Not sure precisely what kind of drivers Bolt use in Ireland, but if this was the UK then their Head of Operations would certainly be blurring the lines between street hails and pre-booked runs, and effectively encouraging people to hail private hire cars in the street.
And, anyway, why would an app-provider be giving the public tips on hailing cars in the street?
Otherwise, the advice is generally sound, unless of course you're one of the punters stuck in the middle of it all, while people are hailing and booking cars away from the throng.
Also interesting is how he portrays drivers as being so ready to cancel runs if the pick-up environment is, er, sub-optimal. Would certainly rarely happen like that in the traditional trade, but I suppose that's maybe at least partly to do with ensuring Bolt drivers retain self-employment status - the more drivers are controlled, the more likely the are to be deemed NOT self-employed. (Although I'm not precisely sure how that's all playing out in Ireland, but the employment status issue has been a worldwide one since Uber arrived on the scene.)
CAB CHAOS Urgent taxi warning to punters over Halloween bank holiday weekend – as taxi chiefs offer five tips for nabbing lifthttps://www.thesun.ie/money/9635450/urg ... five-tips/PUNTERS could be in for a long night this bank holiday weekend with taxi chiefs forecasting a high level of demand for lifts home.With this being the first traditional Halloween season since 2019, thousands of revelers are expected to flood out of pubs and nightclubs at peak closing times.
Head of Operations at Bolt Ireland, Neil Cuthill has provided tips for passengers to increase their chances of nabbing a taxi quickly after a night out.
Bolt have advised passengers to plan their journey in and out of town in advance of the busy night - as the taxi industry have been put under pressure following a decline in drivers after a "difficult" two years post Covid.
Mr Cuthill explained: "Many drivers have left the industry and, presently, many current drivers prefer working daytime shifts, which is putting pressure on drivers as there is often not enough to meet the demand levels at peak times.
"We actively encourage our drivers to work high-demand shifts - i.e. Friday and weekend nights - on an ongoing basis.
"Not only is there an increased financial incentive with increased fares and the added demand, taxi drivers play a pivotal role in Dublin's nightlife, ensuring people get home safely after a night out."
He said: "Looking ahead to the long weekend, I would have several tips for those struggling to secure a taxi.
"Walk a few blocks away from the busy points in town. For example, if you are on Harcourt Street, try walking a few blocks away - even if it means a short walk to Rathmines.
"A driver is much more likely to accept a trip in a quieter location as there is less traffic and you are much easier to identify in a less crowded area.
"Drivers know where the demand is, so if you walk away from the areas with all the pubs and clubs, there's a good chance you will catch them when they are on their return journey from another fare.
"This is particularly useful for hailing a driver on the street."
Mr Cuthill also advised people to share taxis home with their friends, when possible.
SHARE TAXIS HOME IF POSSIBLEHe explained: "When practical, it is an effective way to get more people home in one journey.
"For example, if one passenger is heading to Blanchardstown and their friend lives in Clonee, double up - the driver will be more than happy to continue the journey after the first drop-off.
"The fewer people needing taxis because more people are sharing one means that more people can get home quicker."
It is also vital to ensure that you are easily identifiable to the taxi driver you have ordered to your location, especially on Halloween.
AVOID HUGE CROWDSMr Cuthill advised punters to "avoid crowds at all costs" as a driver is more likely to cancel the trip when they pull up to a location filled with a sea of people.
He said: "From the driver's perspective, they're driving to the side of the street to where you're standing and trying to work out who you are.
"It's very confusing for them late at night or if there's a bunch of drunk people at night, people will just try and jump into the car. So walking away is the best tip.
"Also, given that it is Halloween, remove any face masks that may form part of your costume for the evening.
"A driver won't recognise you through that scream mask and may even be a bit spooked given the night that is in it!"
HAIL THE TAXI FROM THE LEFTIf you're trying to hail a taxi down from the street, the best thing you can do is position yourself on the left-hand side of the road on a street approaching a busy area.
Mr Cuthill explained: "So say you're somewhere in Ranelagh. You want to be on the main street that's a little bit before you get to all the bars and pubs so you can nab that taxi before it arrives where everyone would be waiting."
Meanwhile, Bolt have welcomed the extended opening hours for pubs and clubs across Ireland.
Mr Cuthill, said the development would bring "profound benefits" to the Irish taxi system.
He said: "The current licensing system, which sees industry-wide closures at 2:30am, places additional pressure at peak nighttime hours on an already stretched taxi industry.
"The new licensing system would pave the way for staggered opening hours, which will lead to a steadier flow of people seeking to leave town throughout the evening and more people having quicker access to taxis to get home safely after their night out."
Login
Register
FAQ
