Taxi Driver Online

Taxi! Could new app solve city's over-ranking issues?


ENTREPRENEURS from Worcester have created a taxi app they believe will help solve some of the issues around the taxi trade in the city.

Sarfaraz Yousef and Ausman Shaukat have set up My Taxi App, an online taxi booking service along the lines of the popular Uber app.

It means passengers will be able to connect directly with drivers via the app on their smartphone and track exactly where they are in real-time.

They will also be able to pay through the app and leave feedback on their experience.

We have previously reported how the over-ranking of taxi drivers has clogged the city and in 2014 the city council agreed their first ever cap of 230 licenses.

The men believe the app could help to combat some of the issues around over-ranking and pollution in the city centre.

They say they expect to see some opposition from established drivers who do not want to embrace the change, but Worcester Taxi Drivers Association says it will welcome the competition.

Mr Shaukat said: "Smartphones are changing the way things are done but places like Worcester are lagging behind.

"In certain places the drivers don't want to change."

However, Mr Yousef said: "It means they don't have to sit in town waiting for work.

"It's getting the drivers to spread out rather than be in one point.

"There's been the over-ranking issue."

Mr Shaukat added: "From the customer's point of view there are many benefits. You can see the vehicle license.

"It takes away the waiting.

"You can see the driver's details so it's very safe."

The businessmen say they want to be the first to market with their app and would use Worcester-based drivers with a focus on professionalism.

They believe otherwise an organisation, such as Uber, may soon set up in the city and bring in drivers from further afield.

Twenty-five drivers will be taking part in an induction for the company this weekend with a view to the app being launched before Christmas.
Lesley Borthwick, from the Worcester Taxi Drivers Association, said: "I'm always in favour of change and competition.

"As long as they have drivers who are licensed for the area they are working in and they are all CRB checked, then good luck to them really.

"I always believe if you give a good service then you will keep your customers."

source: http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/148 ... g_issues_/

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

oh and another uber/halo clone joining the fray

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

If only someone else could have thought of that.

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IDFIMH

Think that particular boat sailed past a few years ago.

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IDFIMH