LIVERPOOL

Mum slams Scrooge taxi driver who was demanding more cash as she took sick son into hospital 

A mum slammed a “Scrooge”-like Liverpool taxi driver who followed her into a hospital to demand more cash after her nut allergic son fell ill on a visit to Liverpool.

Joanne McColgan made the emergency dash to the Royal with son Ethan, 12, yesterday afternoon after he suffered a reaction from drinking a milkshake.

Joanne, from Forfar in Scotland, hailed a cab at the rank in Whitechapel, Liverpool city centre at around 4.30pm in a bid to get her son to hospital as quickly as possible.

She told the ECHO Ethan was sick into a bag and struggling to breathe but the driver stopped at a cash machine en route after she told him she might not have enough money to pay the fare.

She said he then followed her into A&E to demand an extra £25 after realising some of his vomit had spilled onto the floor of the taxi.

Joanne, 45, who was on a Christmas visit to her mum Myra Birkett in Huyton, said: “It was potentially life-threatening and this guy totally ignored that. He showed no compassion.

“My son knows when he’s had a reaction and he said “Mum, my throat’s going all funny”. I always carry double his medication and he has a three-step plan for when it happens, but we have to get him to hospital.

“Liverpool was mobbed yesterday and I knew that we could be at the Royal within five to 10 minutes if we got a taxi.

“I said to the driver that I didn’t think I had enough money on me, but I would get the rest of the money once we were there.

“He said he would pull up on the way but I said ‘Please, just take us to the Royal’. Then he stopped at a cash machine.

“I said ‘My son is potentially dying here’ and he said ‘Listen love, I’m a taxi driver, I need to be paid’.”

The driver agreed to continue on to the Royal but Joanne said he followed her into the hospital on arrival.

She said: “I had £5.30 in my purse. The fare was £6.80 and I told him I would come back as soon as I got my son checked in and go and get more cash.

“I told the lady in A&E I had to go and pay the taxi driver and asked if there was a cash machine, but I turned round and he was standing there.

“He said “Here love, you owe me £25”. The driver had given us a plastic bag because my son was unwell and he was sick because of the reaction.

“I put the bag down as I was giving him the steroid and some of the vomit must have got out. It was a tiny amount.

“I couldn’t believe my son was potentially dying and he was following me in for money. They took my son through and I had to run over the road and get him £25.

Ethan, who was diagnosed with a nut allergy when he was two, was transferred to Alder Hey Hospital for further checks but was allowed to go home last night.

Joanne, who grew up in Liverpool but moved to the USA for university and later to Scotland, said she was disgusted at the driver and plans to complain.

She added: “I told him several times what was happening. My son was clearly in distress, but he was absolutely awful.

“Even the staff at the Royal were appalled. He was worse than Scrooge.”

A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “We are very concerned when complaints such as this are raised, and we will investigate the allegations.”

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/mum-slams-scrooge-taxi-driver-10662492
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MANCHESTER

Warning, do not get into any Rossendale Licensed vehicles. Its more than your life is worth.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/collyhurst-man-dragged-shot-taxi-10664440

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a public consultation into taxi services

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s licensing team would like to hear from residents who have used or use licensed taxis in the borough as part of a consultation on licensing policy.

It is the responsibility of Cheshire West and Chester Council to license taxis, private hire vehicles and drivers.

Licensed taxis (Hackney cabs) can be hired immediately from a rank or by hailing in the street, while private hire vehicles can only be booked through a licensed operator.

The council has recently launched a consultation into its licensing policy for Hackney cabs and private hire vehicles and would like anyone who uses or would like to use these vehicles in Cheshire West to share their views.

Questions in the consultation include the level of service received and how easy it is to obtain the right vehicle, at the right time. The council is keen to hear from users or potential users who consider themselves disabled or who have particular vehicular needs.

Cllr Mark Henesy, Cabinet member for environment and community, said: “At this time of year, many of us will be using a taxi or private hire vehicle for the festive celebrations. Please take part in the consultation and let us know what you thought of the service you received.”

The formal consultation period runs until February 21, 2016.

http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/cheshire-west-chester-council-launches-10654940
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New York’s yellow taxicabs are the only vehicles in the city allowed to pick up passengers who hail them from the street. The medallion system, in place since 1937, sets an upper limit on the number of those cabs. As demand grew, medallions became more and more valuable.

This chart shows how medallion prices rose from about $250,000 in January 2004 to a peak of just over $1 million for an individual medallion — and about $1.3 million for a corporate one — in March 2013.

But starting in 2010, Uber’s drivers — who aren’t allowed to accept street hails — started filling this government-created vacuum. As Uber added more and more drivers, medallion priced stagnated, then started to fall precipitously. The more people hail cars through Uber, the less money cab drivers make, and the worse taxi medallions look as an investment.

One of the city’s largest taxi companies, White & Blue Group, saw its monthly medallion-leasing income drop as much as 50 percent in the past year, according to a lawsuit it filed against the city last month.

http://www.vox.com/2015/12/26/10647418/uber-new-york-taxi-medallions
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KEIGHLEY

THE taxi driver who died following a crash in Keighley early this morning has been named locally as 33-year-old married father-of-three Liaquat Mahmood.

Mr Mahmood, who was from Highfield, was driving a Vauxhall Vectra which was involved in a head-on crash in Park Lane shortly before 1.20am.

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary following the collision, where he died soon afterwards. A passenger in the other vehicle, a black-coloured Rover, was seriously injured.

Mr Mahmood worked for 1st Choice Private Hire, which is based off Church Street in the town centre.

Company manager Kabir Hussain said he and his colleagues were in a "state of shock".

"He'd been with us for four or five years," he said. "He was a very honest, well liked and happy person.

"He had two young boys and a girl and was very close to me and my other drivers.

http://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/14166441.UPDATE__Keighley_taxi_driver_killed_in_accident_early_this_morning_is_named/

LEICESTER

A taxi driver has been jailed for four years for sex attacks on three lone women he picked up in his black cab.

One of the victims targeted by Leicester black cab driver Faruk Miah had learning difficulties, a court was told.

Prosecutor Victoria Rose told Leicester Crown Court how 57-year-old Miah sexually assaulted the passengers, all of whom were in their early 20's and had been drinking, in Leicester between 2010 and 2014.

Judge Simon Hammond told Miah he was a devious sexual predator who should never be a taxi driver again.

He said Miah attacked his first victim on July 29, 2010 after he told her to sit in the front seat of his taxi.

He said: "She had learning difficulties which were in clear evidence."

The judge said Miah touched her indecently and tried to kiss her.

Miah attacked his second victim after picking her up at 2.30am on March 28, 2011.

He grabbed her indecently and tried to kiss her.

Miah groped his third victim after picking her up at 3am on July 12, 2014.

The judge said Miah had singled her out even though she was not at the front of the taxi queue.

Miah pushed his body up against his victim and tried to kiss her.

Miah, of Hamilton Street, Highfields, Leicester, had been convicted in his absence, at an earlier hearing, of three charges of sexual assault.

The judge told how Miah had appeared at a previous court hearing and was rushed to hospital after faking a heart attack.

He said: "There was nothing wrong with you. Your actions in court were a sham."

Paul Prior, defending, said his client was a man of previous good character and the main breadwinner for his family.

He said Miah had come over to the UK in the late 1980s and always worked hard to provide for his family.

He said: "His wife and his children will serve a sentence along with him."

Miah will be on the sex offenders register for life.


Lawrence English, head of the CPS East Midlands rape and serious sexual offences team said: "His behaviour represented a concerning repetition of offences, which had the potential to escalate into something much more serious.

"Miah's actions are a betrayal of the trust placed in his profession.

"Women need to rely on taxis to enjoy a night out and be sure they get home safely.

"Miah abused the trust these women placed in him. Each of the victims has provided strong evidence that has seen Miah face the consequences of his actions.

"I would like to thank them for coming forward and giving this evidence now."

SOUTHAMPTON

AN investigation has been launched after a taxi driver suffered serious injuries when he was crushed between his car and a bus in Southampton.

The 52-year-old driver was taken to Southampton General Hospital after he was struck by the bus outside Asda in Portland Terrace.

Now police are appealing for anyone who saw the collision to contact them immediately.

The taxi driver - who is said to be in serious but stable condition - had got out of his vehicle and was believed to be picking up or setting down passengers close to the bus stop, when he was in collision with a Bluestar bus.

The impact crushed him between both vehicles causing him to suffer severe chest injuries including broken ribs and injuries to his lungs and arms.

The taxi driver's passengers were inside the vehicle at the time and were uninjured.

Police arrived to seal off the road after the incident which took place at 11.30am yesterday.

They questioned bus driver but did not arrest him and the road was reopened nearly 40 minutes later.

A police spokesman said: "The bus was trying to manoeuvre around the car when the rear of the vehicle collided with the taxi driver.

"Police have spoken to the bus driver and we are appealing for anyone who was in the area to help with our investigations. It happened in a very busy street."

Bluestar operations manager Paul Coyne said: "A Bluestar bus was involved in a serious incident yesterday when our vehicle was involved in a collision with a pedestrian in Portland Terrace.

“At this stage, the circumstances behind this incident are unclear but the safety of our drivers, passengers and other road users is a high priority and we are cooperating fully with the authorities as they carry out their investigations.

“Our primary concern right now is for the wellbeing of the individual who was involved. Our thoughts are with him and his family, we wish him a full and speedy recovery and will be monitoring his progress very carefully.”

http://goo.gl/aJ0Tao
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LIVERPOOL

A taxi driver drove his car at his former partner and her new boyfriend after she left him for the godfather of their child.

Peter Rogers, 50, saw red when he spotted Pearl Mann with Darren Coker outside her place of work in Lodge Lane, Toxteth on June 3 this year.


Liverpool Crown Court heard they hid when Rogers approached them carrying an item he had removed from the boot of his private hire vehicle at around 1pm.

But 10 minutes later as they walked near Moss Grove, the pair saw Rogers pull out from behind two parked cars and drive at them in his Ford Mondeo.

The court heard Rogers mounted the pavement and they had to take “evasive action” to avoid being hit.

Kenneth Grant, prosecuting, said Rogers, of Trefoil Close, Toxteth, was then forced to swerve to avoid crashing into a bus stop.

Mr Grant said: “He did a U-turn and drove back towards them. He shouted words to the effect of ‘do you think you’re bad? I’m going to kill you, watch’.”

The court heard Mr Coker was walking along Sefton Park Road on June 9 when Rogers drove the wrong way up the street to follow him.

Mr Grant said Rogers got out of the car carrying “some sort of metallic object”.

He hurled insults at Mr Coker, who feared he was going to be attacked, and flagged down a bus to get away.

However, Rogers pursued the bus in his taxi, “pointing and glaring” at his victim, who only got off when he saw police on Smithdown Road.

The court heard 10 domestic violence related incidents involving Rogers and Miss Mann had been reported to officers.

The judge, Recorder Mukhtar Hussain, QC, said: “There appears to be a number of incidents from the point of view of Miss Mann, which have forced her to make phone calls to the police.”

Rogers admitted dangerous driving and was found guilty of harassment after a trial.

He has previous convictions for assault and handling stolen goods in the 1980s.

Louise Santamera, defending, said he was “genuinely sorry”.

She said: “He had a hard time accepting his ex-partner’s new relationship with the complainant, in particular because he had a very close relationship with his son and he felt it was inappropriate for somebody who is the godfather of his son to become in effect his step father.

“He had grave difficulties reconciling himself with that, which he believed to be a moral issue.”

She said Rogers accepted his behaviour was “crass and reckless” and “his temper got the better of him”.

Ms Santamera said he had been “aggressive and assertive” because “he is of the view Mr Coker is no wallflower himself and not somebody he could probably have a reasonable discussion with”.

She said her client spent two weeks on remand, which “brought him to his senses”, and is no longer driving taxis.

Recorder Hussain said Rogers displayed no remorse during the trial for the “dreadful incident”.

He said he was “clearly in possession of some form of offensive weapon” on June 9 and it was “very fortunate” Mr Coker escaped.

However, he said the age of his previous convictions showed he was able to lead a “law-abiding and productive life”.

The judge jailed him for 12 months, suspended for two years, and banned him from driving for a year.

He said he must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and attend a Building Better Relationships programme.

Recorder Hussain also gave Rogers a four-month home curfew and slapped him with an indefinite restraining order, preventing him from contacting his victims.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/angry-taxi-driver-drove-car-10645761
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LANCASTER

A man paid £35 for a three mile journey to Lancaster following the floods and blackouts earlier this month.

Dave Physick was going on holiday in the early hours of Monday December 7.



He had pre-arranged for a taxi to pick him and his wife up from their home in Slyne and drop them in Dalton Square.


Dave, 67, said he called into the 848848 taxi office in Mary Street to check his booking the day before.

He said: “At 3am the taxi arrived and the driver said he wanted £55 from Slyne to Dalton Square as I told the driver that Denny Beck Bridge was open.

“After some negotiation we settled at £45. It took us less than 20 minutes to get to Dalton Square going over Denny Beck Bridge.

“I was charged £35 in the end.”

He arrived at Dalton Square to find no transport waiting for his three day trip to Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck in Germany, so he and his wife walked back to Slyne with their suitcases.

Dave said: “Just as we arrived back the electric came back on and I was able to contact the holiday company. They sent a taxi to us from Preston and the driver took us all the way to Beaconsfield, near Oxford, to meet the coach coach we were supposed to get from Dalton Square.

“I was hoping to sort it out with the owner of Mary St Taxis but he was not interested because I did not have the taxi number.

“There were very few taxis out that night so it would not be difficult to trace.”

Robin Mitchell, a director at 848848 Ltd said: “We had very little information that night and drivers were having to go up to Carnforth via Galgate to get across the river.


“The driver didn’t know Denny Beck was open, so he had to go the long way.

“When the customer told him it was open he used that route, but the cost reflected the time and petrol it took for the driver to get there.”

Dave said he was in the process of contacting the taxi regulator. Lancaster City Council said anyone with complaints about Hackney Carriages or private taxis should contact 01524 582033.

http://goo.gl/yV7BFt

LONDON

Speculation is mounting over who owns the 'suspicious abandoned taxi' that led to the evacuation of thousands of Christmas shoppers after it emerged the vehicle was not a working London black cab.

Crowds of people buying last-minute gifts were today cleared from a 600ft stretch of Regent Street as specialist officers examined a minicab parked in the middle of the road near Hamleys toy store.

It was later revealed that the driver had apparently parked his vehicle outside the popular store so that he could go shopping with his family - and returned to find the chaos he had caused. 

Several London cab drivers have since suggested it may be owned by a billionaire businessman or celebrity who uses the vehicle to beat the congestion charge. Another theory is that it belongs to a Mayfair hotel, casino or private members club.

False alarm: Thousands of Christmas shoppers were today evacuated from one of London's busiest streets after a 'suspicious vehicle' was abandoned in the middle of the road. But it has since emerged that the driver of the black cab had apparently parked it close to Hamleys toy store so that he could go shopping with his family

Explanation: While initial reports suggested the cab, pictured, had been 'shot', eyewitness Dave Dale-Beasleigh said a police officer knocked out the back window while the driver was away

The London Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) confirmed the vehicle was not a licensed cab because it did not have a Transport for London license plate, prompting feverish speculation about who it does belong to. 

Black cabs are said to be popular with wealthy businessmen, partly because driving one allows them to avoid congestion and parking charges. A number of celebrities have also showed an interest.

Stephen Fry used to own a black cab, while Gary Barlow is thought to have gifted his wife Dawn one last year. It has even been rumoured that David Beckham was in the market for a London taxi.

Several black cab drivers have got in touch with MailOnline to speculate on who owns the Regent Street-parked vehicle. 

Mark Dugdale, 47, said: 'A lot of millionaires use them to get around London quicker. I know Oligarchs have bought them but I've never seen one parked there before.

'The taxi isn't licensed by Transport for London. It hasn't got the plates and it's got tinted windows, which aren't allowed on London cabs.'

http://goo.gl/VJV5e8
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JERSEY

Taxi drivers have gone on strike over government proposals to reform taxi rank services in Jersey.

Transport Minister Deputy Eddie Noel announced the measures in September, which included requiring all taxis to be wheelchair friendly by 2019.

The Public Rank Taxi Service stopped operating on Monday morning, but will resume at 13:45 GMT.

Mick Tostevin, President of the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, said drivers felt "frustrated and cornered".

The proposed reforms will require taxis which use the ranks to be the same colour, charge the same standard fares and have wheelchair access.
Deputy Eddie Noel said the scheme would be phased in over three years to give drivers and cab firms time to switch over vehicles.


Mr Noel said: "The initial reaction is of disappointment, because we've been having an ongoing dialogue with both the Taxi Drivers Association and representatives from the private hire industry."

However, Mr Tostevin said the taxi drivers, who are self-employed, were not striking, but were withdrawing their services because they felt they were "being dictated to by Deputy Eddie Noel".

He said while the Association agreed with many of the reforms, it was "unreasonable" to expect drivers who had just bought eco-friendly cars to buy new models from the UK.

A protest will also take place at 12:30 GMT in St Helier, where taxis will circle Conway Street, Library Place, Church Street, and Mulcaster Street.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-35149965
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LEICESTER mayor Sir Peter Soulsby is considering cutting the age at which city taxis need to be taken off the road from 11 years to eight years.

The move comes with Sir Peter embroiled in a bitter and long-running dispute with the city's cabbies over a new penalty points misconduct scheme for drivers.

Leicester City Council agreed, in April 2013, to raise the maximum age of both Hackney cabs and private hire vehicles from eight years to eleven years, but keep the decision under review.

The RMT union, which represents 325 city hackney drivers, has been pressing for the vehicle age limit to rise to 15 years.


Sir Peter said today: "We have looked at the evidence on how taxis perform as they get older and we know that beyond the age of eight years nearly half of vehicles failed their regular safety checks.

"I am not minded to increase the age limit to 15 years, and in fact there is come compelling evidence suggesting it could be returned to its previous eight-year-old age limit.

"A significant number of taxis fail their regular safety checks after eight years, suggesting that it is a suitable cut-off point for vehicle age.

"Having large numbers of older taxis on our roads also delays them being replaced with newer, lower-emission vehicles, which has a very significant impact on air quality in the city.

"With this in mind I will be launching a public consultation on the possibility of returning the age limit for both Hackney cabs and private hire vehicles to eight years."

Sir Peter insisted the move was based on hard evidence and was not a punitive measure resulting from his on-running battle with the cabbies.

He did admit the RMT had been urging him to come to a decision on taxi ages and recent events and go-slow city centre processions had now prompted him to look at the matter.

The Mercury was unable to contact anyone from the RMT but a letter, sent to the council in June. from Leicestershire branch secretary Umar Khan pressed for a 15 year limit in line with London.

He said: "Due to the current situation with the recession, the four year extension would be beneficial to members from a financial perspective as the purchase of new taxis is proving to be very costly during this current financial time.

"It is not fair that those vehicles have spent thousands of pounds maintaining their vehicle on a regular basis have their vehicles replaced after 11 years."

http://goo.gl/PjvGCV

UBER / FACEBOOK PROTOCOL

Yesterday the two Companies issued a press release confirming thier arangement.

A quick google search shows that Facebook is a major player in sexual grooming, indeed you get 10.9 Million hits is less than a second.

A similar google search on sex assaults by Uber driver's returns 1.44 million hits in less than a second.

Now I do not suggest that we something ridiculous like multyplying 10.9 mill by 1.44 mill, BUT, I do suggest that, IF, Uber/Facebook are allowed to launch this system in the UK. Sex atttack figures as we know them, will increase by their thousands.

Judge for yourselves. 



http://goo.gl/vVov7h

Hero passenger tells of how he saved life of taxi driver after M4 truck collision

A HERO passenger has told how he helped save the life of a taxi driver who was seriously injured when a truck ploughed into the back of the car they were traveling in.

Chris Owen described the horrifying moment the taxi, being driven by Karen D’Agostino, was struck with a “splintering crunch” while they were parked on the hard shoulder of the M4, four miles west of junction 13, after the vehicle had broken down.

Karen, who runs Abbey Taxis and the Karen’s Sweet Treats shop in Malmesbury, was knocked unconscious by the impact.

But she was helped immediately thanks to the quick-thinking of her passenger and fellow Malmesbury resident.

Chris, 56, who came out of the crash unscathed, spoke about the incident and how he had thought on his feet to prevent a potential fatality.

He said: “The taxi engine lost power, so Karen pulled over on to the hard shoulder.

“As she was reaching for her AA card a truck hit us square in the back.

“The inside of the car was lit up by headlights from behind, then there was a splintering crunch. The car got kicked about 30 metres down the road.

“The impact was enough to break her chair, and she ended up in the back of the taxi.


“I got an annoying thump in the back of my neck as the car came forward but wasn’t hurt.”

In the moments after the crash, Chris knew he had to react quickly to save Karen’s life.

“She was gurgling, staring at the ceiling unconscious, so I knew I had to get her in position on the seat so her neck was in the correct position so she could breathe,” he explained.

“I angled her head back so her airways were clear. I stayed with her as I was concerned about her laboured breathing and was worried I would have to give her the kiss of life.”

The crash happened on the M4 between junctions 13 and 14, shortly after 6am on Saturday, December 5.

Karen was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford by ambulance where her daughter Teresa met her.

She said: “We had no idea if we’d lost her. It’s amazing that she’s doing as well as she is. She’s a proper fighter.

“She’s doing well – better than we thought. She’s speaking and resting at home.”

Teresa was quick to thank Mr Owens. “We can’t thank him enough,” she said.

“If he wasn’t in the car I hate to think what would have happened. The quick thinking from him is unbelievable, especially as he was shaken up.”

David Gallagher, spokesman for the South Central Ambulance Service, said: “We were called to reports of two cars colliding at high speed.

“We had one male patient with minor injuries who was taken to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and one female patient with serious injuries who was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital. 
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 A Doncaster taxi driver who lost his taxi licence over a decade ago after being jailed for heroin possession has failed in his magistrates’ court bid to get a new one.

A taxi driver who lost his licence after falling asleep at the wheel also failed in his bid to get a new one.

Attiq Mohammed, aged 43, of Elmfield Road, Hyde Park applied to Doncaster Council for a new licence in March 2015.

The authority refused citing his previous character and conviction history.

Mohammed appealed to magistrates on November 26 who heard that his licence was originally revoked after he was imprisoned in 2003 for 8 years for Possession of Heroin with intent to supply.

The court also heard that Mohammed was convicted of Battery in 2012 and disqualified from driving in 2013 following a number of motoring offences. His appeal was dismissed.

At the same sitting, 49 year old Jasbir Singh of Tickhill Road, Balby also appealed to magistrates over the council’s decision to withdraw his licence.

Singh, who worked for Alpha Minicabs, was falling asleep at the wheel during a journey from Doncaster to Thorne in the early hours of 2 August 2015.

The journey ended when his private hire vehicle collided with a central reservation in Moorends.

Councillor Chris McGuinness, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “It is essential that the public have complete confidence in our taxi drivers.

“Doncaster Council takes appropriate measures to ensure that our taxi drivers are safe and trustworthy, and is prepared to revoke or refuse a licence in order to keep the public safe.

“We are pleased to see that once again the courts have supported our decisions. The vast majority of drivers are decent, law abiding people who work very hard to provide a good service to their customers.”

http://goo.gl/zlB4kf
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 UBER Australia.

 Uber is officially legal in New South Wales, following a decision by the cabinet to regulate the ride-sharing service.

The cabinet of the premier, Mike Baird, agreed to legalise the service on Thursday after considering the recommendations from an independent taskforce into the taxi industry and transport providers such as Uber.

A compensation plan will be developed for taxi drivers, who face a significant drop in passengers and revenue.

Uber Australia said the decision was a reflection of Sydneysiders’ support of the service.

“Ride-sharing is not only revolutionising the transportation status quo but also helping make Sydney a more economically vibrant, better connected and more sustainable city,” the general manager of Uber Australia and NZ, David Rohrsheim, said in a statement on Thursday.

The consumer advocacy group Choice said: “We welcome the NSW government’s decision to legalise ride-sharing services. It is another clear win for common sense and stands to increase competition into the point-to-point passenger market in NSW.

“However, all point-to-point rides including Uber and cabs will face a $1 per trip levy to fund taxi licensee compensation. This taxi tax will see all consumers pay more to compensate an industry that refused to innovate or improve its customer service.”

Police say two men were part of a group who allegedly punched drivers and another motorist, stole one of their phones and damaged their cars

NSW is the second jurisdiction in Australia to regulate the Uber. The first was the ACT.

Under the changes, ride-share drivers will need to have hire-car driver authority, which costs $45. They will also have to register their vehicle for business use and undergo the necessary criminal and driving history checks. Vehicles will also need to be checked for safety and be fully insured.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/dec/17/nsw-legalises-uber-compensation-plan-being-prepared-for-taxi-drivers
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    Taxi drivers in Leicester will hold another go-slow protest today which could cause travel misery for many commuters.

Taxi drivers will be driving slowing through the city at rush hour to protest against a penalty points scheme.
When is the protest taking place?

The RMT union said it would be staging a slow moving procession of taxis from 4pm to 7pm today.

They have also confirmed another demonstration for Monday's rush-hour.


Taxi drivers will come into the city along London Rd, into St Georges Way, St Matthews Way and Burleys Way, before turning into Abbey Street, Charles Street, Rutland Street and Belvoir Street.

From there it will go to Welford Place, Welford Rd, Mill Street, Duke Street, Regent Road, Granville Road and back out along London Road, ending at Leicester Racecourse on Palmerston Way.

The RMT union, which represents hackney cab divers in the city, is objecting to council's introduction of a misconduct penalty points scheme for drivers.

The system will mean that drivers who commit offences, ranging from illegal parking to driving unsafe vehicles, will receive points.

When they reach a dozen points they will face a hearing before councillors who may revoke their licences.

RMT Leicester branch secretary Umar Khan said: "My members feel that their livelihoods are at risk as the penalty points scheme could potentially have their licences revoked within several months if drivers collect up to 12 points."

The council has said it hoped the system would improve the standards and behaviour of the city's 1,900 licensed drivers.

But city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby say the new regime is reasonable and there is "absolutely no chance" of the council changing its mind.

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Taxi-drivers-slow-protest-need-know-today-s/story-28384960-detail/story.html
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 Students who find themselves without cash will now be able to get home safely in a Glasgow Taxi, just by using their matriculation card.

Glasgow joins Manchester, Cardiff, Liverpool and a number of other cities from across the UK to join the Safe Taxi scheme.

Through the initiative, Glasgow Taxis Ltd will work with universities and continue to make sure the late night trip home is a safe one for students. Even if they don’t have cash or debit card on them, students will now be able to guarantee payment with their matriculation card.

Stephen Flynn, vice-chairman of Glasgow Taxis said: “Students will be able to access a Safe Taxi by calling Glasgow Taxis and quoting a code available from the university.

The student will then give the driver their student card, and repay the cost to the Students’ Union when they collect their card after one working day.

Gary Paterson, President of the University of Strathclyde Students’ Association, said: “We are delighted to be setting up a scheme with Glasgow Taxis to ensure there is a safety net in place for students who may, for many reasons, not have enough money to get home safely.

Michael Stephenson, President of the Glasgow Caledonian University Students’ Association added: “From time to time students get caught out and end up walking home on their own. we hope the Safe Taxi scheme offers a safer alternative.”

http://www.glasgowsouthandeastwoodextra.co.uk/news/taxi-home-no-cash-no-problem-for-students-1-3977222#ixzz3ueL7P357
-------------------------------------

 MP Metcalfe shows support for Thurrock's Black Taxi drivers

AS a Member of Parliament for an area where a number of Black Cab drivers live, this morning I showed my support for the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) as it launched the Better for London campaign in Westminster, which is calling for Government to give Transport for London (TfL) the power to cap the number of Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) in London.

The campaign champions the benefits of taxis while raising awareness of the longer-term impact of unfettered growth in PHV numbers in London. Central to it are three key positive messages about why black cabs are the better long-term prospect for London:

· Better for the environment – All new taxis to be zero-emissions capable from 2018. We think all Private Hire Vehicles in inner London must match or exceed our emission standards from the same date so we can all breathe cleaner air.

· Better for access – Black cabs remain the only form of public transport in London which is 100% wheelchair-accessible and guide dog-friendly, with drivers trained to support passengers with access requirements.

· Better for passengers – Unlike PHVs, taxis have to prove at all times that they are comprehensively insured – so passengers and other road users know they are covered in the event of any incident – and driven by a professional who knows the streets of London.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA, said, “London is becoming more congested as the number of Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) on its streets has now surpassed 90,000 – up 20,000 in the last year alone. London already tends to register the highest of NO2 of any city in the world, and accidents involving PHVs are on the rise. Taxis are taking the lead in becoming greener and 100% debit and credit card-friendly, whilst being properly insured and fully accessible. We need TfL to take action in the interests of all Londoners and improve air quality, reduce congestion and ensure London continues to benefit from a world-class taxi service.”

McNamara added: “As the regulator for transport in the capital with responsibility for the environment, accessibility, passenger safety and reducing congestion, TfL should be able to decide where the line is drawn.”

Simon Birkett, Founder and Director of Clean Air in London, said: “The next Mayor needs to introduce emissions-based road charging to address the problems of diesel pollution and traffic chaos in our streets. TfL needs to be given the power to cap minicab numbers to keep London moving. 92,000 minicabs should start paying the congestion or emissions charge in full.”

As the LTDA will indicate in its response to the TfL consultation, cabbies also want TfL to ensure all vehicles available for private hire in the capital meet high standards that ensure passenger safety. This includes displaying evidence that they are appropriately insured, and that operators give customers the option to contact them by a landline in order to discuss bookings, trace lost property or make a complaint.

The campaign will run until the Mayoral Election in May 2016. All 11,000 LTDA members will be encouraged to display a window sticker highlighting the benefits of black cabs, with a number featuring wrap-arounds promoting the benefits of taxis. The LTDA will also be pressing the Government and the Mayor to act through its response to TfL’s proposed Private Hire Regulations.

http://www.yourthurrock.com/MPP-Metcalfe-shows-support-Thurrock-s-Black-Taxi/story-28380897-detail/story.html
----------------------------------------
LONDON.

Green Tomatoes PH firm launch Hydrogen Car.


http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/taxi-firm-creates-cab-that-only-emits-water-and-no-harmful-fumes-a3139421.html

Facebook and Uber team up to offer Messenger users taxi trips

Uber users can now book taxis via Facebook Messenger after the two digital giants teamed up.

The social network revealed on Wednesday that it has launched a Transportation option on its messaging service. This will allow people to hail a cab from Uber without them having to download and use the taxi-hailing app's own site.

The two companies hope their users will use the feature when making plans with friends.

"With this new feature, you can request a ride from a car service without ever needing to download an extra app or leave a conversation. It’s super easy and doesn’t take you away from the plans that you’re making with your friends or family," Facebook said.

"Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch, on your way to a concert, or running late for work, Messenger and our partners can get you to your destination faster."

Uber will also provide updates on waiting times via Messenger.

"Driver status updates and payment receipts will get delivered to a private conversation between you and Uber. With everything in one place, you can seamlessly keep track of your ride and payment history," Facebook said.

With more than 1.4bn people using Facebook every month, the deal could unlock a huge revenue stream for both firms.

 Uber's last funding round valued the private company at $50bn, and linking up with the world's largest social network could also make it more socially acceptable.

Uber has faced a barrage of criticism and protests from rival drivers, who claim the service is uncompetitive.

The company is facing questions over its future in London after Transport for London proposed new restrictions on minicab services.

In particular, the restrictions suggest "controls on ridesharing in public vehicles" which would block UberPool - its service that provides rides for much cheaper by allowing passengers to share journeys - in the capital.completely.

The ride-sharing service already runs in cities including Paris, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Boston, with Indian city Bengaluru being the most recent addition to the list.

Facebook said its Uber service is "currently in testing" and will only be available in areas where Uber already operates in the US.

However, "more countries and other transportation partners will be available soon".

http://goo.gl/NZclpm

LONDON..The Peasants are revolting.

On December 4, Uber launched ridesharing service UberPool offering a 25% discount for those who are willing to share rides.

While some passengers welcomed the service on Twitter, the drivers complained that they would be charged higher commission – 35% instead of 25%.

On December 17, the group of drivers will come to Transport for London and ask it to ban UberPool in London.

“Tell TfL NO to UberPool”, they wrote on the forum page of Uberpeople.net. On this site the drivers discussed the commission.

Yaseen Aslam, the Uber driver who blamed Uber for higher commission on Twitter, told that the protest is launched by United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD).

They claim on their website that the association represents private hire drivers of the UK (over 90,000 people as they stated). The campaign has just been launched – the website was open December 2015. So far, UPHD has not replied to an email.

Aslam told: “Apart from the low fare it a serious safety and security concern for drivers”. According to him, many drivers were verbally or physically attacked and abused by riders in the past, and “when drivers are picking more than one passenger the risk is doubled”.

Previously, on November 12, drivers organized a demonstration outside the Uber office in London. They were not happy with commissions increase to 25% from 20%. About 300 drivers gathered that day.

Uber launched this new service despite Transport for London proposed restrictions on minicab services.

In particular, TfL suggested “controls on ridesharing in public vehicles”, and it would block UberPool in London completely.

Uber is allowing customers to share rides with strangers on UberPool in New York and Paris.

http://westminsterworld.com/drivers-are-organizing-a-protest-to-ban-uberpool-in-london/

London's black cab body has started a new battle against Uber as the war between the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) and the popular private hire service continues. The group, which claims to have almost 11,000 members, has launched its "Better for London" campaign to coincide with the 2016 Mayor of London elections.

The LTDA claims black cabs are better for the environment in the capital as all new taxis will be zero-emissions capable from 2018 and that the vehicles are better for passengers as licensed drivers are required to pass the world-famous "knowledge" test and their cabs have wheelchair access.

"London is becoming more congested as the number of private hire vehicles (PHVs) on its streets has now surpassed 90,000 – up 20,000 in the last year alone," said Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the LTDA.

"London already tends to register the highest levels of NO2 of any city in the world, and accidents involving PHVs are on the rise. Taxis are taking the lead in becoming greener and 100% debit and credit card-friendly, while being properly insured and fully accessible."

The campaign also comes before the 23 December closure of Transport for London's (TfL) consultation into PHV regulations. The proposals, among other things, include a requirement for operators to offer a facility for customers to pre-book a week in advance.

McNamara added: "We need TfL to take action in the interests of all Londoners and improve air quality, reduce congestion and ensure London continues to benefit from a world-class taxi service."

Uber, which has claimed to make London's streets "safer from drunk or distracted driving and fostering a more connected, less congested environment", had not responded to a request for a comment at the time of publication.

http://goo.gl/0pHwTO
-----------------------------------

GLASGOW

 Bogus cabbies who tout for business have been nabbed by cops in Glasgow city centre.

As revealed by The Evening Times, rogue taxi drivers are being targeted by officers and enforcement teams during a festive crackdown.

Police warned revellers are putting themselves in danger by getting into a pirate taxi after a night out.

In a bid to deter bogus cabbies, police chiefs have flooded the city centre with frontline officers to target "hotspots".

Rogue taxi drivers were reported by police for a range of offences in the city centre during the weekend.

The 'pirate cabbies' were nabbed in the Finnieston area, as well as busy Sauchiehall Street and West Regent Street.

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, area commander for the city centre, said: "I would strongly advise against walking home alone or getting into a car at an unofficial taxi rank.

"It is illegal for a private hire car to pick up a passenger that has not actually booked that car.

"There is a real safety issue here and getting into a vehicle you are not sure of presents clear risks.

"It may well be that the driver of an unlicensed cab has not gone through the proper safety checks and will almost certainly not be insured.

"To put it simply, it is not worth the risk.

"Only use properly licensed taxis or private hire cars."

The operation is aimed at ensuring revellers are not put at risk by defective vehicles, and also to prevent the "danger" of people getting into unlicensed cars believing the drivers are legal.

The warning comes as a surge of partygoers is expected to invade the city centre this weekend.

The last Friday before Christmas is the traditional office party night.

But it has been spread over two Fridays this year, with a massive influx of partygoers swamping the city last Friday and again this weekend.

Chief Inspector Sutherland added: "We will have additional police resources throughout Glasgow city centre throughout the festive period to maintain public safety and deter criminal activity.

"People are often under the influence of alcohol as they make their way home from festive nights out, so they are potentially vulnerable.

Senior police also encouraged revellers to use the city's Nite-Zones taxi ranks.

The city has six NiteZones in operation over the festive period, at Gordon Street, Sauchiehall Street, Albion Street, West George Street, Byres Road, and Shawlands.

Chief Inspector Sutherland added: "If you go out with a group of friends, stay with that group of friends.

"I would advise anyone planning on heading out to always be aware of your surroundings and stick with your friends.

"People can over-indulge when out socialising at this time of year, which can leave them vulnerable.

"We are committed to protecting people.

"However, individuals have an important role to play in this by making sure they don't drink to excess."

http://goo.gl/RwGmk6

TWO Walsall taxi drivers have been fined for failing to carry a wheelchair passenger in a safe manner after they were caught out in an undercover police officer operation.

Abid Hussain, 47, of Lumley Road, Chuckery and Mohammad Maksud Ali, 40, of Arundel Street have been fined a total of £1,800 after pleading guilty to failing to carry a wheelchair passenger in a safe manner.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader for Walsall Council, said: "This sends out a clear message to taxi and private hire drivers in Walsall that they must respect the needs of every member of our community."

Walsall's licensing enforcement team had originally received complaints from members of the public who alleged drivers had failed to secure wheelchair users and were overcharging them for journeys. The council sent letters to all firms to remind its drivers of the need to guarantee passenger safety, particularly for wheelchair dependant passengers.

In the morning of April 28, 2015, an undercover West Midlands Police officer, who is a wheelchair user and an officer from the council's licensing enforcement team, booked a taxi from Starlight Private Hire for a journey from Dudley Fields Health Centre to Walsall Manor Hospital.

They had informed the radio operator that they required a vehicle suitable to transport a wheelchair user but the court heard that Hussain arrived to collect them in his London TXI Taxi and made no attempt to secure the wheelchair or fasten a seatbelt around the police officer.

He also left the officer facing sideways instead of positioning him facing the rear of the vehicle. Before the journey, the police officer said to the driver that he needed to be strapped in but Hussain said he was safe because the wheelchair's brakes were activated.

Despite repeatedly raising concerns to Hussain he failed to secure the wheelchair properly, even though the seatbelt warning alarm could be heard for the rest of the journey. Upon reaching their destination, Hussain was paid £7 but had failed to set the meter before undertaking the journey.

A similar sting operation was launched at 12.30pm on the same day. This time, a taxi was booked from United Cars, a licensed private hire company in Walsall for a journey from Walsall's Manor Hospital to the Tesco Superstore in the town centre.

Ali arrived in his Hackney cab and initially failed to safely secure the officer in his wheelchair. After a short distance, the officer informed the driver that he didn't feel safe and his wheelchair was not secure. The court heard Ali then pulled over and secured the wheelchair correctly and placed a seatbelt around the passenger.

Both drivers attended formal interviews with Walsall Council's enforcement team and confirmed that neither had secured the wheelchair passenger.

The duo pleaded guilty to carrying a wheelchair passenger in their vehicles unsecured and as such the use of the motor vehicle involved danger of injury to any person carried in it at Walsall Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday, December 14).

Hussain was fined £160 for the wheelchair offence, £20 for failing to bring the taxi meter into action, a £20 victim surcharge, £150 criminal court charge and £600 for costs.

Ali was fined £180 for the wheelchair offence, a £20 victim surcharge, £150 criminal court charge and £500 for costs. Both drivers also received 3 points on their licence.

Cllr Andrew added: "Most drivers in Walsall comply with the law and we commend the service provided, but we will take action where there is a failure to comply with legal requirements.

"It is essential that the public has confidence in the quality of service provided and that public expectations are fulfilled."

http://goo.gl/MQW1OL
-----------------------------------------

Dundee taxi drivers have been threatened with the loss of their licenses after the city’s new taxi marshals caught them engaging in all manner of dodgy driving.

More than 100 complaints have been made in just three weekends. Since the scheme was introduced in November.

Dundee City Council has said it will investigate the catalogue of alleged breaches, which are said to have taken place at the Hawkhill/Brown Street rank.

Inquiries will be carried out into reports of dropping off at the front door of the Grosvenor Casino, on the adjacent roundabout and surrounding issues of queue jumping.

Dundee Taxi Association Chairman Graeme Stephen, who backed the introduction of the marshals, said the sheer number of complaints illustrates the scale of the problem.

He said too many city drivers believe they are “above the law” and said the consequences of breaching the terms of their licences were “on their heads”.

Any taxi drivers found to be in breach of the regulations will be interviewed by council staff and could be referred to the licensing committee.

Ultimately that could lead to offenders having their taxi driver’s licence suspended.

The two marshals hired by the council after months of false starts have been working on Fridays and Saturdays, between 11pm and 4am, since November 20.

Staff are provided by SGL security, with additional support from council officers.

Their presence will be boosted this week with someone at the rank every night in the run up to busy festive period.

http://goo.gl/No8tzG

LONDON.

Cab driver fined £500 for knocking cyclist off bike,

 http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/taxi-driver-fined-for-knocking-highprofile-cycling-campaigner-off-bike-a3135406.html

-------------------------------------


UBER India.



A woman who gave birth in an Uber taxi didn't take long to decide on a baby name.

Babli, from south Delhi, India, gave her taxi driver Shahnawaz permission to name her newborn son after he helped her while she was in labour.

Shahnawaz choice of baby name was 'Uber' after the taxi company, to which Babli agreed.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/12/14/baby-uber-taxi-birth_n_8804252.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-lifestyle&ir=UK+Lifestyle

MANCHESTER

Annie Giles-Quinn, from Collyhurst, was enjoying a night out with a friend in the Northern Quarter on Friday.

At the end of the night, she asked the landlord of The Wheatsheaf, on Oak Street, to call a private hire taxi to pick her up.

But when it arrived the driver refused to take her home because of Annie’s guide dog Mr Quinn.

Video footage, captured on Annie’s smartphone, shows the landlord arguing with the taxi driver outside the pub.

It shows Annie asking him to wind his window down to talk to her, but the taxi driver suddenly reverses down the road and speeds off, almost running over her feet.

She eventually made it home after the landlord asked his barman to give her a lift.

Bosses of the taxi company involved, Club Cars, are now investigating and told the M.E.N. the driver will be immediately suspended once identified, pending the outcome of their investigation.

Annie, 61, said: “You just hope and pray it won’t keep happening. It is not just me it is happening to, it is happening all over the country.

“I have offered to go to these taxi companies to have a meeting and speak about guide dogs. When I talk to them they understand.

“I don’t like going out now when it is busy anymore because I dread the end of the night when I have to get a taxi home.”

Annie, who regularly appears as an extra on Coronation Street, does not want to blame all taxi drivers for the problem and said she often has good experiences.

She said: “Some taxi drivers do love Mr Quinn. Some of them absolutely love him and want to take a picture of him. When I have the time to explain to them and then they understand.”

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/video-watch-moment-taxi-driver-10592650
----------------------------------------
 LEEDS

 A woman was attacked by a man who tried to rape her after she got into what she thought was a taxi in Leeds.

The 23-year-old had been on a night out when she got in the car in the early hours of today (Sunday).


West Yorkshire Police said the driver pulled the car over on the Ring Road at Beeston Park, near to the junction with Gipsy Lane, and got out of the car.


He then opened the passenger door and punched the victim in the face before trying to sexually assault her.

She fought back and got out of the vehicle, which drove off along Gipsy Lane towards Middleton.

The driver was described as white and bald and the vehicle was said to be small, dark-coloured car.

Detective Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said: “This was obviously a frightening experience for the victim and she is being supported by specially-trained officers.

“We are conducting extensive enquiries to trace the man involved and we would urgently like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation.”

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/man-posing-as-taxi-driver-tried-to-rape-passenger-after-punching-her-in-face-in-leeds-1-7621792#ixzz3uH4Cojl5
------------------------------------
UBER, CANADA
 
 A covert investigation has led to charges against roughly 70 Uber drivers and a massive wave of cases set to hit the busy provincial bylaw court.

“We’ve set 70 or so for trial and they keep coming in,” said defence lawyer Paul Moreau, hired by Uber to handle them. “This is sucking up an enormous amount of resources. They’re having to adjourn other cases to make room for this.”

In the first case, heard earlier this fall, the driver was acquitted. The City of Edmonton appealed to the Court of Queen’s Bench and that decision is pending. The second driver was convicted Wednesday. But that case will also be appealed, said Moreau.

The third and fourth cases started this week. Both are tied up with complicated legal debates about the admissibility of evidence: an emailed receipt from Uber to the undercover investigator and the details of what an Uber driver said to the investigator. The investigator, a retired police officer, secretly recorded the conversation without getting approval from a judge.

Four different commissionaires are handling the files, in some cases ruling on essentially the same facts with slightly different arguments at the same time, said Moreau. “This is a really bizarre situation. … I feel like I’m living a movie, only it’s Groundhog Day.”

In the 1993 movie, Bill Murray plays a weatherman who finds himself forced to repeatedly relive the same day.

City officials have consistently refused to say what actions they’ve taken against illegal taxis, except to complain Uber stymied their crackdown by cancelling their investigators’ accounts.

Moreau said in his first case, bylaw officers used the Uber app only to find drivers. Then a young female city employee approached the driver, said her app was broken and offered $20 for a ride. The driver testified he said no, but let the young women into the car while they tried to fix the app. The city employee testified he said yes. Uniformed municipal enforcement officers swooped in as soon as she entered the car.

The second, third and fourth cases all involved a retired police officer who set up an account under a fake name and took 53 rides.

Garry Dziwenka, head of the city’s vehicle-for-hire division, said his officers now issue tickets in batches to avoid constantly having their Uber accounts cancelled. Drivers face $1,400 fines.

As for using court resources, “we take enforcing our vehicle-for-hire bylaw seriously. … We’re hoping it’s a deterrent,” he said, noting changes to the vehicle-for-hire bylaw that returns to council Jan. 26 will increase the fines for driving an illegal taxi to $5,000.

Driver Eyob Mandefro had been with Uber three months before the undercover investigator climbed into his car last April. He received a ticket, but won’t stop driving, he said during a break in the court proceedings. Uber is handling the fine and all the legal details, he said.

Taxi drivers who work for cab companies are forced to work so many hours just to pay their weekly car rental fee, it hurts customer service and their health, Mandefro said.

He used to pay nearly $800 a week for the right to drive a taxi, but sat in his car working for so many hours each day his weight ballooned to 188 pounds. “Now I’m 164 pounds,” he said. “I go to the gym every day. I’m healthy.”

COMMENT
It should be noted the Lawyer for Uber  has previous convictions. He was fined 3000 dollars in 2006 for serious misconduct.

 http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=91fcfd73-1bcf-4222-9ee2-8c30f23d7a87 
 
 

 Uber - one of the biggest companies in the world - launches in Northern Ireland at 4pm today and as the Belfast Telegraph can reveal, its virtual taxi rank is 10,000 people long and all are ready and eager to hop in a cab.

The taxi booking app, as exclusively revealed by this newspaper, invited drivers along to an information session last week and today they will be for hire.

And, for the first time ever, Uber cars will have roof signs to advertise that they are available, something no other city in the world has required the firm to do.

Uber launched in 2009 and has rapidly expanded across the world and is now available in over 300 cities across 67 countries.

It is one of the world’s biggest companies and has been hailed as the fastest growing organisation of all time.

Uber has been reported to have a value in the region of $50billion.

Today’s launch in Belfast is the company’s first in Northern Ireland.

People in need of a taxi simply download the app, it recognises where they are and they can book the nearest cab.

Once dispatched, the customer can see the driver’s photo, name and car registration and can watch the cab travel to them.

Drivers are all fully registered and insured as private hire. They also have to pass an enhanced disclosure and barring service before Uber will take them on.

Customers also have to registered their details with Uber including their credit card.

Fares begin at £2, then £1.10 a mile and 10p per minute. A journey from Belfast City hall to the city airport - depending on traffic - would cost between £7 and £8.

That’s similar to what other firms in Northern Ireland would charge for the same journey.

While smartphones are used by the customer and driver, the devices do not meter the journeys but instead send the travel details to a server for correct calculation.

Taxi drivers have said the registration requirements for customers and the cashless system help aid their safety.

“It’s seamless,” said Kieran Harte, general manager for Uber Belfast.

“Passengers hit a button, the technology knows where they are and as soon as the driver accepts you can watch the car make its way to you.

“It’s empowering for the drivers, they decide when they work and when they are not working they have nothing to pay.”

The firm employs four people in its Belfast office. Drivers are not employed directly by Uber, but are instead partners.

Unique to Uber is that passengers and drivers rate each other at the end of their journey. There have been cases when passengers have been refused service because of bad bahaviour.

Kieran added: “It’s a really strong way for us to ensure accountability and really good levels of service for both passengers and drivers.

“It’s a great relief for the drivers that we are looking after their safety and that we hold customers to the same high level of standards that we expect from them."

Since the Telegraph broke the story, Uber said demand has been phenomenal from drivers wanting to sign up.

Usually the company operates for a period to allow it to build up drivers before fully advertising its availability.

While the company said hundreds had expressed an interest in being a driver, it could not say how many will be on the streets under an Uber sign today.

Crucially, the Saturday night/Sunday morning onslaught of trying to hail a cab to get home looks set to remain, for a while at least.

Kieran added: “We are asking our customers to be patient.

“We know there is lots of demand for our app, over 10,000 already have it in Belfast and have been looking to use it in the city even before we said we were coming.

“This weekend will be very busy with people wanting to trial our service for the first time and it will take us time to bring on more drivers to try and meet supply.”

Thousands have welcomed the company's arrival on a poll on the Belfast Telegraph's website.

Adrian Hanna runs a successful bread and breakfast in the north of the city.

The 50-year-old former graphic designer is among the first in the city to sign up for Uber and is just waiting on the necessary paperwork from the Department of Environment before hitting the streets in his new car.

He said: “I am very used to this platform of working online with the B&B.

“We have guests coming from all over the world and they assume we have Uber here.

"There is the added security of the cashless system and there isn't the fear people will do a runner on you.

“I have been following Uber for a couple of years and once I saw they were coming here I jumped at the chance.

“It is very well-known around the world and it is exciting."

http://goo.gl/p3fPqQ
---------------------------------------
 LONDON

 The black taxi industry has questioned new proposals from Conservative London Assembly member Richard Tracey to eliminate barriers to entry for taxi drivers.

In a report out today, Tracey recommends that the industry implement eight for changes in order to “compete with increasingly popular app-based private hire firms such as Uber”, including reducing the entry requirements for the famous “Knowledge” test by two-thirds.

Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), told City A.M. he questioned why “anybody, anywhere, would suggest lowering the gold standard that London taxis provide”.

“We would be happy to be part of a long-term review about how the knowledge is taught, conducted and tested, subject that there would be a proviso that there would not be any reduction in the standards,” he added.

http://goo.gl/NRMdix
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MERSEYSIDE


Taxi app company Uber has been given licences to operate by Wirral and Knowsley councils.

It follows the decision by Sefton council to give the controversial company a licence earlier this year.

The move expands the number of taxi drivers who will be able to work for the company, although so far no licence has been given by Liverpool city council.

Neil McGonigle, Uber general manager for Merseyside said: “Uber is delighted to now be able to offer the same opportunity to licensed private-hire drivers in Knowsley and the Wirral.

“This includes the advantages that the Uber app can offer in terms of safety, flexibility and economic opportunity.

“This licensing approval comes at an ideal time as we enter the busy festive season, and will help Uber better serve the thousands of riders that are signing up to use Uber in Merseyside every week.”

In Merseyside established taxi drivers have been unhappy about the company coming to the local market which they have said is already saturated and that many local firms already offer app-based private hire services.

Uber has also hit headlines around the world over concerns about how it ensures passenger safety, its charging system and claims it is forcing traditional cab drivers out of business.

However, in October Uber claimed it was being treated unfairly after a decision on their bid to operate in Liverpool was again put off.

At the time the city council’s licensing committee instead began a consultation on changes to their conditions for allowing private hire companies to work in the city.

City councillors put a halt on granting “current or future” applications from “App-based private hire operators” until that consultation was completed.

Following the decisions by Knowsley and Wirral councils Mr McGonigle said: “Unfortunately, we are still unable to accept Liverpool licensed private-hire drivers on the Uber app. We are currently waiting for Liverpool City Council to update their conditions before they will further consider our operator’s license.

“We are looking forward to working with the council in the New Year to make progress on our application and in the meantime we are supporting Liverpool licensed drivers who want to switch their badges to have access to the same opportunities that are available to their Sefton, Knowsley and Wirral counterparts.”

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/knowsley-wirral-councils-grant-licences-10582081

100 taxi drivers protest against Gloucester City Council plans to make them retake driving tests

Around 100 Hackney Carriage drivers were in attendance at Gloucester City Council's licensing and enforcement committee last night to protest against plans to make them retake their driving test.

The Gloucester Hackney Carriage Association was out in force and queried the plans at the meeting, stating their disgust at the plans.

The plans mean taxi drivers must be retested every 10 years at their own expense, which could cost up to £112 per test.

Chas Rodgers, a member of the Gloucester Hackney Carriage Association, said: "I have been driving for over 41 years and to say I am no longer competent in my job is ridiculous.


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"This change has already cost one man his job and thousands of pounds."

The drivers did question the change in the meeting but as it was deemed not in relation to the agenda they were not given a response on the night.

Following the public questions the drivers left and held an open air meeting on the steps outside Gloucester City Council.

Nunu Miar, of Five Star Taxis, said: "If the doctors can go on strike over changes to their contract, I don't see why we shouldn't do the same."

As the issue was not related to the agenda Gloucester City Council could not discuss the matter.

However, in a previous statement Lisa Jones, Gloucester City Council's food, licensing and markets manager, said: "We changed our policy following a request from the hackney carriage and private hire trade to replace the Gloucestershire Road Safety Assessment with the DVSA.

"Many councils require taxi drivers to take some form of test to ensure they meet the standards to deliver an important service to residents safely.

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 LEICESTER mayor Sir Peter Soulsby is to remove taxi ranks outside the railway station as union bosses have warned they will "step up" their protests in the on-running battle over a new cabbies' misconduct scheme.

The city council and the RMT union, representing 325 city hackney drivers, have been locked in a dispute for weeks.

It has seen cabbies carry out three rush hour go-slow convoy protests around the city causing widespread disruption and congestion.

Sir Peter warned the protesting hackney cab drivers he would strip them of privileges and end "special considerations" granted to the trade if they persisted with the actions


Now Sir Peter told the Mercury he will remove the experimental ranks near the station - one of the busiest areas for trade for the hackney cabs.

Two cab spaces on Slate Street and part of one rank, with two spaces, on Conduit Street will be removed.

The council needs to give seven days notice before it can start work but will then reinstate the previous double yellows on Conduit Street and single yellows on Slate Street.

Sir Peter said: "The drivers have no particular right to taxi ranks. We grant them as a privilege."

The mayor said he would pause any action on tightening restrictions on the age taxis need to be withdrawn from service and ending the "artificial" cap on the number of drivers' licences granted.

RMT regional organiser Ken Usher said: "So the mayor wants to widen this dispute to affect the travelling public and visitors to the city (by removing ranks outside the station)

"Our beef is not with the citizens of Leicester but the mayor wants to spread this out."

Mr Usher said the union could "step up" its campaign.

He said: "We could hold a protest every day."

He also said the RMT could ask other unions, through the Trade Unions Council, to disrupt council services by raising their own grievances in a co-ordinated way.

He said: "There are unions which have issues with the council - entirely separate to this - which are on the back burner but they could turn the gas up on them"

Mr Usher said RMT also had contacts in the higher echelons of the Labour Party who could bring pressure to bear on the mayor.

He said he would discuss with local RMT members any further action in terms of protests.

On RMT member told the Mercury this could include protests in the morning to affect the school run and a static demonstration outside City Hall.

Mr Usher said further disruption could be avoided if the mayor agreed to negotiate over the disciplinary scheme, in force since December 1, but he said Sir Peter was being obstinate.

He said: "I will meet him any place, anywhere and any time.

"We could go for a cup of tea and get this sorted.

"We don't want to be treated like scolded children."

Sir Peter said: "There will be no negotiations over what is a perfectly reasonable and fair scheme.

"What part of "No Chance" does he not understand?

"I would be very surprised if anyone at the TUC has any sympathy with the taxi drivers.

"I would be equally surprised if anybody high up in Labour Party would have any sympathy.

"The idea they could go and find some else's shoulder to cry on there is strange."

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