Taxi Driver Online

While since I've read a station access article, but this one is fairly typical of the genre

Not sure what the point is of the two very similar photos, but the one at the bottom is higher-res, for what it's worth


Cabbies hit out at Bournemouth Railway Station over taxi rank proposal

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/ ... k-proposal


Image: Bournemouth Echo

INDEPENDENT cabbies are calling out Bournemouth Railway Station over reported proposals to lease its rank to a large taxi firm.

Around 100 Hackney drivers, part of the Bournemouth taxi rank association, have signed a petition to South Western Railway against the reported changes.

Ahmed Mohamed, representing the association, said a proposal has been made to lease the taxi rank outside the train station to United Taxis.

He said the rank is not just a location, but Hackney drivers’ livelihood.

“For nearly six decades, more than 70 independent taxi drivers have relied on this rank to support their families, pay bills, and provide a vital transport service to the public,” said Ahmed.

“Many of us have worked here for over 15 years, building trust with passengers and faithfully serving the community.

“Any lease to United Taxis would jeopardise decades of dedicated work and threaten the survival of drivers who rely exclusively on this station.”

Ahmed added that displacing the 100 independent drivers from the station rank would also cause congestion in the town centre where there is a shortage of taxi ranks.

He has called out to South Western Railway for its ‘lack of consultation and transparency with those who it would effect the most’.

“Excluding drivers from the process raises serious concerns about transparency and fair decision-making.”

Ahmed said most Hackney drivers have worked from the station rank for decades and have built a relationship with their customers.

“Restricting access would create severe financial hardship for families who depend on this rank.”

Ahmed added: “This issue is not solely about business, it concerns the survival of families who have devoted their working lives to this station, as well as the interests of passengers who depend on reliable and fairly priced taxi services.

“We therefore urge South Western Railway to engage directly and transparently with the drivers currently using this rank before any decisions are made regarding United Taxis’ proposal.”

One driver, who did not wish to be named, said: “For many Hackney drivers, taxi ranks are not just a convenience but their livelihood, the equivalent of an office desk or shopfront.

“Losing access to the station puts their jobs, families, and futures at risk.”

South Western Railway were contacted for a comment but did not respond by time of publication.

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/resou ... s/19949976

Quite a few comments critical of the station drivers - this one seems to encapsulate a lot of the criticisms made:

They'll get more of the same just with a different name on the door

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

I wonder if the number of taxis allowed to ply there is limited or a closed shop.

Which would make more sense the firm taking it over.

But looking at that rank, I wonder if there is room to place the rank, or a new council-appointed rank quite near.

_________________
IDFIMH

An overload of blather here, and not much concrete info.

But looks like an exclusive rank in favour of a circuit is now being opened up again to anyone willing to pay the required fee

And a new photo as well - quite a sharp dresser compared to the average trade rep

To be fair, that's how I'm normally dressed on the ranks. You know, while picking up the pi$hheads at midnight


Bournemouth taxi drivers welcome fairer station rank system

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/ ... nk-system/

A LONG-RUNNING campaign has welcomed a fairer system for taxi drivers at a major transport hub.

Bournemouth Taxi Rank Association has welcomed recent changes at Bournemouth Railway Station, which it says will provide greater transparency and opportunities for licensed drivers following months of advocacy and discussions.

Ahmed Mohammed, a representative of the association and treasurer of the BCP Taxi and Private Hire Association said: "For nearly eight months, I have been actively advocating for the interests of local licensed taxi drivers and for a fair and accessible arrangement concerning the Bournemouth Station taxi rank.

"I am therefore extremely pleased that South Western Railway has now returned to public ownership and that we are seeing a more open and positive approach developing at Bournemouth Station.

"For Bournemouth’s taxi drivers, this is more than a change in arrangements.

"It is recognition of the people who have served this town for generations and who continue to provide an important service to the travelling public."

As part of the changes, South Western Railway (SWR) plans to return its online permit portal from 1 December, allowing eligible licensed Hackney Carriage drivers to apply through the online portal and make the relevant permit payments directly.

This system is intended to create a level playing field for all qualified drivers.

Ahmed said: "We warmly welcome this development as an important step towards a more open, transparent and accessible arrangement, giving eligible local drivers the opportunity to apply on the same basis and continue providing an important service to passengers, visitors and the wider Bournemouth community."

Bournemouth Station serves as a key transport interchange, connecting rail, coach, and bus passengers with the surrounding area.

Taxi drivers have supported the station for decades, with some having worked in the area for up to 50 years.

Ahmed added: "We are therefore extremely pleased to see a more open and fair opportunity returning to the local taxi trade.

He said the changes reflect a broader principle that public services and assets should operate in a way that is fair, transparent, and beneficial to the community they serve.

He said: "The return of a direct opportunity for eligible local licensed taxi drivers is something we warmly welcome."

He also thanked South Western Railway and the Government for supporting the move.

Ahmed said: "This is a moment to say thank you to the Government for the wider change to public ownership, to South Western Railway, and to the local management and staff who have helped make this new chapter possible.

"We are proud to serve Bournemouth, proud of our profession, and grateful to see a fairer future for local licensed taxi drivers."