A Runcorn man has been jailed for nine months after racially abusing and assaulting a Hungarian taxi driver.

Mark Stephen Davies, 32, from Porthleven Road, Runcorn appeared at Chester Crown Court on 23 August to be sentenced after pleading guilty to racially aggravated assault and racially aggravated criminal damage.

At around 7pm on 20 March, a taxi driver collected Davies and a woman from an address in West Bank, Widnes.

They stopped in Ridding Lane Runcorn and the fare was put to Davies who objected to the price and paying the toll fee. An argument between him and the taxi driver ensued. Davies then became racially abusive toward the taxi driver and assaulted him.

He also smashed small rear window of vehicle and offside driver wing mirror before making off.

DC Phil Brown said: “The taxi driver was simply doing his job and should not have been racially abused or assaulted in the course of his work. I hope that Davies now realises that we will not put up with behaviour that insults or discriminates against people who should be welcomed in our community and that the Police will take strong action against such behaviour.”

https://bit.ly/2lZsTkH 
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 LONDON

A Transport for London (TfL) study and survey by Loughborough University looking into fatigue amongst London bus drivers found that 21% of respondents had to ‘fight sleepiness’ two to three times a week.

It also found drivers are doing extra hours because of low levels of pay.

The London Assembly Transport Committee is currently investigating bus safety in the capital and will be considering this report to form part of its final recommendations to the Mayor and TfL.

In response, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Florence Eshalomi, said:

“We welcome this report by Loughborough University. The findings in this study are very concerning.

“The Mayor and TfL must urgently review the state of affairs for bus drivers in London.

“Figures like 36% of survey respondents having a ‘close call’ because of tiredness in the last 12 months is far too high. It is dangerous for the driver, passengers and other road users.

“The Transport Committee will be keeping a close eye on this issue during our ongoing investigation into bus safety.”

https://bit.ly/2kteE75
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UBERK Kiosk, coming soon to an Airport near you

Ride-sharing giants Uber have rolled out a ride-booking kiosk at Toronto's Pearson International Airport which allows passengers to order a car without the need of a smartphone.

The company says the 'Arcade like' kiosks are designed to create greater access for travellers who might have a difficult time using the app because of language or tech issues.

Uber said: “At this time, people are limited by phone, network availability, and limited data plans in using our services. For instance, according to the Pew Research Center, 23 percent of American adults do not have smartphones. 

“This is a market full of people missing out on the opportunity to use our products, services, and driver partner programs. Kiosks can be a dependable resource for a number of people, including those who may need a ride from point A to point B, without a smartphone or data connection.

“Additionally, travelers in foreign countries with no data plan could book rides from a kiosk, if we incorporate that capability.”

Uber already have interactive kiosks placed in malls around the San Francisco Bay Area, focused on recruiting new drivers to the platform and assisting current drivers.
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LONDON

Taxi drivers should NOT be expected to offer ‘cash-back’ facility to passengers says London Mayor

London taxi drivers should not be expected to offer a ‘cash-back’ facility whilst working said the London Mayor.

Sadiq Khan has ruled out the service being offered to passengers due to the risks attached carrying large sums of money.

The news comes following a question put forward by London Assembly Member Davis Kurten. He asked the Mayor who decides whether cashback is a facility that can be provided, and what mechanisms does TfL have to stop a taxi driver providing this?

Khan responded by saying: “Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the conditions of fitness for London cabs including that cabs must be fitted with an approved card payment device.  The list of approved devices and their specifications is published on TfL’s website.

“Card payment devices do not currently provide for cashback and I would be concerned about taxi drivers needing to carry large amounts of money"