Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers threaten strike action over Cambridge rail station plans fearing 'chaos' and clashes



Daniel Zeichner, Cambridge MP, centre, backs taxi drivers

Taxi drivers are threatening strike action and launched a petition to save Cambridge station rank fearing “chaotic" scenes and clashes with other road users if it is moved.

Cambridge Hackney Carriage Association, which represents more than 200 taxi drivers, fears changes at the rail station will mean they are being sidelined as transport bosses “pander to cyclists and buses".

The association is being backed by Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner.

Paul Bradley, General Secretary of the association, said: “We are concerned that the public Station Road rank where it always has been near the station is being taken by stealth. It is in everybody's interest for it to remain there and for taxis to have access through the bus gate so they can safely exit away from the Station Road rank instead of the congestion at the new drop off/pick up point which they have allocated to taxis, deliveries and the public all in a little area. I think this will be chaotic and a lot worse than is currently there now.

“There are other options to consider which can work better without pandering to just buses and cycles. We are doing our best to avoid demos and strikes but if we are not listened to and our views at the least considered, I fear this may happen."

He added: “We have started an online petition to 'Save the Station Rd Rank' and hope the public to get behind this too as its their rank and the will be affected greatly too."

The petition says: “They plan to relocate the Station Road public taxi rank to an obscure location. Cambridge Hackney Carriage Association (CHCA), a voluntary organisation, are campaigning to keep the public taxi rank, that has been serving the public for decades.

“The operational taxi rank is currently close to the bus stop, flats, shops and most importantly, it's seconds away from the station doors. That makes it part of the hub. Why is this important? New plans will mean the public will have to walk for several minutes, possibly pulling luggage in adverse weather conditions (rain, cold, snow, etc) to the far end of Station Road where they have to cross a busy junction to get a taxi. Public safety cannot be compromised.

“This will affect everyone including people with disabilities (wheelchair users), the elderly, lone travellers, visitors, tourists, families with young children. Consequently this will affect customer experience and will inconvenience rail users."

Part of CB1's highly anticipated Station Square will open this month, station operator Abellio revealed.

The area right outside the existing station building will provide space for a taxi rank, disabled parking, short stay parking bays and drop-off points.

Rising bollards will be fitted in Station Road, meaning only walkers, cyclists, buses and some delivery vehicles will be able to access the interchange directly. Taxis and cars will use the northern access road to get in and out of this part of the development.

Read more at http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/taxi-dr ... JTQkzvb.99

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

Taxi drivers in Cambridge slammed for strike threat over rail station 'chaos'




​Taxi drivers have faced a barrage of criticism after issuing a warning over strike action at Cambridge train station.

Cambridge Hackney Carriage Association, which represents more than 200 taxi drivers, launched a petition over fears changes at the rail station will mean they are sidelined, as transport bosses “pander to cyclists and buses".

Paul Bradley, General Secretary of the association, said members are concerned the Station Road rank is being “taken by stealth", adding that drivers are “doing our best to avoid demos and strikes".

But readers took to the News' website and social media to slam the taxi drivers.

Simone Castello said: “No more indulgence to taxi drivers, the worst drivers in Cambridge and arrogant as if they own the road. I have not taken a taxi since I am here, prefer London cabbies, they might be cheeky but down to earth."

Christine Butler said: “Why should taxi passengers get preferential treatment? Bus passengers have to walk back from the various stops carrying/pulling their luggage in all weathers."

Rob Charles Aveston said: “So with them being threatened by Uber's inevitable arrival in cambridge... They are striking! All that will do is spur the council on to bring Uber in sooner!"

Jay Parmer said: “Well at least people would be able to get up and down Station Road it's always blocked at night by about 60 cabs up and down the road. Getting around the city when they cut you up, jump lights, cut in and out of lanes. Actually bring the strike on it might solve the traffic flow problem in the city."

Read more at http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/taxi-dr ... lJ86IWh.99

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

I think Simone, Christine, Rob & Jay have mental problems.

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

cambridge station is a nightmare as it is surely moving the taxi rank can't make it any worse

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

The internet gives a voice to the gutless and the sad.

Of course TDO is excluded in that.

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IDFIMH

given they live there and evidently use the station, surely their views should be defeated by constructive argument?

and as for a strike yes indeed go for it protect your livlihood but expect vigorous enforcement for OVER RANKING IVE SEEN IT AND ITS OUTRAGEOUS!

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