Taxi Driver Online

Don't know if it's just coincidence, but these two pieces have appeared at about the same time. They're both about Veezu acquiring smaller PH operations, through their Go Carz and Amber Cars brands, in Shrewsbury and Leeds respectively.

However, difference between the two pieces in the local press is that the first seems to have been generated by the newspaper itself, while the latter is typical Veezu comms boilerplate.

Clues maybe that in the first piece the headline about market 'dominance' isn't exactly favourable towards Veezu/Go Carz, while the Leeds piece kicks off about 'partnering' with the takeover target, and then the usual driver-partners spiel, and marketing stuff aimed at passengers and also a bit of driver recruitment PR.


Go Carz to increase private hire dominance by taking over Shrewsbury taxi firm

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/loc ... taxi-firm/

A taxi firm is increasing its dominance of the private hire market in the county by buying another firm, the Shropshire Star understands.

Veezu, the parent company of Go Carz, is taking over Shrewsbury Taxis. Drivers from Shrewsbury Taxis were told via text message, and are now waiting to be contacted by Veezu to see if they will keep their jobs.

It comes after Go Carz merged with Comet Cars in Shrewsbury in 2018, bringing its fleet up to 210 in the town.

And last year, the firm bought Diamond Cars in Telford. That move meant the Telford Go Carz fleet increased to 650.

In the wake of that takeover, several former Diamond Cars drivers set up rival firm 1st Choice.

Adrian Picken, one of the drivers involved, said at the time: "We are trying to run a more traditional, personal taxi service as a lot of people still like to phone and speak to someone rather than just rely on an app."

Shrewsbury Taxis insist their drivers have "good local knowledge".

On its website, the firm says: "We pride ourselves on providing local drivers with a good local knowledge of Shrewsbury to ensure your journey is completed efficiently and quickly and via the best possible route.

"Based in the heart of Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Taxis provide a high quality, reliable and competitive private hire and taxi service to the local population as well as the thousands of visitors Shrewsbury welcomes every year."

Go Carz operates across the West Midlands. The firm says it "is committed to giving all passengers the highest quality service. We are constantly improving our technology to make your journey from the moment you book, till you arrive at your destination."

Shrewsbury Taxis and Veezu have been contacted for a comment on the takeover.

Amber Cars acquires Leeds taxi firm Wheels and South Leeds & Hunslet Cars

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/busines ... rs-3782987

Taxi and private hire vehicle operator Amber Cars has acquired Wheels Private Hire and South Leeds & Hunslet Cars, boosting its offering across West Yorkshire.

The deal will see Leeds-based Amber Cars partner with an additional 250 driver-partners across the region where the Wheels brand has been operating for over 20 years, incorporating South Leeds & Hunslet Cars since 2016.

Chris Neary, regional director at Amber Cars, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Wheels and South Leeds & Hunslet Cars driver-partners and their passengers to Amber Cars.”

The brands will now operate under the Amber Cars banner, increasing capacity at peak times for the business.

Passengers will still be able to make a booking by using the existing telephone numbers for both Wheels and South Leeds & Hunslet Cars.

However, the Wheels mobile app will no longer be available. Instead passengers are being directed to use the Amber Cars booking app, available for both Android and Apple devices, to book their journeys.

Amber accepts card or cash payments on all bookings. Google Pay and Apple Pay are also available for app bookings.

The Wheels and South Leeds & Hunslet Cars driver-partners will get access to new technology. They will also have the option to subscribe to a vehicle hire agreement, accident management service and a vehicle insurance policy.

Mr Neary said: “Not only will the residents of Leeds and the surrounding areas benefit from increased capacity and efficiencies, but Wheels and South Leeds & Hunslet Cars passengers will now be able to experience Amber Cars market-leading technology and service standards.

“This includes a winning combination of our booking app, advanced digital infrastructure, and professional driver-partners.”

Amber Cars now has more than 1,650 driver-partners across West Yorkshire. The firm is owned by Veezu, which has more than 7,000 active driver-partners.

Veezu has four other major service hubs throughout the UK, each operating under established local brands – A2B Radio Cars in the West Midlands, Go Carz in Shropshire, V Cars in the South West, and Dragon Taxis across South Wales.

What a lovely way to introduce yourself to the drivers.

Maybe the drivers should tell them to f*** off by text.

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IDFIMH

Driver partners.

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IDFIMH

Yes, and 'driver-partners' used six times in the article, which I've now highlighted.

And it was this one early in the article which stood out, because the sentence uses the words 'partner with', and then almost immediately uses 'driver-partner' so looks a bit repetitious and clunky


But, of course, wasn't it Uber that started with the 'driver-partner' thing, which may have had something to do with trying to portray the drivers as self-employed?

And 'partner with' is also a touchy feely comms thing, which makes the relationship between drivers and the operator seem a bit more friendly and consensual than it usually is

And noticed one of the commenters claiming that Go Carz drivers now seem able to pick and choose jobs etc, making them less reliable. Which may of course be trying to pre-empt any possible action about the driver-partners' self-employment status

Didn't turn out well for them though.

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IDFIMH

Go Carz takes over another taxi firm alongside purchase of Shrewsbury operator

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/loc ... th-merger/

Another taxi firm has confirmed it has been taken over by Go Carz.

Last week it was revealed that Go Carz had taken over Shrewsbury Taxis – increasing its dominance of the Shropshire taxi market.

Now it has emerged that the company has also taken over Oswestry Cars as well.

An automated telephone message for the both of the companies says they have merged with Go Carz, and directs users to book through the firm's app.

A text message has also been sent out to customers outlining the change.

It said: "Shrewsbury Taxis and Oswestry Cars will now use the Go Carz booking app. Same friendly staff & local drivers-partners."

It also directs customers that the apps for Shrewsbury Taxis and Oswestry Cars will stop working.

Go Carz merged with Comet Cars in Shrewsbury in 2018, bringing its fleet up to 210 in the town.

Last year, the firm bought Diamond Cars in Telford, which increased its fleet to 650.