TEESIDE
ViaVan, the joint venture between the global on-demand shared transport firm Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans, has announced a new demand responsive transport system in Tees Valley in partnership with Stagecoach Group, the public transport provider in the United Kingdom.
Called Tees Flex, the new service aims to provide a new form of public transport focused on comfort, flexibility, and affordability, while reducing traffic congestion and pollution caused by carbon emissions.
Tees Flex is powered by nine new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. The on-demand service aims to provide reliable, convenient transport for residents in more isolated communities across the region, with some rides costing 50p – or free for some residents.
The technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.
https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/96685/viavan-and-stagecoach-launch-on-demand-transport-service-in-tees-valley/
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EDINBURGH
A bitter dispute between private hire drivers and the black cab trade continued as the lack of a cap on the number of private hire licences was described as “decimating” the taxi trade.
Following pressure from critics within the taxi trade, Edinburgh City Council’s Regulatory Committee voted for a survey to be undertaken on potential overprovision.
Jacqueline Dunn, speaking on behalf of the Edinburgh Cab Branch of Unite, labelled uncontrolled growth in the number of private hire drivers as “hypocritical” alongside the council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Addressing the committee, she said: “This is decimating the taxi trade and it is limiting the ability for us to compete due to predatory pricing and surging, and is not ensuring the needs of the customer from safety to price.
“We are seeing a drop in the number of taxi drivers not renewing their licence with a loss of 185 drivers in the last year due to increasing private hire car numbers and the extortionate running costs of putting a taxi on the circuit.”
Ms Dunn also accused Uber for wanting to rid the city of the black cab trade.
She said: “This wilful act of systematic decimation of a long established taxi trade in Edinburgh is happening by allowing an unprecedented number of private hire cars to work for Uber.
“We have our own language, rituals and code of conduct but we have always served the city, it’s citizens and visitors.”
Kevin Woodburn, who spoke for the Private Hire Drivers’ Association, said: “We have a view coming from a particular element of the taxi trade, not the entire taxi trade, and it seems to be focusing on a situation where we have too much competition in the marketplace for their liking.
“That, to me, is how this has all panned out. Is this so-called allegation going on because there are too many private hire cars or indeed it is because there are not enough black taxis out there working the streets when they should be.”
Matthew Eastwood, of Uber Scotland, added: “Our experience is that the private hire car market in Edinburgh is significantly undersupplied for the demand that we see for.
“Uber’s view is that the council should not restrict numbers as such a restriction would be bad for the city’s residents and visitors, bad for competition, and could potentially have significant safety implications.”
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/council/private-hire-cars-decimating-taxi-trade-edinburgh-bitter-row-continues-2445410
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MERSEYSIDE
ComfortDelGro spends £7million to acquire third largest taxi and private hire firm in Merseyside
ComfortDelGro Corporation has announced its expansion in the United Kingdom through a £7million acquisition of the third largest taxi and private hire operator in the Liverpool City Region.
The purchase of Argyle Satellite Ltd and Argyle Satellite Contract Services Ltd (collectively known as AST) will be conducted through the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CityFleet Networks Limited.
AST, which manages more than 700 self-employed drivers on its circuit and handles about 200 active corporate accounts, will complement CityFleet’s existing 400-strong taxi operation in Liverpool.
ComfortDelGro Managing Director/Group CEO, Mr Yang Ban Seng, said: “This acquisition is line with our intention to grow our operations in the UK outside of London.
“It will expand, synergise and consolidate our position as the leading point-to-point passenger transport operator in Liverpool through an expansion of the customer base and driver pool.”
Besides taxi and private hire operations in Liverpool, the Group operates a fleet of about 3,000 radio taxis in London and Aberdeen.
In the lead-up to the purchase, Argyle Satellite has seen success after its foundation in 2017, overseeing a 40% growth in fleet size over the last three years, servicing 4million journeys in the process.
Argyle Satellite sources say they will continue to provide the best possible service under the new ownership, with the aim to enhance its reputation as the Wirral’s 'largest and most trusted' taxi company.
https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/comfortdelgro-spends-7million-to-acquire-third-largest-taxi-and-private-hire-firm-in-merseyside
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