V Cars is part of the Veezu group, which is underlined by the use of 'driver-partners' and PR blather like 'reaching out' to BNES Council
But nice wee recruitment lead for V Cars at the end of the article
Bath needs a 'decent' taxi service, says woman left strandedhttps://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/loc ... ce-6275980Private firm V Cars said taxi drivers are selecting the most 'lucrative' jobs
Image: Artur Lesniak/Reach/Somerset LiveA Bath woman says the city needs a "decent" taxi service after encountering numerous problems trying to get a cab.
Many locals in Bath have reported problems with booking taxis in the city, with reports of people being left stranded at the last minute.
Polly Jones, 62, who has lived in Bath for 15 years said she had two bad experiences - both concerning private firm V Cars - recently.
She said: "A couple of weeks ago I was at the theatre with two much older people, one with very limited mobility.
"The taxi I booked lied and said it was one minute away (already five minutes late, but we all know how bad Bath traffic is, so fair enough), the next message a few minutes later said it had turned up and we weren't there (we were).
"I rebooked, but we ended up waiting 25 minutes in the cold."
She then recalled another experience on Friday night (November 26) where a taxi turned up 40 minutes late.
"I booked a taxi for 7pm. It didn't turn up, and no one answered the phone when I rang to chase it," she said.
"I got a message much later giving the driver's registration and phone number, but he didn't answer either.
"Luckily a passing neighbour gave us a lift, or we would have missed the start of the match. I tried to ring to cancel but after being on hold twice for four minutes each time I gave up.
"Eventually I got a message saying they turned up at 7.41pm but couldn't find us. So 40 minutes late, with no phone call to say 'sorry we're running late but we will be there'".
She added that she understood a number of problems specific to Bath were making things worse.
She said: "I have my own health issues, but I walk instead of using my car when I can. Traffic in Bath is really bad at the moment, a combination of road, bridge works, road closures, and installation of unnecessary traffic lights.
"Blue badge holders are really struggling to access the city centre, and taxis are essential for them, and many others. We need a decent and reliable taxi service.
"I understand what the issues are at the moment - just a quick call from the driver to let the customer know they are actually coming and what their ETA is would go a long way to improving the situation."
When approached for a comment, V Cars issued a statement claiming the problem is caused by drivers working for multiple companies and selecting the best jobs.
Bath Live has been told numerous other instances of people being left stranded, including one woman left in Frome at gone midnight with no other way of getting back to Bath.
Hackney cab drivers said last week they knew some private hire drivers had left due to a lack of work in the pandemic and that was causing a problem but luckily all the hackney cabs were still in operation.
V Cars explained that problems arise when private hire drivers work for more than one company and select the most profitable lifts.
It said it is working with licensing teams, trade bodies and other regulators to find a solution.
A spokesperson for the firm said: "The impacts of driver-partner shortages are currently being felt throughout the UK’s taxi and private hire industry.
"As a result of the shortages, passengers are regrettably having to wait longer than normal for an available vehicle, especially during peak times.
"Driver-partners are self-employed and have total flexibility to work the hours they want and choose which journeys they complete.
"The conditions in Bath are exacerbated because driver-partners are simultaneously operating with multiple private hire taxi operators and ride-hailing apps to select the most lucrative bookings.
"Although we understand this is frustrating for passengers, V Cars cannot solve this on its own.
"The UK private hire industry is facing severe shortages; also many private hire operators and ride-hailing apps across the country are experiencing the same multi-operating issues.
"V Cars is liaising with the licensing teams, trade bodies and other regulatory agencies in the UK to seek out a resolution.
"We will once again reach out to Bath and North East Somerset Council to demonstrate the industry challenges and assist councillors in considering stronger measures within the Private Hire Vehicle regulations.
"In the meantime, V Cars is taking all the steps we can to partner with a greater number of licensed drivers to match the high demand for journeys, especially as we come into the winter months.
"We thank the passengers in Bath and surrounding areas for their patience as we partner with additional drivers to meet the increase in demand for our service."
For details of how to become a licensed private-hire driver,
click here.
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