Cab driver who splashed £6k on gadgets for 'Virtual Taxi' hopes to bring plush vehicle to Scotland
A taxi driver who pimped his ride with £6k worth of gadgets is hoping for a fare to Scotland to test out his new wheels.
Mark Bates spared no expense when he installed an HD 17 inch TV, free wifi, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and even a virtual reality headset in his taxi.
The 55-year-old, from Swindon, Wiltshire, wanted to have the slickest ride in town when he started his new business after a ‘strange dream’ inspired him.
He said: "I'm a taxi driver who's up for driving anywhere, if someone said I need a ride to Scotland I'd say ‘let's rock and roll’."
"I really enjoy my job, and about 18 months ago after a strange dream it just dawned on me that 'The Virtual Taxi' was a business venture which I wanted to pursue and make a success of.
"There has been some hiccups along the way like there is in any new start up business.
"I've destroyed three separate PlayStation consoles by using the wrong inverter which was frustrating, but we got there in the end.
"I really feel like I have one wheel off the ground now and this thing is starting to take off. I couldn't be happier and can't wait to expand the business further."
He first installed a TV in his £38,000 car in January 2019, and has added more gadgets ever since.
Mark, who has been driving taxis for 21 years, plans to buy and renovate more vehicles, to create a fleet of luxury taxis.
