Taxi Driver Online

This is a local press/local firm version of iCabbi's national campaign and system.

So I think Daddy Cabs maybe overegging things a tad when they say you can book anywhere with 'our' app...

And while I don't have much of a clue about stuff like this, don't other despatch systems do similar things?

Of course, Autocab did the 'local cab' thing with Uber, but obviously that was via Uber as a single national provider, then via the local providers.

But this rings a similar 'local cab' bell, but the only link between the firms will be the iCabbi brand and app. I think


Daddy Cabs March taxi booking app now nationwide with iCabbi

https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/25287 ... de-icabbi/

A March business has gone national thanks to a new partnership.



Daddy Cabs' taxi booking app is now available nationwide since a team up with the company iCabbi.

Simon Stiff, director at Daddy Cabs Ltd, said: "This means our customers can now book a taxi through our app, not just here in March, Wisbech, Chatteris, and Whittlesey, but anywhere across the UK where our partner fleets operate.

"This is a significant step for us and offers incredible convenience to travellers and locals alike."

He added that the initiative is part of a larger 'Love Local Taxi' campaign.

This is aimed at promoting the convenience and accessibility of local taxi services across the country.

This on TaxiPoint is about the national campaign. Presumably there's lots of official iCabbi stuff about it, but possibly a potential rabbit hole

But, reading this, maybe a local firm saying it's 'our' app being used to book cars elswhere is appropriate.

Anyway, no point in sweating the details, but there's surely a slight contradiction between encouraging the use of local firms via a national app, effectively

Of course, iCabbi isn't Uber, but, you know...


New iCabbi campaign encourages passengers to back local taxi and private hire firms

https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/icabb ... hire-firms

iCabbi has launched a national campaign urging the public to choose local taxi and private hire services over global ride-hailing platforms.

The “Love Local Taxi & Private Hire” initiative aims to remind passengers of the importance of supporting firms rooted in their communities. According to iCabbi, local fleets play a vital role, from sponsoring grassroots organisations to stepping in during emergencies.

As part of the campaign, iCabbi has introduced a new roaming feature on its network, known as The iCabbi Exchange. This allows users of a local fleet’s branded app to book journeys in other UK cities using the same platform. For example, customers of Mi Taxis in Nuneaton can now use the Mi app to hail a cab in cities such as London, Leeds, or Glasgow.

The roaming system lets passengers continue backing independent firms, even when travelling away from home. It also boosts collaboration between local operators using iCabbi’s system.

A dedicated website — lovelocaltaxi.com — has been set up to provide information on the campaign and explain how using local cab services helps retain value within communities. Fleets are being encouraged to share the resource with their passengers.

Supporting the campaign is actor Shaun Williamson, known for his role in EastEnders. Rebranded as “Taxi Barry”, he is now helping to promote local taxi usage and the national reach of iCabbi-powered apps.

iCabbi is inviting all UK fleets to take part in the campaign.

Not sure if the marketing campaign and branding would appeal to those younger folks particularly attracted to 'ride-hailing, though. I mean, this is the graphic used by TaxiPoint:

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8bb3 ... a~mv2.webp

As for the ad here via YouTube, it smacks more of Blackpool in the 1980s, or maybe the Oasis rabble at a push, as opposed to those who spend half their life on TikTok or with their face semi-permanently in their mobile phone, or whatever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLL7_b8vSXQ

I think it's a good idea, and not really contradictory.

It allows those who have already downloaded it for their local operator to use the same app when they are elsewhere, including any card details already stored.

_________________
IDFIMH

years ago the day liver group used to operate a freephone number on that basis one number nationwide but you got whichever local operator was signed up to it .

It didn't catch on

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

A periodic reminder - not that there's the slightest point with certain people - of the value of using capital letters where they should be (and Avoiding them Where they Shouldn't Be).

I'm guessing that should read Davy Liver Group above, which is (or was) a big circuit in Liverpool. I think.

But even with the minor typo, if the capital letters had been used, it would have been a lot more obvious what the reference was about.

And another periodic reminder - it's not compulsory to quote things, particularly when you're just replying to the post above.





And particularly if you're the type who leaves unnecessarily huge gaps and white space. And who consistently overquotes.



In fact I was certain people, my approach would be to avoid using the quote function at all unless it was absolutely necessary



(He says, ironically )

Well my periodic reminder simply encouraged you-know-who to be ever more annoying than usual


Anyway, just another one to give the flavour of the thing...


Swindon taxi company gets Barry from Eastenders to help launch new app

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/swindon-taxi- ... 00251.html

A Swindon taxi firm has launched an improved app that allows passengers to order a pick-up from anywhere in the country.

Cross Street Group held an open day at its Transfer Bridge garage on Tuesday to launch the new bit of tech and thank its hardworking drivers by serving up barbecued burgers and giving employees’ cars free health checks and car washes.

The app now allows people anywhere in the UK to order a car from the company to pick them up and take them where they need to go.

It is hoped that this will help the local family business, which has an office in the town centre train station, compete with big names like Uber and Bolt.

Shaun Williamson, best known for playing Barry in Eastenders, appears in the short advert, encouraging customers to download the Cross Street app anywhere in the UK.

Operations director Sonia Nijjar said: “We’ve been working with our dispatcher, iCabby, and we are part of the Taxi Alliance, which aims to protect private hire businesses because companies like Uber are taking over and companies like us are suffering as a result.

“Nationwide and Zurich have their head offices here, so people travelling from around the country can now use our cars to get to Swindon.”

Thuha Chowdhury has been a driver for the private hire side of the business for eight years.

He said: “We are a good service with good, reliable drivers.

“I like the job because I like the customers, and it’s flexible – I can work around the school run.

“I try my best, the managers are very helpful, and it feels good to help people.”

The open day, which had a raffle which raised money for blood cancer charity Myleoma UK, also celebrated the growth of the wider group, which also includes garages, coach trips, and the recently-acquired GreenMeadow Commercial Services sites.

Wayne McCollough is the transport manager for Cross Street Travel, which has a fleet of 15 vehicles and 10 drivers which is expected to expand in September.

He said: “We’re growing the business slowly but surely.

“From Easter to September, it’s full-on, then there’s a lull before all the Christmas breaks. We do weddings, hen nights, days out at the seaside, all sorts.”

The app is available on IOS and Android. Journeys can also be booked by calling 01793 232323.

I wouldn't doubt that the drivers are employees rather than self-employed. But if they were genuine employees you wouldn't be offering 'free' health checks and car washes for their vehicles. So I'd guess it's the usual scenario of self-employment

(And it looks like a joint garage/private hire operation, hence the availability of 'free' car checks etc...)

Don't know about the 'barbecued burgers' though, and what relevance that might have to the employment status question


And, as per usual, you'd be forgiven for assuming from that that Uber weren't a 'private hire business'

Nothing on the firm's own website, but it's all explained here. And the usual stuff about shortage of drivers, expansion requiring more drivers in future etc.

But, aye, self-employed.


Hailing a new career through TBG Learning

https://businessbiscuit.com/business-ne ... -learning/

A Swindon based taxi company has hailed two new drivers with the support of a local training provider.

TBG Learning Swindon has joined forces with Private Hire car firm Cross Street Cars to help them with their current driver shortage.

Over the last 18 months the demand for work at Cross Street Cars has steadily increased and additional drivers were required to cope with the extra demand.

Dave Masters, operations manager for Cross Street Cars said: “Due to the lack of drivers we have had to turn down work we have been offered.

“I was approached by Helen Saunders from TBG Learning Swindon, who explained the service that they offer and how they could support us in training and employing some new drivers.”

TBG Learning is delivering the Government’s Work Programme on behalf of JobFit, which helps the long-term unemployed back into work through a tailored package of support and assistance.

Helen Saunders, from TBG Learning, said she was delighted to see two of their clients settle in to their new jobs.

Helen said: “We have already supported two drivers to obtain their private hire drivers licenses that are now working at Cross Street Cars.

“We are really pleased to have added Ken Easton and Ibrahim Athuman as drivers to the Cross Street Car family. We will continue to work with Cross Street to fill there recruitment gap and get our customers back into employment.

“We continue to provide support for those struggling to find employment across the region and establish new partnerships with businesses in the area.”

New driver Ibrahim said: “I would like to thank TBG Learning for their help in getting me back into work. It’s been 2 years since TBG Learning found me a job working with Cross Street Cars and I have loved every minute of it. Every day is so different.

“I never know where I’ll be going or who I I’ll be meeting each day. The variety of customers I meet and the places that I travel makes the job very interesting.

“I had no money to get my licence to drive a taxi but thankfully TBG Learning made it possible.”

With a move to new offices scheduled the demand for more drivers is likely to increase. TBG Learning continues to work with Cross Street Cars as they continue to look for more self-employed drivers to meet the growing demand in the area.

Dave said: “We are pleased with our two new drivers…and as the business continues to grow we look forward to future work with Helen and the TBG Learning team.”

To find out more about TBG Learning Swindon and the Work Programme contact 01793 684 444 or email swindon@tbglearning.com

Also found this on Trip Advisor via Google. They've got more one-star reviews than anything else...