Taxi Driver Online

Interesting piece - haven't got a screen myself, but did wonder how it might change the driver-passenger 'dynamic'

Did think it might make things slightly more impersonal, but not to the extent it might make punters cockier and even encourage them to do a runner, but I can certainly see where this guy is coming from.

Of course, normally the argument about screens in saloons is more about protecting the drivers from assault rather than a virus. But ironic that something intended to protect the driver could work to their detriment at the same time


UNFARE DODGERS Taxis with plastic Covid screens targeted by thugs who run off without paying

https://www.thesun.ie/news/6340265/taxi ... ing-thugs/

TAXIS with plastic Covid screens inside are being ­targeted by thugs who run off without paying.

The Taxi Alliance of ­Ireland’s Gerry Macken said yobs believe the protective barrier indicates the cabbie is “vulnerable” and unlikely to give chase if they flee.

The Covid stopper also prevents drivers from reaching back and grabbing anyone attempting to sprint off without paying.

Mr Macken told the Irish Sun: “Many of these fares would have been quite substantial.

"Lads are getting calls in from Balbriggan to Sheriff Street and other areas of Dublin city centre and their ­passengers are doing runners.

“It seems to take place in certain areas of the city and it’s always young guys in their teens who are doing it.

"The last lad I heard about is an Asian driver and they gave him a string of abuse as they were running off.

“Obviously if you’re a lone driver and there’s two or three of them, there’s nothing you can really do. They have got so cocky. Even if there are cameras in the cars, they don’t care.”

Mr Macken, who said some drivers paid €500 for their screen, added: “It’s definitely got more prevalent since the screens came in.

"The perception of the screen for some of them when they get in is that the driver is afraid of what’s going on around him and is vulnerable. It doesn’t occur to them that it was put in for their own safety.

“I used to have a car with a screen myself because it was in it when I bought it and I ended up having to take it out.

"Because lads were banging on it when you were doing early morning work saying, ‘Are you afraid in there?’ That’s what you’d get. They think you’re cowering in your boots.”

Yes, I'm doing that all the time

Struggle to see how a screen promotes runners.

Runners don't give two hoots about screens, they just don't want to pay.

However CCTV will help deal with runners.

_________________
IDFIMH