Preston taxi firm launches commission-based rent to help struggling city cabbies
https://www.blogpreston.co.uk/2020/11/p ... y-cabbies/
Image: Blog Preston
A Preston cab firm has introduced a commission-based fee for their drivers because of a general decrease in trips caused by coronavirus lockdown.
With minimal movements of the people due to pubs, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres and other businesses being shut down, cab businesses are also hit hard by the lockdown meaning fewer trips and resulting in cabbies struggle to pay their weekly ‘rent’.
But Ashton Allied Taxis has gone a different route to address the issue.
Mr Usman who runs Ashton Allied Taxi, said: “Lots of drivers were complaining of the lack of business.
“It did not make sense, us, charging them a fixed rent when there was not much going on out there. We can only justify our rent to the drivers if there is enough work out there.
“Unfortunately all sorts of activities have stopped because of the lockdown. Other firms have slashed their rent by a small margin but their drivers are still not happy so I had to introduce a system acceptable to everyone and fairer on every one because I respect my drivers.”
Zahoor Afridi, who works for Ashton Allied taxi said: “We have lost 70% of the business. With this new system, now I do not have to worry about company fee whether I work a day or the whole week.
“I am free from my financial obligation of paying a fixed weekly fee. It is a fair system and should continue even after the pandemic.”
Another driver Mr Manzoor said: “There is still a minimum fee under this system but the commission-based rent is much better system. It is a timely step in the right direction because of the financial turmoil that we are going through now.”
Other firms in the city have also slashed their rents to make it proportionate to the decreasing number of trips.
Millers taxis who charged £130 previously are now charging £100.
AAA TAXI are £84 compared to their full £120.
New City VIP Taxi are charging £40 only compared to their full normal rent of £120.
