Taxi Driver Online

This firm has featured before, and now seems to be more of an airport transfer rather than 'taxi' service - see older articles below

And to the extent of what was said in the earlier articles, wasn't surprised that the claims here are a tad overblown...


Barrow taxi boss fears new vehicle rules could cripple local trade

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/25313013 ... cal-trade/

The council has moved to allay fears of Barrow's drivers after a taxi firm director warned of an 'impending crisis' in the local industry.

Taxi drivers had warned that proposed vehicle regulations by Westmorland and Furness Council could 'collapse the trade' and leave residents without vital transport services.

Mark Simpson, director of Getaway Travel, said the council’s draft policy would require all licensed taxis and private hire vehicles to be Euro 6 compliant and under five years old.

Mr Simpson said: "This is utterly unrealistic and would immediately affect an estimated 90% of licensed vehicles in Barrow. Many operators, especially single-vehicle drivers, simply cannot afford to meet these demands in such a short timeframe."

However Westmorland and Furness Council has confirmed there will be no age restrictions on vehicles, providing they meet specific emissions standards, and added that the draft policy would give drivers a three years' grace after the policy is adopted.

"These are not just cars - they’re lifelines for the elderly, vulnerable, night-time economy workers," Mr Simpson added, "and many without access to other transport options."

The long-time taxi operator said he had already shut down his Getaway Local service due to what he described as 'obstructive behaviour' from the council’s licensing department, and claimed Getaway Travel is now also at risk.

Mr Simpson said the proposals would force good operators out of business, raise prices for customers, and replace safe, well-maintained vehicles with lower-quality alternatives.

"My own six-year-old premium vehicle is far superior in quality, safety, and comfort than many basic brand-new models," he said, "the council’s approach is short-sighted and dangerous."

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: "The draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire policy does not require taxi drivers to change or upgrade their vehicles immediately.

"A Euro 6 emissions limit will be applied to new licensed vehicles only and no age restriction is proposed.

"Vehicles which are currently licensed will have grandfather rights for three years after the new policy is adopted. This is to allow a reasonable amount of time for vehicle owners to change their vehicle (if necessary) to one which is less polluting."

The council added that the Euro 6 standard, introduced in 2014, means that vehicles from 2014 onwards could still qualify, provided they have a valid MOT and taxi inspection.

The spokesperson added: "Licensed hackney carriage and private hire services are a lifeline to many vulnerable residents and the standards contained in the draft policy seek to achieve a balance between ensuring safety for the travelling public, and not making the standards overly restrictive for providers."

A public consultation on the draft policy is expected to launch within six weeks. Following that, feedback will be reviewed, and any necessary amendments made before the policy goes to the Regulatory Committee and Cabinet for final approval.

So here was the article from six months ago. Advertorial and a huge fanfare about a price lock, or whatever


Barrow taxi service locks prices after incredible 2025 start

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/24841375 ... 025-start/

A taxi service in Barrow has locked its prices after fielding an 'incredible' number of bookings to begin 2025.

Getaway Travel made the announcement on Tuesday, January 7, maintaining the same prices as the end of last year for the time being.

A spokesperson commented: "Usually, we increase prices at the start of the year, but we’re holding off as long as possible to give you the best value.

"We’ve invested heavily in newer, more luxurious, and eco-friendly vehicles to ensure you travel smoothly and comfortably."

The service offers a range of executive four, eight, and 16-seat vehicles for both local and long-distance journeys.

The company also shared on Tuesday that they now have a dedicated office team to help manage the growing demand on its drivers.

You can book your next journey by contacting 01229 464646 or by visiting their website here.

And then a couple of months ago it all came crashing down

And it's all the council's fault - seems that the council just won't hand out badges after five minutes on a whim (it's maybe instructive that there's a fair bit of online chatter about grooming gangs and stuff in Barrow, and it isn't all just made up like that total crazy who hit herself on the head with a hammer and made stuff up etc ).

And presumably that's why the firm here now seem to be back to concentrating on the executive and long-distance stuff, as per today's piece on the age rule...

(And this kind of reminds me of that start-up in Teesside a few years ago - remember, the guy who had three zillion calls over a couple of nights, but had to fold within a few days because he couldn't get anyone to work with him. Or something like that )


Barrow taxi service closes less than a year after launch

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/25160619 ... ar-launch/

A taxi service transporting the people of Barrow has closed its doors less than a year after its launch.

Getaway Local, an extension of Getaway Travel, began trading in December 2024 and was met with wide support from the Furness community.

However now the business has announced that it would no longer be able to keep running due to a lack of available drivers.

A spokesperson said: "We’d like to thank everyone who has supported Getaway Local since we launched back in December.

"After careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to stop offering a local taxi service.

"This decision has been made due to a number of different factors, and while it wasn’t an easy one, we believe it’s the right step for now."

The announcement will have no bearing on Getaway Travel, which continues to operate as normal, with plans on the horizon to offer a local weekend service for groups and events.

The spokesperson added: "Thank you so much for all the kind messages and support we’ve received - it truly means a lot to us.

"We’re proud that, in our short time running Getaway Local, we were able to provide a good service to so many people.

"That said, we also want to apologise to those who were let down - the reality is, Barrow has a severe shortage of licensed taxi drivers."

The company said applications for licences were 'waiting weeks' which pushed them away from the area.

"We were the only company actively trying to make a difference - investing thousands of pounds to help people become drivers by funding their driving tests, knowledge tests and medicals.

"These delays mean hard-working people, with families to support, are left unable to earn a living - and many have no choice but to walk away and seek other employment.

"To everyone who gave us a chance and supported us along the way, thank you - we did everything we could."

Westmorland and Furness Council has been approached by The Mail for comment.