Taxi Driver Online

Another messy-sounding sharing scheme. And not just messy for those taking part, because if there's signage at ranks etc then those drivers not interested in the scheme more than likely caught up in the confusion too

Blackpool taxis want to launch Promenade sharing scheme

https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news ... -1-9667315

Blackpool cabbies want to relaunch a formal taxi-sharing scheme in the resort which would enable groups of passengers to benefit from cheaper fares.

It is proposed to put signs up on certain ranks to offer the service on popular routes such as along and the Promenade, and from the seafront to inland attractions including the zoo and Stanley Park.

Taxi chiefs say the move has partly been prompted by the introduction of discount fares by other operators including bus and tram company Blackpool Transport.

An application by the Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operator Association (BLTOA) for the introduction of the scheme is due to be considered by Blackpool Council's public protection sub-committee on Tuesday. (March 26).

It is proposed to introduce fares of between £2 and £2.50 per passenger, with at least four passengers sharing the journey.

Bill Lewtas, secretary of BLTOA, said a formal hackney taxi sharing scheme had been available in the resort before but had fallen out of use.

He said: "Taxi sharing began in Blackpool almost 30 years ago and was initially a great success.

"But for one reason or another it seems to have fallen by the wayside.

"We hope to re-establish this with expanded routes, mainly along the Promenade and to the zoo, Stanley Park and North Station.

"Obviously some signage will be required at designated taxi ranks. Hopefully we will be able to progress this issue in consultation with the council. "

The three main zones would cover journeys between the Pleasure Beach and Central Pier, Central Pier to North Pier and North Station, and North Pier to Norbreck Castle.

An additional zone would serve the zoo area including Stanley Park.

Councillors are being recommended to approve proposals to vary the Blackpool Borough Council (Taxi hire at Separate Fares) Scheme 1990 which would enable set fares to be charged.

until it started to get abused by punters no doubt all such schemes sound great in principle but in practise are unworkable

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

It failed because no f***er used it, and it will fail again as no f***er will use it.

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IDFIMH

Blackpool taxi-sharing decision delayed

https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news ... -1-9676988

No decision has been made over a bid to launch a formal taxi-sharing scheme along Blackpool Promenade.

The application by the Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operator Association (BLOTA) was deferred by members of the council's public protection sub-committee when it met on Tuesday.

Councillors said they supported the idea in principle but wanted more detail about the initiative.

It will now be discussed at the next meeting of the taxi liaison group on Monday.

It is proposed to put signs up on certain ranks to offer the service on popular routes such as along and the Promenade, and from the seafront to inland attractions including the zoo and Stanley Park.

Fares of between £2 and £2.50 per passenger would be charged, with at least four passengers sharing the journey.

A formal hackney taxi sharing scheme has been available in the resort before but has fallen out of use.

The three main zones would cover journeys between the Pleasure Beach and Central Pier, Central Pier to North Pier and North Station, and North Pier to Norbreck Castle.

An additional zone would serve the zoo area including Stanley Park.

Had assumed from the headline that the rules and warnings were issued by the council, but on reading the piece it looks more like the HCA (BLOTA) is issuing the rules and warnings, and the council has simply rubber-stamped the scheme.

Still looks messy though

Blackpool taxi scheme approved - but drivers warned against touting for business

https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/busi ... -1-9731538

A formal taxi sharing scheme has been approved by Blackpool councillors - but drivers will be barred from touting for business at bus and tram queues.

Cabbies were also warned the system must not be used to over-charge other groups who wish to travel exclusively on a metered fare.

The initiative is designed to offer more choice to passengers queueing at ranks in ones and twos for journeys to popular destinations including the Tower and the zoo.

Taxi sharing will operate in zones along the Promenade with maximum fares of £2 or £2.50 per passenger.

Blackpool Council's public protection agreed the scheme which must now be advertised before it can come into force.

Bill Lewtas, of Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators Association (BLOTA), said: "I am pleased the council approved our plans for taxi sharing.

"We provided detailed plans as to how we think this should operate. Councillors approved our plans unanimously and these will now be advertised to the public."

The proposals from BLOTA say drivers may not "approach or speak to members of the public who are stood in a queue for buses or trams", and they must not "persistently harass or tout for hiring".

Strict rules will also apply in relation to the display of signage, timings and how to charge.

BLOTA adds the scheme must not "be used to justify overcharging groups of people who wish to travel exclusively".

If a group approaches a taxi not displaying shared hire availability, the assumption will be they want to travel under a metered fare.

A formal taxi sharing scheme last operated in Blackpool around 1990 but has lapsed.

The new zones will be - South Promenade encompassing Pleasure Beach to Central Pier; North Promenade - Central Pier to North Pier/North Station; North Promenade - North Pier to Norbreck Castle; Blackpool Zoo - for journeys to the area around the zoo including Stanley Park.

Taxi operators hope the scheme will help drivers compete with discounted fares on other public transport including buses and trams.

and here is where it will fail !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the bus companies if they see a threat to their revenue will threaten to pull the plug on services and the council will pull the plug on the scheme out of fear of losing their beloved buses

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

Its also worth mentioning that the local buses in the area (Blackpool, Fylde, Fleetwood, Poulton) are run by Blackpool Transport, which is a company owned by Blackpool Council. There are some other buses from other comapanies that usually do the Blackpool to further a field (Preston etc) destinations.

But a nice little kerching for the taxi drivers, if the route normally costs £5 on the meter - £10 if they can get 4 passengers sharing !
So what the council is condoning (and supporting) is charging more than the metered rate on a hackney within the borough.