What a load of old pash. Thought it was a genuine feature when I saw the headline, but doesn't take long to realise it's just a recruitment advert for new drivers, and customers
So everything's just smashing, driver's are making a shedload of money, and even the worst of the customers aren't that bad really
Everything's suger-coated, and every taxi-driving cloud has a silver lining
Suspect they've spent a lot of time and a shedload of money on this - professional photographer for the pics and neatly trimmed beards, for example. Is Uber operating in the Chelmsford area?
Could have maybe shelled out a few quid for a professional proofreader/copywriter, though
To be fair, there is a caption saying 'Advertiser content from Happicabs', but suspect people who don't know the trade (especially the prospective drivers it's aimed at) won't necessarily realise it's just a load of old pony
What it's REALLY like to be a taxi driver in Chelmsfordhttps://www.essexlive.news/special-feat ... xi-2251733He's had a rock star in the back of his car and somebody once tried to offer him a dog in exchange for a fare ... meet Luke Steers from Happicabs
Luke Steers has worked for Happicabs - Chelmsford's largest taxi firm - for more than three yearsBeen busy tonight? It's the question which most of us end up asking a taxi driver at least once in our lives.
Hopefully it elicits more than a one word response but there is so much more to being a taxi driver than how many fares they have picked up during their shift.
They probably know the people and the places in and around our city better than most of us. If you spend more than a short journey in their company they probably have some terrific anecdotes to share.
Take Luke Steers from Happicabs - Chelmsford's largest taxi firm - for example. Here he tells us why the company is great to work for and if giving a taxi driver 'an extra tenner' really can get you home quicker.
Why did you become a taxi driver?"It was a career change from selling cars because I much prefer driving than selling. I like meeting new people. To become a taxi driver was a good opportunity for me."
How long have you been a taxi driver?"I have been driving for Happicabs for almost three and half years."
Happicabs has a team of more than 100 staff and is looking to recruit even more in full and part-time positions (Image: Edward Starr Photographer)How has being a taxi driver in this time changed?"The rise of new housing development, the bond street shopping centre and new businesses has brought a lot more new business but also more congestion. However, it is all positive as I benefit from more jobs and its showing that the city is improving."
What is the best bit of being a taxi driver?"There are several benefits such as networking. For example if you want to meet someone who works in a particular type, status or industry, you can find them.
"Also the stories… I enjoy listening to peoples stories. Every passenger is different and they all have something different to say anything from sport, travelling, and funny stories in general. It keeps me laughing ... haha!
"Oh and you get paid on the day! So not having to wait until the end of the month for a pay check is good.
"Also I know all the shortcuts to avoid traffic. Unfortunately I cannot share these with anyone else!"
How well do you know Chelmsford?"I’ve grown up here. I always cycled around Chelmsford as a kid and driven around it as a adult, so I know it pretty well."
Has anyone offered to pay you in something other than cash?"I have been offered food, drinks, an invitation to a night out and offered a dog in exchange of a fare."
What is the biggest tip you have been offered?"I have been given £35 by a group of lads on a night out."
What was the longest fare you have taken?"A 10-hour round trip to Liverpool that earnt me £250, which is very good for ten hours’ worth of work."
Happicabs commercial manager Waqas Hussain and managing director Umar Hussain. The company has been driving people around Chelmsford for 60 years (Image: Edward Starr Photographer)Can you get me there quicker? I'll give you an extra tenner."Yes providing I am not being persuaded or pressured into breaking any laws. I use my knowledge of shortcuts to skip queues and traffic."
Quote:
How Luke uses his people skills
Happicabs prides itself on great customer service.
It deals with thousands of customers every week but each one is different. Here Luke tells us the different type of people he deals with.
The one who never stops talking
"I never stop talking myself so it’s a perfect situation."
The one who never talks
"Normally I start off slow and ease them into a conversation. You can normally tell if they don’t want to talk then I’ll just play the radio for them."
The one who wants you to pick up food / go to a cash machine / drop a friend off along the way
"Well, they’re paying me the fare so it doesn’t bother me. They can stop wherever they like. They have pre-booked a Happicab so I’ll take them wherever."
The loved-up couple
"I’ll ignore them. Its good for them and I’ll let them get on with them."
The rowing couple
"It depends on how bad it gets but I keep quiet. I haven’t experienced much of this, people are civilised in public places."
The drunk who has forgotten where they live
"It’s difficult but a drunk person is always with a friend or a partner, so this is not an issue."
Advertiser content from Happicabs
Whose the most famous person you've ever brought?"Keith Flint from The Prodigy who is a surprisingly nice guy. I really enjoyed his company. It’s a shame that the journey was short to have a full conversation with him."
What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you on the job?"Once I had a pick up in Chelmsford city to take to Colchester for a fare of £80. When I got to the destination, the drunk customer gets out and I waited for them to get into their front door.
"They fumbled about for while then come running back saying “Mate, mate! I just remembered I don’t live here anymore, I live in Chelmsford!” I got them to book a return trip back to Chelmsford. An expensive mistake for them, but they saw the funny side of it."
And the weirdest?
"I was accused of being an accessory to a break-in at a house. As the customer I had collected wanted to get out of the car early, I thought nothing more about this until my boss quizzed me on the events of that night and was told he committed a crime where I dropped him off."
And what's the best thing about being a taxi driver in Chelmsford?"The money, meeting great people, seeing a lot of funny and interesting things on a daily basis. I get given my own car from the company so it’s a positive all round."
Happicabs has an app which is the easiest way of booking a taxi with them says Waqas Hussain (Image: Edward Starr Photographer)How can I work for Happicabs?Happicabs has more than 100 self-employed drivers and is currently recruiting for both full and part-time positions. The working hours can be flexible, the vehicle can be provided and training is offered in house.
The main criteria is that you are over-25, have held a full UK driving licence for a year and pass a DBS check. For more information and to apply click here.
How can I found out more?Call: 01245 443443
Online: Click here.
Download their app: Click here.
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