Taxi Driver Online

A lot has been said on this site about the T&GWU. And the reason i like tdo is because most of it is true.
I dont like the union because they stopped me and my mates getting a station permit. And for the record i run a WAV which happens to be licensed as a taxi. As an ex ph driver Im also a member of the local PH association who I think do a good job for all licensed drivers locally.

Now thats out of the way i would just like to tell anyone the complate load of crap that appeared on the front of cab trade news about Brighton. It says that Brightons taxi policy is (T&G inspired). Well take it from me the local T&G fought tooth and nail against the recent plate issues. So all this mangaged growth is rubbish. The local T&G hate it, and they sent letters to the local paper saying so. Also Kavnaugh was at the council meeting that agreed the plates. Did he say it was a good idea, no when asked by councillors to say how many plates should be given. He said he didnt know. the council were stunned that his union could be so anti against his own union policy.

So please anyone who believes what they say in their paper to check check and double check.

I would like to know the setup regarding these Station permits. If anyone can tell me who administers the permits, the criteria which is used, who is included and who is excluded, I would be most gratefull.

Best wishes

JD

Brighton station is run by Southern.
http://www.southernrailway.com/index.shtml

The people who deal with the permits I dont no. They deal only with two drivers who just happen to be permit holders. A couple of years ago those two decioded with the train company that it would be a good idea to not issue anymore permits.
It was about the same time that Brighton council merged with Hiove Council. In others words the existing brighton drivers hated the idea of the hove lads getting a permit. I also missed out because I had only just got my plate.

They have a waiting list. It then leads to a premium on station passes. Plates with passes sell for about two grand more than those without.I asked the local t&G to help me get there own policy (freee and open)accepted. But the branch voted agaonst it and the national leadership couldnt give a dam.

I will never forget.

Here's what I know about Brighton can you please correct me if i'm wrong.

They have around 500 Hackney carriages?

They went from a unregulated system to a regulated system in 1986?

Hove merged with Brighton in 1997?

There are aprox 20/22 Rank spaces at the Railway?

Can you confirm that there are approx 250 permit holders?

According to the head of licesing, Brighton have no policy on so called managed growth?

I tried in vain to contact the Station Manager this morning without success, I shall keep on trying and see what he has to say about the exclusion of half the Brighton Taxi trade from buyuing these permits.

Best wishes

JD

The nearest I can get to finding out why permits are restricted is that the station Managers personal assistant said that the number of some 275 permits was agreed with the council. The council said they have nothing to do with permits at the station. Another lady I spoke to in the Station Managers office said that the station was thinking of reducing the number of permits that are issued. Glean from that what you will but it doesn't help you in anyway because like so many others you are stuck on a waiting list.

If you wish to speak to the PA of the Station manager you may contact her on 01273 228 007. For other permit enquiries use this number 01273 228 102

Sorry I couldn't turn the screw a little harder.

Best wishes

JD

John, did you not tell him that they had a T&G inspired one?

_________________
IDFIMH

Before 1986 Brighton issued plates every now and again. I think hove was the same.
After 1986 brighton issued hardly any for about 5 or 6 years then issue 20 then none till last year. Hove dereged for a year or so and cleared there waiting list in 1986.
When they got together the cpmbined taxi fleet is now just under 500. Only one ex hove driver has got a permit. Not bad out of 275.
Surprise suprise he is one of the top dogs on scanners outfit.

The council have nothing to do with the station else we would all be on it and noone would pay to ply.
This is all down to those with permits making sure we dont have one.
Now what does that remind you of.