NEWPORT SOUTH WALES

THE cashless taxi app Uber is set to launch in Newport tomorrow at 4pm, adding Newport to its UK city base.

While highly popular and easy to use, the system has caused controversy among taxi firms and drivers, who fear the digital fares will force them out of business.

Newport will become the second Welsh city after Cardiff to welcome Uber to its streets, adding to more than 20 cities across the UK where it is in operation.

“We’re really excited to be launching our second city in Wales this Friday,” said Fouzan Ali, the general manager for Uber in Wales.

“Already tens of thousands of people have used the Uber app in Cardiff and now we’re able to offer the same safe, convenient and affordable experience in Newport."

The app operates by allowing users to book a licensed private hire driver at the touch of a button through the smartphone app.

Passengers pay for their fare using the app, which takes the money from the rider’s registered bank card.

All drivers using the Uber app in the UK are licensed for private hire and Newport drivers will have a licence from Newport City Council.

This includes an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check – which is the same process black cab drivers, teachers and care workers go through.

“This launch also means that locally licensed private-hire drivers can now apply to use the Uber app and become their own boss - choosing when and where they want to work,” he added.

With the app, an example journey from Newport Station to the Royal Gwent Hospital would cost around £3.50.

Taxi drivers have raised their concerns over the app, with some fearing it will force them out of the market.

Previously, David Bryant from Newport’s Dragon Taxis said: “It’s the guys on the road, the taxi drivers, who are going to suffer. There’s no taxi firms making money at the moment.

“I’m nearly 59 years old and I’m having to work 10 hours a day because fares are so low.”

https://goo.gl/lAH0TM

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BOLTON

 A MAN who reversed over a taxi driver with his own cab while drunk has been banned from driving for 18 months.

Anthony Nolan, of Stonedelph Close, Ainsworth, admitted getting into the driver’s seat of the Elton Bullitt taxi on October 25 last year and reversing over the driver, Abdul Chaudhary, who had got out of the vehicle because he was scared of Nolan’s dog.

Bolton Crown Court heard on Monday that the 45-year-old and a friend had taken the taxi to Back Bolton Road, where he got out of the car to collect the Staffordshire bull terrier from his ex-partner’s house. 

 The driver, who is allergic to dogs, jumped out of the car when Nolan brought the animal inside it.

Nolan then walked around to the driver’s side of the vehicle as the dog followed the driver, switched the engine on and reversed the car back slowly, hitting the driver, before fleeing the scene.

In statements submitted to the court, Mr Chaudhary described his injuries as “severe” and “life-threatening”, adding that his work had suffered since then because he is in a “constant state of fear.”

However, Rachel Cooper, prosecuting, said that he had lost consciousness as he fell to the ground and suffered a cut above his eye and abrasions to his knee.

Daniel Gaskell, defending, said that Nolan accepted the facts of the case, despite having no recollection of the night because of his drunken state, and expressed remorse for his actions. 


https://goo.gl/G4O4aN

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LOS ANGELES

It's every taxi passenger's worst nightmare – climbing into a cab, only for the driver to fall asleep and lose control.

However, it became a reality for a number of Los Angeles residents, who found themselves the butt of a YouTuber's prank. 

Self-described 'craziest and most creative Asian prankster alive' Josh Paler Lin, took to the wheel of a Tesla Model S to take fares around the Californian city – all the while dressed as an elderly man.

Falling asleep, watching porn and getting stuck between the rear seats are just a few of the pranks he pulled, while the terrified passengers sat in the rear seats, unaware that the car was in fact on autopilot mode, and driving itself. 

Lin also tries out the model's insane mode, further scaring his fares. 

He eventually reveals the ruse to the passengers, who respond with shock, and relief that they weren't in danger after all. 

http://cars.aol.co.uk/2016/09/28/youtuber-pranks-taxi-passengers-in-a-tesla/?

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A Sheffield taxi firm has expanded again claiming another acquisition is to challenge the rise of Uber and to 'project jobs'.

Sheffield’s City Taxis is now the UK’s third largest independent operator after buying Chesterfield-based Club Taxis.

City, who merged with Sheffield’s Mercury Taxis just over a year ago, bought Ace Taxis, Barnsley’s second biggest firm in July, preserving all 55 drivers and call centre staff.

The Sheffield firm confirmed other acquisitions across Sheffield City Region 'were in the pipeline'

City’s managing director Arnie Singh said: "Consolidation is happening in our industry on a national scale right now- this is just the start in our local area as we introduce our efficiencies into other taxi firms. With technology making such mergers easier, we believe the industry will see many more over the next five years.

"Our directors are keen to expand across the city region, to protect and defend local jobs for local people against the resources of Google-backed US global brand, Uber."

“Our first Derbyshire acquisition is the well-regarded Club Taxis in Chesterfield, Derbyshire’s market leader and another long established family business with 170 cars and 19 call centre staff. Club operate to our own high service levels by embracing the latest technology in taxi dispatch and telephony services.

Club’s managing director Scott Ashmore welcomed the deal. He said: “We see this as a progressive move for Club.

"All local jobs will be preserved and customers will find the same friendly, knowledgeable drivers and contact number they are used to. Plus, customers in neighboring towns will receive an improved service. The company will adopt the City name and livery but prices will stay the same.”

City Taxis now has a turnover of £7.7 million and completes over 100,000 miles each week across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

https://goo.gl/6yGhLR