Certainly sounds good on paper, but it's pretty unusual for the reality to be all Indians rather than the odd chief further up the pecking order
I mean, he's CEO for a start. That doesn't mean that the financials won't be more equal, but I hae ma doobts, as they say up here
Elite100 Station Taxis hopes for 100 drivers by November
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/255841 ... -november/
Image: York Press
A newly-launched driver-owned taxi co-operative is promising to deliver better standards of customer care and a better deal for drivers.
Elite100 Station Taxis has been created by Nazhat Al-Hafiz, who has been in the taxi trade for over a decade.
Naz, who is the company’s CEO, says this experience has meant he has seen the financial struggles and unfair treatment many hardworking taxi drivers face.
He told the Press: “I was always passionate about finding a way to bring drivers together and create something that truly worked for them and their community — a model where success is shared and everyone benefits.”
Naz says such co-operatives have worked well in London, Birmingham and Manchester, as well as in Spain and Canada.
The driver-owned co-operative would be a non-profit organisation, where every driver is a partner in the business.
Elite 100 Station Taxis is the only Hackney Carriage company in York licensed by the city council, which Naz says “which means all our partner drivers are fully regulated, trained, and committed to serving the community safely and professionally.”
To date, some 50 drivers have joined the venture since it started early this month, with 50 others expected in November to give him the 100 drivers he seeks.
Naz hopes to raise £10,000 from drivers who join the firm to develop an app and booking system, offer driver training and welfare programmes, and launch and raise awareness of the business.
He said: “Elite100 Station Taxis brings together modern technology, fair treatment, and local trust, creating a sustainable and community-driven alternative to corporate taxi apps.
“Our main goal is not to make profit for shareholders, but to help our drivers earn more, live better, and become financially secure.
“By removing high commission fees and unfair platform charges, drivers can keep more of what they earn, making their lives easier and helping them get out of debt and financial crisis that many face in the taxi industry today.”
And with no shareholders to support, more money could also be ploughed back in training.
Naz explained: “Normally, a taxi driver pays a yearly subscription or high weekly rent just to work under other companies or private hire apps — often with little support in return.
“Our model changes that completely. With Elite100 Station Taxis, drivers become partners, not just workers, and every penny goes back into improving their livelihoods and the service we provide to the community.”
He added: “However, what makes Elite100 Station Taxis unique is that we are the only Hackney Carriage co-operative in York, fully licensed by the City of York Council, and we operate entirely as a non-profit social enterprise focused on supporting drivers and serving the local community.”
