It's a while since there's been an article about Sheffield rail station
But I suppose you have to be there to understand it all
And the short video on the website, and the photos below, don't really add much in the way of explanation
But think it's fair to say that the PHVs are being sidelined in favour of the HCs, and aren't best pleased. Maybe the ranking fees paid to the railway company have something to do with it all, but who knows?
And maybe it's just me, but in response to the basic complaint that PHVs being sidelined, the railway company's PR person simply says that it's all great for 'taxis', and it's all happy clappy. And that the local HC association was involved in planning it all
Maybe she was befuddled by the use of the t-word in relation to private hire. 'Customer experience director', eh?
Or just classic PR and gaslighting by totally ignoring the issue in question.
And spot the deliberate spelling mistake
Sheffield station: Private hire driver warns of 'reluctance' to serve station in roads shake uphttps://www.thestar.co.uk/news/traffic- ... up-5487514A private hire driver has criticised road changes at Sheffield station claiming the ability to serve passengers will be “severely compromised.”Tariq Mahmood Nazir said licensed private hire drivers provided a “vital door-to-door service” that was a crucial part of the wider integrated network.
He added: “On behalf of all licensed private dire drivers, I must stress the importance of maintaining our access to the existing pick-up-drop-off point.
Image: Sheffield Star“Without this, our ability to serve passengers safely, efficiently, and inclusively would be severely compromised.
“Drivers will be very reluctant to call for and cover jobs from the station.”
Mr Nazir spoke out as East Midlands Railway and Sheffield City Council make radical changes in an effort to prevent gridlock at busy times.
They include banning private hire cars from the undercover area by the station doors, which will be for black cabs only.
Image: Sheffield StarPrivate hire taxis will only be allowed to drop off in what is currently the public set-down zone.
And they will only be allowed to pick up passengers at a new area on Cross Turner Street, about 100 yards from the doors.
Mr Nazir said EMR had consulted black cabs drivers, who pay an annual fee to operate at the station. But he was unaware of any consultation with private hire drivers.
Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at East Midlands Railway, said: “These important changes, which have been carefully developed by Sheffield City Council and East Midlands Railway along with help from representatives of the local taxi association, aim to ease congestion and improve air quality around the station.
“They will make it easier for customers to find a taxi as they exit the station and will create a smoother, safer way for cars to drop off passengers.
“We hope customers and taxi drivers see a real difference accessing the station by car once the changes are live. In the meantime, we will be putting in place measures to help customers understand the new parking requirements. Customers are advised to allow extra time to make their journey while the works are taking place.”