Taxi Driver Online

Coventry students urged to tell council about problem taxi drivers


Coventry City Council acts after complaints by students at University of Warwick about rogue cabbies

Students are being asked to tell the authorities about their experiences of using taxis in Coventry.

A huge debate over rogue taxi drivers was sparked by a survey of University of Warwick students which alleged widespread malpractice, including refusing short fares, discriminating against the disabled and sexism.

This led to Coventry City Council launching a campaign to ensure that both students and taxi drivers have the information needed to avoid any future problems.

A new Safer Student Travel advice card is now being shared among students that explains a few simple facts about taxi travel and encourages passengers to report their experience - both positive and negative - to Coventry’s taxi licensing team.

The project has been backed by both the University of Warwick and Coventry University.

Coun Pat Hetherton, chairman of the council’s licencing and regulatory committee, said: “A few weeks ago University of Warwick students highlighted a report on their experiences of taxi travel and it was clear that there was often a misunderstanding about how taxi fares are calculated and young people gave a mixed review of their experiences.

“For example, if the taxi journey crosses a border between Coventry and Warwickshire drivers can refuse or charge any price provided the amount is mutually agreed before the journey starts.

“That’s why we wanted to give some basic advice to encourage students to send in any comments, compliments and complaints to the council’s licensing team.”

Rob Ankcorn, of the University of Warwick Student Union, said: “It’s great that we have been able to work with the local authority and together can highlight the strengths and challenges that students have with taxi travel in the city and across into Warwick.”

Marvin Nkemdirim, democracy and campaign officer from Coventry University, echoed his words, saying: “We are always keen to improve life for Coventry students and taxi travel is often the first experience that people have of a city, which is why we are happy to liaise with Coventry City Council to ensure the success of this scheme.”

source: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/c ... il-8013911

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Don't you just love this one way tirade against the taxi trade, of course there are problems with rogue drivers, and then the problems that we have with rogue students! Do we ever get asked about our problems? do we ever get asked what can they do to make our lives/working conditions better.........Nope, just a one way crusade against the trade

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Common sense........is just not that Common.

I picked an old and disabled woman up once, had to help her to and from the car, carry her shopping, open her front door etc. and she was very grateful. Got the return a few hours later and she only had £10 for an £11 fare so I told her not to worry about it, again she was very grateful and thanked me for all the help.

A few days later I got her again and she accused me of going the long way round (to avoid roadworks and a massive jam) only by a few hundred yards. Guess whether she phoned the office to praise me for the help I gave her or for trying to 'rip her off'?