Taxi Driver Online

Hi Tom Thumb

I also notied that a lot of the data supply companies have basically ignored the "Chip and PIN" which have already started to be issued. Autocabs new dataunit has the old card reader style which was a bad design.

The only way forward is to have a data unit with a seperate keypad with pin reader/swip card as well, this will then attach to the data unit via something like a curly cord or back to an interface box, after all with Chip and Pin the customer needs to put his/her pin into the box and I am sure a lot of them will not allow the drivers to do it and if your data unit is fitted to the front of the vehicle then its bad news if the passengers are all in the back.

Did anyone see the new data unit on the Raywood stand? It was slim and had full colour as well as being touch screen. Has meter, gps, streets maps (something like tom tom already built in) and other bits as well.

Lots of PDAs for sale with various software options, not bad if you only have a few cars on a fleet but not economical for large fleets.

I thought the new venue for the show was better as stated by someone else it did not seem as crowded due to the amount of space.

I did notice that Autocab hired some really nice young ladies to hand out their stuff but Auriga must have phoned up too late and got the agencies office staff/cleaners or something

Also visited the man that was selling the cabshields, very exspensive bits of plastic and I think that a lot of passengers might not like them at all and take offence at them.

Apart from that it, the show was not too bad. The idea of forums would be good, but maybe a boxing ring and thru in some London hacks with minicab touts for the evenings entertainment.

Radioman

Quickly sussing you out Radioman.

I noticed you on the Raywood stand, if I am not mistaken that is the third stand you have been on in three shows.

As for Raywood, very expensive data unit. Didn't go over board about it. I know a man who has a better one for less.

Was taken to Raywood stand by a friend who has placed a mega order with them in recent weeks, he wanted me to be impressed. When I asked them to show me how to make an accoun t booking 3 raywood employees didn't know the answer. I moved on very soon after.

Saw Stewart on the Diplomat stand, but was approached by the long haired one, with fag in his hand and offered demo, I expect a more professional approach I'm afraid.

Also Diplomat and Excel both had demos based on Hollywood Taxis! What a coincidence.

I liked the venue. Ironbridge was a nice place for a meal and found a very nice hotel without any other 'taxi folk' residing there. Keeping it secret for next year.

'nothing better to do?'

No I haven't. I find it very informative talking to other operators, large or small, discussing things we have seen and heard.

Two days a year looking and listening for ways to take my business forward is time well spent.

For example, one computer company will point out the weakness of a competitors system. You then get back on their stand and challenge them about it. You won't learn all you need to know in one ten minute visit.

Over lunch on Tuesday I heard of a solution to that mid-day gap between the school runs, very imaginative. On Wednesday I met a guy at Patons own show at the Moathouse who wants to exchange work with me for our mutual benefit.

Over lunch on Tuesday I heard of a solution to that mid-day gap between the school runs, very imaginative.

Saw Stewart on the Diplomat stand, but was approached by the long haired one, with fag in his hand and offered demo, I expect a more professional approach I'm afraid.

Also Diplomat and Excel both had demos based on Hollywood Taxis! What a coincidence.