Taxi Driver Online

Northampton taxi firm is now 'dog friendly' - despite 300 of its drivers voting against idea



52 Bounds Taxis drivers are now offering a dog friendly service

A Northampton taxi company is now offering a service in which it can pick up customers and their four-legged friends - despite most of its drivers voting against the idea.

Bounds Taxis, which is based next to North Gate bus station, says it canvassed all of its 350 drivers over the idea of allowing dogs in their cars, and that 15 per cent (52) agreed.

As a result, the firm says it will now be carrying out the 'dog friendly service' at a charge of £3 per fare, although only the drivers which agreed will be offering to do so.

Meanwhile the 300 drivers which voted against the idea will continue not allowing dogs in their cars.

Announcing the service, Bounds Taxis posted on Facebook: "We have been listening to feedback from customers and we are now pleased to announce that we have canvassed all our drivers as to whether they would be happy to accept a dog. Over 15% have given their approval.

"As from Sat 30th July, we now offer a service enabling you to book your Bounds Taxi to take you and your four legged friend, subject to a £3 surcharge and availability at peak times. The surcharge ensures that drivers will travel further than usual to pick you up, as we normally allocate the closest driver."

Following the post, several people voiced their disappointment at most of the drivers being against the idea, while others applauded the firm for offering the new service.

Reacting to the comments, the company said: "This is not a question of having anything against dogs or any other animal. There have been occasions when drivers have been forced to have a full valet after a dog, or other animal has been ill in the car.. not all owners take care of their animals as we would hope. It is the drivers choice and we are fortunate that we have drivers prepared to take that risk."

And clearing up confusion over whether it offered the service before, it continued: "We never officially stopped carrying pets, but it wasn't as organised as it is now and we've gone out of our way to canvass every driver on the fleet to ensure we know at a glance which drivers are available at any moment in time. I am not aware that dogs (except non-assisted dogs) are allowed on Aeroplanes, Boats, Trains, Buses, Shops etc etc .... I believe we are going beyond the call of duty in making this an easily accessible service."

Among the positive comments were 'I think this is great. Well done Bounds!', I'd happily pay the extra £3 to get my doggies in with me', and 'I tried to find a taxi company willing to take a dog two months ago but all said no so this is great'.

Read more at http://www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk/no ... 1PRBQbs.99

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

Is this chap for real?

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Grandad,

He needs to step away from the crack pipe.

As a result, the firm says it will now be carrying out the 'dog friendly service' at a charge of £3 per fare, although only the drivers which agreed will be offering to do so

cant see a problem tbh , only the ones that voted yes will be taking them

So those drivers who want to take dogs will be able to.

And those drivers that don't want to take dogs (other than assisted dogs) won't have to.

Is that the biggest non story ever?

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IDFIMH

Quite a few of ours refuse dogs. It's nice when our system pulls me from the back of the rank on a quiet day!

Before the job is dispatched we get asked if we will take a dog. They don't say whether it's an assistance dog or not - just 'will you take a dog ?'.
If you refuse they just ask the next car in the queue until someone agrees.

I'm down as 'dog friendly' in the office. Thy are pretty good at finding out what size of dog and so on.

I insist that the dog goes in the front footwell on the basis that a) I can see what's going on and don't have extraneous noises behind me so that I am wondering/worrying what's going on and, b) any hair is kept in the front where it's less likely that the next princesses clothes will be affected.

Any that don't comply don't get in.