Hate to be pedantic, but this article demonstrates the importance of using correct capitalisation
The t-word shoudn't be capitalised unless it's a proper noun, ie the name of a firm, or whatever.
So, from the headline, is this about the firm Glasgow Taxis, or is it actually about Glasgow taxi drivers?
Reading the first few paragraphs suggest that Taxi shoudn't be capitalised, indeed if it was about the firm it would be 'Taxi
s' not 'Taxi'.
But get near the end and it seems that it is about the firm Glasgow Taxis after all
Anyway, interesting that the biggest HC despatcher in Glasgow is proposing discounted fares post-lockdown, or at least they're consulting their members about it.
But obviously others aren't happy, and I suspect any discount wouldn't apply to public hire work anyway, as opposed to pre-booked jobs
Coronavirus: Glasgow Taxi drivers propose 15 per cent discount for public amid business fearshttps://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/184 ... ess-fears/MEMBERS of the public could benefit from a 15 per cent discount on all Glasgow Taxi fares, after proposals were submitted by drivers to the board earlier this week.It comes as trade members become increasingly concerned over a loss in business as the coronavirus lockdown enters its seventh week.
One driver told the Glasgow Times: "The Glasgow Taxi trade has never known anything remotely like the current situation.
"Lots of our drivers have taken long periods of work off and don’t know when they’ll start back.
“Guys are going out and working five hours for £20. They’re becoming really disheartened. If you sat there for five hours and you’d picked up four hires and pulled in 20 quid, then it’s a complete waste of time.
“Sometimes you’re waiting two hours alone on ranks for a fare."
Drivers and members fear that if a public discount is not introduced soon, customers will continue to use competitor's services - which could result in the loss of jobs.
The driver added: "The discount would help footfall on the taxi ranks. It would help us go out to the larger schemes around Glasgow.
"We’ve lost an awful lot of out of city centre work because our competitors are much cheaper, however, they don’t have the overheads a taxi owner has.
"They can buy a good car for £10,000, whereas a new electric taxi costs £57,000 and then they have a license to buy and a test to sit.
“We are the city's proper taxi drivers but we know can’t match our competitors, but what we can do is try to bridge the gap."
Before plans to fully implement Glasgow's low-emission zone (LEZ) were halted, many trade members had forked out £57,000 on new electric cabs that would comply with the new regulations.
Unite the Union cab secretary, Steven Grant, said: "The Union cannot back any reduction in fares as members have been asked to update vehicles by December 2022.
"This LEZ deadline was already unaffordable due to the economic reality of running a taxi in Glasgow.
"The specialised vehicles we use are highly adapted for a broad spectrum of passengers and provide an excellent separation for social distancing due to the safety partition.
"Unfortunately, these adaptations come at a cost with a current taxi vehicle price range of £40k-60k.
"The impact of the coronavirus crisis on the trade would be exacerbated by a 15% fare reduction.
"The tariff is set by GCC using a well defined formula of operating costs. We do, however back a freeze on any tariff increase during the crisis.
"It is possible that taxi dispatch systems may offer discounts from the meter price."
Glasgow Taxis Ltd have since started a consultation process to address members' concerns.
Dougie McPherson, Glasgow Taxis chairman, said: “At Glasgow Taxis we continue to focus our energies on supporting our members, serving our customers and assisting in the collective fight against this virus, all as best as we can.
“A key part of this is maintaining thorough cleaning processes which are highly visible to the public, something which will only be stepped up further.
“Equally important is pricing in the current environment and the prospect of discounting. As a members organisation we have opened up consultation, initially with members, and will gather the opinion of all involved.
“This process is not a vote, it is intended to gather the opinions of the members and allow decisions to be made which have the support of and contribution from the members. We’d encourage everyone to participate.
“On behalf of the committee, I must close by thanking all members and drivers for their outstanding commitment to the trade and the city at this extremely challenging time.”
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