in Geneva will work. And as one of the nearest towns, the Swiss offshoot of the American Internet company looking to Bern. «In the main city, there is keen interest in uber», says the head of uber Switzerland, Rasoul Jalali. Why would he know that? Because uber registers always exactly where the app is clicked. At the Bern main train station that is common - but still without the need a taxi. Because in Bern, uber has no driver. Not yet. 

In Bern about probably easy game had to find driver: in the city nearly 500 employees and independent Täxeler compete for the customers themselves. Sometimes, they must wait almost two hours for the next passenger. 

"A new competitor is totally unnecessary," commented also Markus Kunz, owner of the Bernese Nova taxis, uber plans. At Nova-taxi, you can order a vehicle three years via app. Nothing to uber say want bears taxi, the second great Bernese taxi company's Managing Director. Is obvious: the Bernese taxi services mainly resent the low prices offered by uber. Nova-taxi-chef Kunz because even blatantly Announces: "As soon as the first uber-taxi Bern leaves, I am no longer willing to pay licence fees and the cost for the proficiency testing of drivers of the city." Per year and car cost the companies against 2000 Swiss francs. For their taxis must waiting customers on the 15 official stands in the city. 

Advantage customer

About taxis, however, come only via Internet stuff to their customers. You need therefore no stands and no concession. Uber driver need only a permit for commercial passenger and a tachograph vehicle.

Kunz does not worried because uber is still: we have many regular customers with booked trips. Uber exists a taxi only immediately or not at all.» That many of his drivers could switch to uber, Kunz is not feared also. The uber drivers although receive 80 percent of sales. But the car, gas and repairs must pay them. 

«Via uber, the driver can drive more often much and earn more», however, trumps Jalali. He can even imagine, that hired taxi drivers at the same time as uber drivers are. As Kunz but dismissive: "we have a non-competition clauses in the contract of employment. (Berner Zeitung)

-------------------------------------
Berlin and Hamburg wanted to ban uber - Bern clarifies 

In Berlin and Hamburg, the authorities wanted to prohibit the above car-sharing service. Uber still keep going. In the city of Bern, the industrial police clears currently, how she will respond to uber.The uber-app does not offer the same in all countries. That's why the Bernese taxi driver, can expect not that the authorities in the German cities of Berlin and Hamburg are attempting to ban uber.

 The uber service offered by the Swiss offshoot of the American company in the Switzerland, is legal in the city of Zurich. 

In Berlin and Hamburg, the authorities wanted to ban uber because customers there are taught at private drivers. «Uber-Pop» means this kind of mediation. The reason for the prohibition of "Uber-Pop": The authorities worry about the security of our customers. Because neither the driver nor the cars are approved for commercial passenger transport. In an accident, no insurance would pay under certain circumstances. 

Uber wanted to abide in Germany by the ban and now fought with success against the decision. The reason of the company: The current legislation came from a time before there were smartphones or Google. 
-----------------------------------
Translated from:

http://goo.gl/0hHYj4




A MAN who told a court he was undergoing a sex change after being caught dodging a taxi fare was back before magistrates yesterday – for leaving another cabbie out of pocket.



The accused appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in April last year – under the name Gavin Brannen and dressed as a woman – after racking up a £27 taxi bill on a trip from Newcastle to South Shields before fleeing the vehicle.

The court heard on that occasion that he was going through gender reassignment and wanted to be known as Katie. The 22-year-old was back at the court yesterday, under the name of Katie Brannen, after dashing off at the end of another taxi ride from Sunderland to her home in Frederick Street, South Shields, without paying a £20 bill.

Brannen pleaded guilty to making off without payment and was fined £110 and warned that she had to learn the ‘consequences’ of her decisions.

Lee Poppett, prosecuting, said: “At 4.45am on Sunday, June 8, the taxi driver picked up three people in Vine Place in Sunderland. Two of them got out in East Vines in Sunderland, leaving only Brannen in the taxi. She said she had sufficient funds for the taxi.

“When the taxi got to Frederick Street she got out and walked away. The taxi driver asked what she was doing and she said she was going to get money for the taxi.

“He was suspicious and followed her.

“She ran away and the police were called.”

Laura Johnson, defending, said: “She didn’t have enough money for the taxi and has made a bad decision.”

Kenneth Webster, chairman of the magistrates, said: “You have had leeway from the court in the past. You need to understand the decisions you make have consequences, one of which is appearing in court again.

“We are not impressed – especially as you’ve done something similar in the past.”

Brannen was ordered to pay £20.20 compensation to the taxi driver, costs of £85 and a £20 victim surcharge – making for a total court bill of £235.20.
------------------------------------------------
HEATHROW

A traffic policeman who throttled a driver for “kissing” his teeth has walked free from court.



William Eliot, 45, grabbed motorist Adebowale Odomosu by the throat until his eyes bulged “like a cartoon character”.

Mr Odomosu begged “please don’t kill me” during the attack, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Eliot and colleague PC Robert Hughes had stopped Mr Odomosu in the Terminal Three car park at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of being a taxi tout last August.

Mr Odomosu was not arrested, but his car was impounded because his tyres were too worn.

PC Hughes said Mr Odomosu kept “kissing his teeth” - sucking air sharply through his teeth to make a loud tutting noise - while the officer was inspecting the car.

Eliot became angry and told Mr Odomosu: “If you kiss your teeth at me again I’m going to punch them into the back of your throat.”

PC Hughes said Eliot repeated the threat on five different occasions when Mr Odomosu continued to make the noise.

He added: “It took me by surprise, it was obviously quite an aggressive thing to say.”

PC Hughes said his colleague grabbed Mr Odomosu for no more than 10 seconds, but he was squeezing so hard Mr Odomosu’s eyes were bulging from his head.

“He held him around the throat with his hand, Mr Odomosu looked terrified, his eyes were cartoon-like in that they were bulging out of his head.”

Mr Odomosu denied ever kissing his teeth at Eliot but claimed the officer suddenly grabbed him round the neck and squeezed it hard for up to three minutes.

He told the court: “He got me around the neck with his right hand and he forced me against a metal barrier.”

He said the assault caused him long-term neck pain and made it difficult to eat for several days afterwards.

Eliot claimed he only restrained Mr Odomosu using a normal grip after Mr Odomosu spat at him.

He said PC Hughes was busy playing on his phone in the front seat of the car and did not see the incident.

“I was less than impressed by my colleague’s behaviour, I would have expected him to be keeping an eye on the individual we were talking to – talking to him, explaining what’s going on, just keeping him in the area.”

Eliot claimed PC Hughes may have a grudge because he refused to support Hughes’ bid for a promotion.

PC Hughes reported the incident to a senior officer the same day but did not mention the assault.

Eliot was found guilty of common assault after a trial earlier this month.

District Judge John Zani handed Eliot a 12-week term, suspended for 18 months.

He also ordered him to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and send Mr Odomosu £500 compensation.

Judge Zani told Eliot the assault amounted to “the gratuitous degradation of a victim in a public place”.

‘The evidence against you, as presented by the Crown, was in my view utterly overwhelming.’

Passing sentence, the judge: “Remorse is often very important, so that we acknowledge were we are wrong, but you seem either incapable or unwilling to do that.

“I am just of the view, but it has been within a hair’s width, that the term of imprisonment is going to be suspended.”

Judge Zani added: “I take into account in this matter that you have been a police officer of long-standing impeccable character, and I have read an array of references.

“I ask myself why would PC Hughes have come here and given me this evidence if it wasn’t truthful evidence.”

Eliot, of Charlton Road, Shepperton, Surrey, denied common assault by beating.

He now faces police disciplinary proceedings.


http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/traffic-cop-throttled-taxi-driver-until-his-eyes-bulged-because-he-kissed-his-teeth-at-him-9680114.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
A taxi driver from Dover who sexually assaulted two teenage women who had been on nights out has been jailed.

Rezgar Hassan, aged 22, of High Street in Dover, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and sentenced to three years in prison.



He was driving a taxi in Market Square when he accepted a fare from a 19 year old woman and her two friends.
The victim sat in the front seat of the taxi and during the course of the journey, felt Hassan put his hand on her leg. It was then that he inappropriately touched her.

Upon exiting the taxi, the victim told her friends and the following day she reported it to police.

Hassan was arrested and he was later picked out in identity parade.

In a second incident, he approached a 17 year old girl was waiting at a train station, offering her a lift home to Folkestone for free.

Hassan started asking intimate questions and told her if she showed him her breasts, he would let her go.

He then pulled her top down and inappropriately touched her before allowing the girl to get out.



Tuesday 19 August 2014

Falkirk.

Is this the UKs dumbest criminal?

A 39-year-old man arrested after he reported a lost bag to police – which contained £2,000 of heroin.

The criminal mastermind was picked up by a taxi on Friday morning outside a chemist in Bonnybridge, near Falkirk.

But when he was dropped off in nearby Denny he left his bag behind. And the driver was shocked to discover it contained the Class A drug.

Police launched an investigation after the bag was handed over to officers in Bonnybridge, the Daily Record reports.

Meanwhile, the bungling crook decided to conduct his own inquiry and on Saturday he returned to the chemist where he was picked up.

It is understood police officers were already there making inquiries about the drugs when the criminal mastermind told them about his lost bag.

He was swiftly arrested and is expected to appear before Falkirk Sheriff Court today.

Police Scotland are certainly making the most of the case.

The force's Falkirk office tweeted: “We found a lost bag containing over £2,000 in heroin on Friday. Luckily the loser popped in to report it lost and we were able to arrest him.”


http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/druggie-arrested-after-reporting-lost-4073430
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK (AP) -- Uber is stepping up its political game with a high-powered new hire.

The taxi-alternative service is hiring a former White House adviser to lead its campaign for acceptance in the 170 cities around the world where it operates.

David Plouffe is best known for running President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign. He is joining Uber as senior vice president of policy and strategy in September, bringing a campaign mindset to a company that has faced resistance in some U.S. cities from the taxi industry and regulators.

Uber's app lets smartphone users locate nearby part-time drivers for the service, who use their own cars to ferry around passengers, as well as locate yellow cabs in cities like New York.

The service has run into opposition from taxi services and local governments in some cities, due to safety fears and complaints that it can dodge rules taxicabs must follow.

In a blog post, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick compared privately held Uber to a political candidate competing against "the Big Taxi cartel," which has used "decades of political contributions and influence to restrict competition, reduce choice for consumers, and put a stranglehold on economic opportunity for its drivers."

He said Plouffe's "expertise, wisdom, and strategic mindset" is a good choice for the San Francisco-based startup. Kalanick said Uber services have reduced drunken-driving incidents, generated jobs and improved local economies.


Plouffe was the architect of Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and a top White House adviser as Obama won re-election.
----------------------------------------------------

'Dangerous' east London taxi tout jailed for a year

A taxi tout, who drove along the pavement and at dangerous speeds to escape police, has sentenced to a year in prison.

Mohammed Bilal Hadji, 43, of Newham Way, Newham, was caught illegally trying to pick up customers by an undercover officer in Shaftesbury Avenue.

When asked to exit his car, he locked the doors, mounted the curb and drove 40 metres along the pavement, nearly hitting members of the public and the police.

He then drove over 60 miles per hour in a 20mph zone, through four red lights and in the wrong direction down a one-way street.

He managed to escape from police but officers traced the vehicle from its registration to Hadji's east London address.

When officers arrived Hadji tried to escape but was restrained.

He was arrested for taxi touting, having no insurance and dangerous driving. He pleaded not guilty to the touting and insurance charges but was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court and sent to prison last week.

Acting Chief Superintendent Robert Revill, roads and transport policing command said: "This was an excellent result which has seen an extremely dangerous man who posed a serious risk to the public taken off the streets for a long time.

"He has received a robust judicial outcome, time in jail and a hefty fine for his offences. When he is released he will also have lost his vehicle."


Hadji was also disqualified from driving for 33 months driving disqualification and told he would need to retake his test before he gets behind the wheel again.
----------------------------------------------------------
A DERBY taxi firm has teamed up with students in the city to offer lifts home to those who run out of cash on nights out.

Albatross Cars will launch the safety scheme when the new influx of university students arrives in September and October.

The scheme will enable students who need a taxi to book a cab either by telephone or by using an app on their mobile phone.

They will then receive a text message on their smartphone, telling them what the make, model and registration of the taxi will be so they know they are getting into the right cab.

The student will then hand their student identification to the driver as a deposit and collect it back the following day from the University of Derby Students’ Union while paying the taxi fare.

The scheme is the first of its kind in Derby, with Albatross teaming up to work with the union.

http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Phone-app-launched-taxi-firm-students-stranded/story-22761456-detail/story.html

Sunday 17 August 2014

SINGAPORE: ComfortDelGro, Singapore’s largest taxi operator, announced on Monday (Aug 18) that it is assessing a new in-vehicle smart camera that can alert cab drivers to potentially dangerous road situations.



The 38° wide-angle smart camera, known as Mobileye, will be trialled in 30 ComfortDelGro taxis for the next six months. It will be installed on the front windshield of the taxi, and will “read” different types of traffic signs while the vehicle is in motion. It then determines the risks associated with the surrounding traffic environment and provides real-time audio-visual warnings via a 49mm round-shaped display unit to drivers.

For example, if the unit detects that the taxi is travelling too close to another vehicle or a pedestrian, it will alert the cabby with a beep sound and flash an icon of a car or pedestrian.

Mr Yang Ban Seng, CEO of ComfortDelGro’s taxi business, said: “This device acts as another ‘eye’ for our cabbies, who spend a large part of their days and nights on the roads. Mobileye’s ability to alert our drivers of potentially risky road conditions will certainly help prevent accidents.”

Mr Pek Ban Choong, a ComfortDelGro veteran cabby of 21 years, agreed. “I believe this device will help me look out for dangers on the road. I will still need to be 100 per cent aware of my surroundings, but it is always good to have added help,” he said.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/comfortdelgro-experiments/1318242.html
--------------------------------------------------------
Leeds river taxi service becomes permanent 

A free water taxi scheme that could eventually see commuters in Leeds catching the boat to work has been made permanent.

The Amsterdam-style service – trialled at the recent Leeds Waterfront Festival – takes passengers from Leeds Dock to Granary Wharf and back.

While currently operating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, the taxis could become a daily fixture running 7am-7pm.

Simon Tipple, who drives one of the boats, which take about seven minutes to cover the route, said: “The south entrance to the railway station is opening soon. Once that happens you’ll be able to get straight off the train and onto the water taxi.

“It’s quicker than walking, it’s quicker than being in the car.There’s a lot of flats, a lot of commuters in the dock area.”

The boats, which can carry up to 11 passengers, are being paid for by Allied London, the company that owns Leeds Dock – formerly Clarence Dock.

Bosses hope they will increase the profile of a part of the city that has struggled to attract visitors.

Project co-ordinator Lucy Whalley said: We understand how important it is to have a quick and easy way for people to be transported across the city and are confident that this will quickly become the way to travel in the city.”

Stuart Haydock, 66, took his grandson Oscar, six, for a ride yesterday. He said: “You see a bit of the city that you don’t normally see. I’ve driven over the Crown Point bridge and you don’t realise how beautiful the city is until you see it from a different perspective.”

Fellow passenger Peter Pickering, who was with grandson Leo Un, said: “I think it’s a really great idea and the fact that it’s free is absolutely fabulous.”

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/leeds-river-taxi-service-becomes-permanent-1-6790455
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China’s two biggest internet companies have called a truce after spending billions of renminbi in the past six months to grab market share in the nascent taxi hailing app market.

Alibaba and Tencent have treated savvy, smartphone-wielding Chinese to taxi rides, and lavished tips on taxi drivers, to drum up support for their respective taxi apps – Kuadi Dache (“swift taxi”, part-owned by Alibaba) and Didi Dache (“honk honk taxi”, part-owned by Tencent).

Wang Jian, an expert on ecommerce from Analysys International, a Beijing consultancy, estimates that around Rmb2bn ($325m) was spent between January and June, but says that since then both taxi apps have scaled back the massive subsidies they are paying. “The two sides have ceased fire,” she says, after battling to a stalemate with each claiming about half of the Chinese market.

What one analyst likened to “the first battle in the world war of the internet” pitted two companies with deep pockets against each other. Shenzhen-based Tencent is Asia’s biggest listed internet company with a market capitalisation of $157bn, while Alibaba, the ecommerce juggernaut that values itself at $130bn, is due to list in the US this autumn.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6bae3d98-2497-11e4-9224-00144feabdc0.html??siteedition=uk#axzz3AiXIlsC7
---------------------------------------------------
BERLIN :Knock three times on the dashboard 

Serenity has many faces. This includes Helmut Seidlers. Gray hair, gray beard shadow, at the age of 73. Since five decades taxi driver, one of the oldest in the city. So: How is the job, as he was before and what happens at a time in which the industry is under threat. Apps such as uber"", in which private individuals drive, huh each other through the city; operators have lodged against their ban on opium recently by the Senate already contradiction. From limousine providers such as "Blacklane", more expensive, but solid as taxes. By sharing offerings, which make the driver of the passenger. A night shift with Helmut Seidler.

First of all the legends: as he scratched many liters of vomit from the seats, how many fruit bubbles in the car burst and how many semester he has Sociology on the hump? No, no, and not a single one. Body fluids retained its passengers mostly at himself, three times tapping on the dashboard, and UNI - oh what.

Baker was he, then a policeman, at the beginning of the sixties. Educated at the Granat Launcher, you wanted to confront the Betriebskampfgruppen of East Germany, and German military were not allowed in West Berlin. So you equipped to police, kasernierte them and gave them a few hundred mark for the month. How little that was actually realized Salim when he met one of his former colleagues who had retrained on taxi - and loose earned four times. I want also, Salim thought. So quit and in the taxi.
Made hobby into a career 

Colorful years, money, "I could you tell stories, my God", he says. About it, why he must taxis even at the age of 73. "Because I am a victim of the turnaround." Mid-1980s Seidler is a good idea: hardly anyone wanted to go for the disabled, exhausting, to little space in the car. And, although the coupons from the Senate got six rides per month, no matter where. What would he do that? So he ordered greater taxes, "as one of the first in the city". Custom-made, four cars for 300 000 DM, his retirement as security for the Bank loans. When the business starts, the wall falls. For the handicapped people in East Berlin, there had been no coupons, this is unjust, the Senate finds and abolishes the voucher system again. Seidler is broke. 
Seizure, end.

Therefore, he still travels, will continue until they eventually remove the taxi license him. This is the sad story. But has its good side, because he's like to, hobby into a career made and so on, who can by themselves say?

Translated from;
http://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/taxi-fahrer-in-berlin-unterwegs-durch-die-nacht/10342360.html?
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Dorking cab firms warn change to taxi permits is damaging drivers' livelihoods

A CONTROVERSIAL policy that will restrict the number of parking passes for taxis at Dorking's main railway station will damage livelihoods, the town's taxi firms have said.

Bosses are angry about the changes, which mean parking permits for pick-ups at the Station Approach car park are being allocated to individual drivers instead of companies – who have been told they can only have one permit per fleet.

Owners claim the car park's managers, Watford-based Meteor Parking, have essentially told them they are not allowed to own a taxi business with more than one car operating out of the station.

John Baker, director at cab firm Westcott Cars, has worked at the station for 26 years.

He said: "They've said you can only have one because they're saying the Hackney carriage has to be in the driver's name.

"Those plates can cost £10,000 each so they're saying I have to transfer £10,000 to someone else and hope I get it back eventually, which obviously isn't going to happen.

"I'm not going to do that but they're saying that's what I've got to do to for that taxi rank.

"I can't understand how they can do it and how they can stipulate it has to be in the driver's name and not a company."

He added: "What they're saying is that those four or five other drivers I employ will be out of work, which isn't right. I just can't understand where it's all come from. We need to get it sorted out."

Drivers are also angry about the reallocation of spaces which has seen the taxi rank moved down towards the junction with London Road near the Lincoln Arms Hotel and Bar.

Alan Plaw, boss of Silver Cars, said: "It's been an absolute nightmare from the time that station was redeveloped and when notices went up.

"I got the forms and sent them off and I was told I wouldn't be issued with permits because I registered it as a company and the permits had to be issued to the drivers instead.

"It said on the form 'individual or company'. I put company and they phoned me and said 'that's not how it's working now'.

"They've also moved us down the road near the A24 so customers now have to walk 100 yards down the road for the first taxi and no-one knows where we are anymore."

The Advertiser attempted to contact Meteor Parking, but we were told no-one would comment.

http://www.dorkingandleatherheadadvertiser.co.uk/Taxi-permit-change-damaging-drivers-livelihoods/story-22723853-detail/story.html?