Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers issue plea to use bus lanes around Basildon

TAXI drivers want to be able to use more bus lanes around Basildon in a bid to save money and fuel. Taxis can only use part of the lane in Southernhay for access to their main rank, and another outside Basildon Hospital leading to Ashdon Way.

But many drivers feel Essex County Council’s choice to prevent them using all other bus lanes in Basildon is costing them money and causing longer journeys for customers Ben Fuente, a cabbie and Unite union rep, feels the fact drivers cannot use the lanes is stupid, particularly as they are doing a similar job to bus drivers.

Mr Fuente said: “We are all professional drivers and we just want to serve the public of Basildon and give them the shortest possible route, like we are supposed to be doing anyway.

“By 7.30pm each night, most of the buses servicing Basildon are back in the bus terminus so they are not using the lanes, but we are still not allowed. “There are other areas where Essex County Council has given permission for taxi drivers to use bus lanes, but they just seem to be dragging their feet with Basildon.”

The lack of action is causing other cab drivers to become frustrated, especially as diesel is becoming more expensive. Another driver, Ralph Morgan, said: “The lane on the Laindon Link for example is not open to taxis, but if it was it could save passengers in the region of 40 to 60 pence for a journey, and it would also make it easier and quicker for us to get back into the town, saving money on fuel.”

Essex County Council said it would look into the possibility of allowing taxis to use the lanes in Basildon. A spokesman said: “We will assess the impact of allowing taxis in bus lanes throughout Basildon and assess requirements, such as new traffic signals.

“We will evaluate the results of this assessment before any further decisions are taken.”

_________________
IDFIMH