TaxiPoint April 2020 Edition 12

The UK’s Premier Taxi Publication

Edition 12 | April 2020

Over 80,000 digimag reads last month

OUR

HEROES

COVID

COVERED EXPERT OPINION AND INFORMATION FROM AROUND THE

UK AND EUROPE www.taxi-point.co.uk

U T

CONTENT AND EDITORIAL

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 3

p10

UNPRECEDENTED TIMES

LAYING UP

TaxiPoint Chief Editor:

p26

Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Editor:

p4

Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager:

’HIGH RISK’?

Lindsey Richardson

p32

Visit us online at:

INSURANCE OPTIONS

p8

BLACK CABS & ‘HOT HUBS’

Welcome to the twelfth edition. A tough month of worry and anxiety faced pretty much everyone in the taxi industry. Me included. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of time before life resumes and we’re all safe, well, and back in our driving seats.

In the meantime, as we all adjust, we’re working hard at TaxiPoint to develop our platform. We’ve experienced a record month in March, with 100,000 different readers visiting our site. We’re proud and humbled that we can keep bringing news and information to the trade at this time.

Cabbies are currently unable to pick up printed copies of their local trade papers and other taxi related sites have nowhere near our reach within the UK industry. We understand our role more than ever to keep you informed with responsible, accurate and original material.

We hope you find this edition informative, the situation is changing on an almost hourly basis so it’s worth noting that everything is accurate at the time of release and you can find the very latest news at www.taxi-point.co.uk.

www.taxi-point.co.uk Write to us at: contact@taxi-point.co.uk Advertising enquires at: advertising@taxi-point.co.uk The publishers reserve the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisers must comply with the British Code of Advertising practice.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

All written and image rights are reserved by the author as displayed.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Copyright brand TaxiPoint 2020. Creative Common image licenses displayed where applicable.

Wishing you and your families all the best in the coming month.

Perry Richardson

Chief-Editor and Licensed Taxi Driver

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FINANCE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 4

NO

Will the taxi industry be looked upon as

’HIGH RISK’?

You don’t need us to tell you that tens of thousands of taxi drivers across the UK have been worrying about their financial position since the coronavirus outbreak hit these shores.

But what happens next for taxi drivers who own their vehicles or would like to buy in the future, especially when it comes to future credit ratings and finance options? As someone like myself who is paying back on a LEVC TX, I was concerned that the Rental taxis have been handed back to garages in their droves until further notice, and owner drivers industry would be looked upon as ‘high risk’ moving forwards and the cost of credit would sky rocket as have been franticly looking to defer payments on their work asset. Thankfully, most drivers have been a result. But Ethos don’t believe that will be the given a three-month grace whilst Britain has ground case. to a halt, but what happens when the wheels start Ethos’ Managing Director told TaxiPoint that moving again and we find ourselves back in the lending will most likely be viewed the same driving seat?

as other sole traders/businesses. It hasn’t With the help of Chris Brown, the Managing just been the taxi industry that has been hit Director at leading taxi finance firm Ethos Asset hard, the whole economy has suffered Finance, we’re going to take a look at the financial through COVID-19. impact here and now for taxi owners, but also in the months and years ahead too.

Since the outbreak began, Ethos have been helping talk through the current crisis and discuss potential options. They’ve been busy liaising with customers and lenders, organising payment holidays, reduced payments or re-finance in certain circumstances.

Whilst credit rating shouldn’t be affected by the COVID-19 payment deferrals, what should we be doing to build up an even stronger credit position?

The tips provided by Chris were simple, but effective; ensure you can be identified on the electoral voter’s roll so that you can be traced, and maintain good payment history.

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FINANCE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 6

Having a stronger credit rating can sometimes lower the interest that you pay on finance. The stronger it is, the wider the lending options across different funders become.

“I agree that some of the manufacturers have been very slow to act, as have other funders and the banks. I know that one particular bank has had just short of 10,000 requests for assistance, which gives you an idea of the gravity of the situation.

Chris Brown added: “Having spoken to a lot of customers and non-customers over the last couple of “The upshot is that I believe that grace will weeks, the picture is becoming a little clearer. eventually be given (between 3-6 months) “I have experienced many downturns in business over the 25 years I’ve been funding the sector, but nothing on this scale. When it restricts health and movement, you know you have a problem.

and it will not affect any credit reports, which is only right. This is currently being discussed at high levels with the reporting agencies and the banks. Hopefully this will put some people’s minds at rest on this particular matter.

“Our only hope is that this blows over as quickly as possible and that the wheels can slowly start to turn again.”

Article written by: Perry Richardson Image credit: LEVC

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INSURANCE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 8

OPTIONS

OPTIONS

OPTIONS

Since the coronavirus outbreak hit the UK, everyone involved with the taxi industry has been adapting the way they work and the services they provide to their customers. From finance companies, to insurance brokers; it has all been subject to unprecedented change.

Dan Severin, Head of Business Development and Innovation at Plan Insurance Brokers spoke to TaxiPoint, so we could find out what options are available to cabbies.

According to Dan the most asked question being fielded is currently: “Can I pause or get a holiday payment break on my direct debit?”

Dan responded saying: “This is looked at on a case by case basis.

However, most people will not be able to pause or stop payments.

“What people need to understand is the payments are not collected by us or your insurer, they will be collected by a finance provider. The issue here is with your insurance you have no asset that they can recoup their money from. Whereas with your Vehicle finance, they can give you a break, as should you fail to pay after this break they can recover the vehicle and sell it to get some money back. However, with your insurance, once the renewal date has passed they cannot get any money back out of your policy and will have nothing they can recoup.

“However, as mentioned depending on your insurer you will have different options.”

So, what other options are available to cabbies when it comes to their insurance policies?

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INSURANCE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 9

Removing Hire and Reward use and having Social use only By removing the Hire and Reward cover it could result in a refund on your premium, which could end up with reduced monthly payments or a refund back to you.

You must remember, this will mean that you will have NO cover to use the vehicle as a taxi.

Removing ALL driving cover If you plan to park your taxi up and not drive it at all, but you still want it insured in case of Fire, Theft or Vandalism etc. then you can remove all Road Traffic Act (RTA) cover, which we refer to as ‘Laid Up’ cover.

To get this, your vehicle will need to be parked off the public road, and you will need to SORN the vehicle. However, you must remember while the vehicle is SORN and on Laid Up insurance you will NOT be insured to drive the vehicle.

Cancel Your Insurance Providing you have not claimed/used your insurance then you can cancel your insurance and get a pro-rata refund. However, doing this you must remember you will have no cover if anything happens to your vehicle.

If you are concerned about your insurance and making payments then we would suggest you call your insurance broker and go through your options with them, as some options can be complex and involve cancelling one policy to move to another.

Dan finally added: “Lastly, away from this. We are pleased to confirm two positives if we can.

“One, is that all of our insurers are now covering all of our policyholders to carry out Food and Parcel deliveries for the NHS free of charge. So if you are going to sign up to help during this pandemic you will be insured at no extra cost.

“Secondly, we have agreed to support a new APP called Envoy (http:// envoy.london/) and we will be supplying and cover the cost of the Goods In Transit Insurance for all drivers using the APP for the first year. They are hoping to launch very soon and it might help provide some work and income to some drivers.”

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FEATURE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 10

THE WORLD IS LIVING THROUGH

UNPRECEDENTED TIMES As we all face the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, those of us working in the public transport sector are continuing to advocate for this vital and crucial service.

adapted by taxi sector in different countries.

Some examples of good practice measures from Taxi operators include:

As operators and authorities work hard to maintain a • minimum service, it’s clear that many vital workers in our society rely on public transport to get them to work, shop for groceries and care for the sick.

At UITP we’re thinking of the many people around the world impacted by the world as it stands. We’re • continuing to work with our more than 1,800 members in 100 countries, remotely, to share expertise, best practices and good examples and also stories – connecting at a human level is very important now as we lose the opportunities to network face-to-face.

One particular area within urban mobility that I have • long been a part of is the taxi sector. In fact two years ago my first book looking at taxis in the era of digitalisation was published. I have been speaking a lot lately about what the COVID-19 pandemic means • for public transport, and with this in mind, I’ve written top tips for the taxi operators during these times, based on examples of good practice measures

Encouraging the use of taxis via mobile applications. This situation limits both cash exchange and facilitates the follow-up of those travelling in the vehicle.

Implementing QR Code for street-hailing. By reading the QR Code (depending on the passenger's request) to the passenger phone that gets on the taxi, s/he has both the information about the taxi and shares her/his phone number with the central system. On this occasion, it is possible to reach the relevant passenger when necessary.

The doors to be opened and closed by the driver while the passengers get in and out of a taxi.

Regular deep cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and make available disinfectant dispensers for passengers.

Article written by: Kaan Yıldızgöz

Director at UITP, the International Association of Public Transport, taxi expert and author of the book “Taxis in the era of digitalisation”

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FEATURE

•

•

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 11

Establishment of temporary transparent screens between the drivers and passengers for limiting the interactions of drivers with passengers in line with social distancing standards.

Kaan Yıldızgöz, UITP Director

for those with a vested interest in the taxi sector. I’m proud to have many taxi services call UITP home.

Organising (online) training programmes Our membership is varied and truly reflects what our regarding the issues to be considered during the COVID-19 process for all drivers and ensure industry is: a global family. that all workers receive the latest and most We must all support public transport accurate information about COVID-19, now, tomorrow and in the future, as including ways to limit/avoid transmission.

•

Checking the body temperature of drivers daily and asking them not to come to duty if they are not well/having symptoms.

•

Consider the option to use taxi drivers/vehicles for delivery works while the demand for regular taxi services is small but demand for home deliveries is increasing as more people work from home amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

this vital service for urban living must not only survive, it must thrive. Our cities depend on it.

I hope that these tips prove helpful

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EDITORIAL

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 12

Can taxi drivers wait until June for Government self-employed coronavirus payments?

Editorial by Perry Richardson After days of agonising over what help the government might provide the UK taxi industry, Rishi Sunak set out his plans announcing that selfemployed workers will receive up to £2,500 per month in grants for at least 3 months.

Some cabbies who haven’t been self-employed for long will also struggle to access the funding and will only be offered Universal Credits, if their savings are below the threshold.

In a poll conducted by TaxiPoint, a worryingly high Millions of people across the UK rejoiced at the new 80% of taxi drivers claim they won’t be able to keep ‘Self-Employed Income waiting until June for the financial relief.

Support Scheme', with those eligible receiving a cash grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profit over the last three years.

Taxi drivers are just some of the many million self-employed people who will be asked by HMRC to fill in a simple online form, with the cash being paid directly into peoples’ Alan McCarthy, Regional Officer for Unite in Cardiff, bank accounts around June time. said in a video statement: “Our self-employed taxi drivers have seen their earnings decimated by the Now the dust has settled, and cabbies have done COVID-19 crisis. their sums, can all taxi drivers afford to wait three months for the backdated payment?

“They’re being asked to wait until June to see real With the 80% based on trading profit, some of the financial support from Government and for the cabbies’ normal living spending or savings will have majority this is far too long to go without a liveable to go towards business costs that can’t be deferred. income.”

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LEGAL

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 14

COVID-19:

YOUR Questions Answered

Image: LEVC

Article written by:

Stephen McCaffrey The COVID-19 outbreak is unprecedented. It is an comments will hopefully assist: unfortunate situation for hackney carriage and private  Licence holders need to carefully check the hire licence holders who will inevitably be most working of their contract to see if there is any severely affected by this. Whilst the Government has provision for compensation or paid notice announced measures to mitigate the impact, most periods. licence holders are self-employed and do not enjoy the  Business continuity/interruption insurance could same benefits as employees, for example. fill the gap left by the cancellation of school In this article I hope to provide some guidance and contracts. Licence holder should take advice on answers to the most common questions asked by the any insurance cover they may have. trade during this time.  Given the circumstances we currently face, it School contracts might be that local authorities will transfer those contracts from transporting school children to There has been a lot of questions regarding the children of school workers, front line staff or position with regards to school delivery of food packages to elderly/vulnerable. contracts. Understandably this is a very worrying time In other words, school transport contracts could for hackney carriage and private hire drivers since they be commandeered the contracts for other local generally have less employment and income government purposes. Speak to your contract protection. provider about this.

There is no general contract provision that will apply to  Licence holders who have had contracts school contracts around the country and each local cancelled without any other options or insurance authority will have its own terms and conditions. It is would likely need to take advantage of the therefore difficult to give advice and assurances to the Government’s relief proposals for small business trade in respect of this. facing disruption due to COVID-19.

However, a number of general observations and

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LEGAL

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 15

Difficulties with complying with requirements

Where then does that leave hackney carriage and private hire licence holder or applicants? In strict legal terms – and perhaps under more normal circumstances The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak has, in some – there would be a strict requirement to comply with cases very suddenly, thrown up difficulties for hackney policy requirements. However, we are currently not carriage and private hire applicants and licence facing normal circumstances. holders.

Until such as time as Government issues further Medicals guidance on the matter, it will be down to each We have been made aware that GP surgeries and other licensing authority to set its own course. providers have been cancelling appointments for We expect that existing hackney carriage and private undertaking medical reports for hackney carriage and hire licence holders will either have medical private hire applicants and licence holders. requirements temporarily suspended or be required to The fit and proper assessment for licence holders and complete some form of self-declaration as an applicants include the requirement for medical alternative. Those that are most likely to be most fitness. This is normally a policy requirement and disadvantaged are new applicants. It is unlikely that without satisfying this requirement, licensing new licences will be granted without the medical authorities will not grant licences. requirements being met.

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LEGAL

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 16

Other policy requirements

•

As the impact of the outbreak worsens, there will be other policy and licensing requirements that will pose difficulties for the trade to comply with.

The general principles already discussed will apply to other policy requirements too. We would advise hackney carriage and private hire licence holders and • applicants facing difficulties with complying with policy requirements to: •

Seek advice from their own licensing authority on contingency or business continuity plans

•

Take advice from unions or associations that you may be a member of

It might be in more extreme cases that licences are refused, suspended or revoked. In these cases, it is important to seek legal advice without delay.

Licensing hearings & decision making Licensing hearings are in important democratic licensing process promoting fairness and transparency in decision making. At the time of writing (20/03/2020), there has been no official advice from the Government to cease licensing hearings. This will no doubt change and this too will have an impact on licence holders and applications. A number of observations that I would like to make in reference to this:

•

I anticipate more decision-making powers will be delegated to licensing officers as some decisions will need to be made more expediently under the current circumstances. Whist the circumstances may justify more extreme measures, it cannot be at the expense of proper process, fairness, transparency and appropriate consultation.

Delegating decision making powers to officer should, in my view, be the last resort as there are other alternatives open to local authorities such as extra precautions and remote hearings via video link for example.

Despite the current circumstances we are facing, it is important that people’s rights are protected including the right to justice and fairness.

Any hackney carriage or private hire licence holder or applicant who may have had their rights denied can contact Taxi Defence Barristers for advice.

Weekly Rent We have also heard reports of private hire operators continuing to charge licensed drivers weekly rents despite a drop off in work or in some cases drivers not working at all.

Licensed drivers will most likely be subject to some form of contractual arrangements that sets out the terms of the agreement between the driver and the operator. Licensed drivers should consult their contracts or speak to their operators about this. There is general acceptance that normal rules of business are suspended and as such the agreement between operators and drivers should be flexible and lenient.

However, ultimately the contractual terms will define the terms of the arrangement. Whilst strictly speaking licensing authorities cannot intervene drivers can approach their licensing authority for advice.

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Charity

May 2019 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

LICENSING

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 18

Evidence on future

‘CONVERGING’

regulatory regimes sought

A Department for Transport (DfT) transport review is seeking evidence based around the future ‘converging’ regulatory regimes of bus, taxi and private hire industries.

Whilst the main focus of the review is based around flexible bus services, there are notable and numerous references to taxis and private hire regulatory framework.

The DfT has called upon transport stakeholders to give evidence and information on three areas of the ‘Future of transport regulatory review’.

In the 61-page DfT document ‘Future of transport regulatory review call for evidence’ it states: 'The call for evidence response will also inform further work looking at how the bus, taxi and PHV regimes are converging and what legislative framework might be appropriate in future. We would be interested in respondents’ views on what areas of the bus, taxi and PHV framework we should consider in future stages of the regulatory review.'

The call for evidence asks: •

whether certain micromobility vehicles (such as electric scooters) should be permitted on the road, and if so what vehicle and user requirements would be appropriate

•

how effective existing rules are around flexible bus services, and which other areas of the bus, taxi and private hire vehicle framework should be considered in this review

•

what the opportunities and risks “How else, in your view, can the of MaaS platforms might be, and Government support innovation what role central and local governments should play in their in the bus, taxi and PHV sectors?” development.

In the same document the DfT ask:

“What areas of the bus, taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) framework should we consider in future stages of the Future of Transport Regulatory Review?

Image: LEVC

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LICENSING The report also seeks more evidence on the topic of pre-booking and adhoc journeys in bus, taxi and private hire industries.

Under existing regulations, private hire vehicles can only pick up passengers when pre-booked via an operator, rather than from a rank or hailing from the street.

Such regulations provide passengers with important safety protections against unregulated drivers.

However, in the last decade smartphone apps have blurred the lines and law governing the taxi and minicab industry.

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 19 However, the DfT paper states: 'Since flexible bus services could become the main form of public transport in some areas in future, there could be benefits in making it easier for ad-hoc passengers to use them and reducing the limits on carriage.

'Experience with taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) apps in recent years has indicated that the concept of pre-booking transport does not necessarily need to mean booking well in advance.

'PHVs can be pre-booked through an operator’s app seconds before a car Taxi driver representatives which in that area arrives to pick up a include LTDA, RMT and LCDC, have long been advocates in distinguishing customer.' what is legally ‘plying for hire’ and Would defining plying-for-hire be what’s not. high on your list for this review?

Image: LEVC

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FEATURE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 20

...or just a load of hot air?

Image credit: Lilium

To some, the idea of flying taxis is simply a gimmick, to others, it’s a foregone conclusion that eventually our skies will be darkened by short-haul journeys in these miniature flying machines. But one thing that can’t currently be denied, is that hundreds of millions of pounds worth of investments continue to throw fuel onto some companies’ burning desire to see taxis take to the skies.

underpinning preparations for serial production in the company’s newly-completed manufacturing facilities.

As well as designing and manufacturing the Lilium Jet, the company plans to operate a regional air mobility service as early as 2025 in several regions around the world. It recently celebrated the completion of the first stage of flight testing, with the five-seater Lilium Jet demonstrator flying at speeds exceeding 100km/h.

Munich based aviation company, Lilium, who are developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft for regional air mobility, have recently announced the completion of an internal funding round worth more than £195m.

Commenting on the latest round of funding, Christopher Delbruck, Chief Financial Officer, said: “This additional funding underscores the deep confidence our investors have in both our physical product and our business case. We’re very pleased to The round was led by Tencent, with participation from be able to complete an internal round with them, existing investors including Atomico, Freigeist and LGT. having benefited greatly from their support and The new funds bring the total sum raised to date to guidance over the past few years. The new funds will more than £277m, which is being used to support enable us to take big strides towards our shared goal further development of the Lilium Jet, as well as of delivering regional air mobility as early as 2025.”

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FEATURE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 21

Lilium are not the only eVTOL aircraft manufacturers who have recently announced news which cements their ongoing ambitions to bring everyday inner-city air travel to the masses. Joby Aviation recently partnered with automobile giants, Toyota, who say they will share expertise in manufacturing, quality and cost controls for the development and production of the firms’ very own Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft.

As the leading investor in Joby’s £490m Series C financing round, Toyota is continuing to leverage emerging technologies to provide “Mobility for all” Joby has said.

The company, which also partnered with Uber Technologies Inc. at the end of 2019 in what they said was a “a multi-year commercial partnership to launch a fast, reliable, clean and affordable urban air taxi service in select markets”, believes their design is well matched to serve the needs of an emerging air transportation market where commuters and travellers embrace the benefits of aviation on a daily basis within and between urban centres.

Joby Aviation founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, said:

“This collaboration with Toyota represents an unprecedented commitment of money and resources for us, and for this new industry, from one of the world’s leading automakers. Toyota is known globally for the quality and reliability of their products driven by meticulous attention to detail and manufacturing process. I am excited to harness Toyota’s engineering and manufacturing prowess to drive us toward our dream of helping a billion people save an hour-plus commuting time every day.”

Toyota Motor Corporation President and CEO, Akido Toyoda, speaks of the collaboration: “Air transportation has been a long-term goal for Toyota, and while we continue our work in automobile business, this agreement sets our sights to the sky.

“As we take up the challenge of air transportation together with Joby, an innovator in the emerging eVTOL space, we tap the potential to revolutionise future transportation and life.

“Through this new and exciting endeavour, we hope to deliver freedom of movement and enjoyment to customers and everywhere, on land, and now, in the sky.”

Image: Joby Aviation

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THE FAT MIDDLE AGED BLOKE’S GUIDE TO

(EVEN DURING A PANDEMIC) Glenn Shelford is a fat-loss expert based in Herts & North London who has been working with clients for over 10 years. During that time, he’s seen his Dad join the ranks of London’s best, and also saw what it did to his health and weight. He’s since helped him and many other taxi drivers improve their health and wellbeing. With health and fitness at home during lockdown a hot topic, Glenn offers his advice to the trade on how to get motivated.

After speaking to a few guys this week about how they’re doing and finding out that it’s been a struggle for them, I’ve decided to go a bit deeper into the basics of getting yourself out of a slump and seeing some real progression even when life and work have changed dramatically right now.

Make ONE decent decision today & HOLD ONTO IT

•

Walking around a park

•

Meditation

•

Cooking something healthy

•

Drinking more water

•

Switching your attitude to gratitude.

Now pick ONE, just one… and do it now. I don’t care how small it is, just do something, anything to prove to yourself that you can make a couple of decent choices and start to see momentum.

Eating badly? Not been outside?

Sitting on the sofa? Playing games on Get up earlier your phone? All these things aren’t It might be early now, or late… but exactly mood-enhancers when it set your alarm half an hour earlier. comes to your self-esteem and feeling good… so what DOES work? Just 30 minutes. Yes, it’ll be painful throwing the covers off when there’s A lot of them you’ll already know: technically “nothing to get up for”

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If there IS something you’re getting up for, and it’s not the thing you want to be doing. Why not?

Is there some part of it you CAN look forward to, maybe even just ticking it off so it’s done and out of the way?

Exercise could be that very thing.

Start SMALL (and if it’s already small, start smaller)

got your days down in a certain number of attempts? Of course not. You just kept plugging away… and probably: 1.

Chunked it down to make it more manageable

2.

Made decisions one at a time and reminded yourself how far you’d come 3.

Maybe even got up earlier or stayed up later to study.

We’ve all heard the “how to eat an elephant” story.

But why doesn’t it make you do anything? Because you “get it” right?

So why not use it again now if it worked so well last time?

Yes, that’s all understood and it’s great on paper, but what about chunking it down even smaller than that.

Want an example? You’ve set yourself to get up to 5,000 steps per day whilst you’re isolating, well then make it 3,000. Not impressive enough? Not a challenge? Well you should be able to do it for the next 10 days no bother, right?

Head to our Facebook page to let us know if you’re focussing on getting healthier at the moment, where Glenn will also be offering further tips.

I’m saying these because I personally need to hear them as well, and it’s down to the choices you make.

Much like learning the Knowledge in the first place, did it matter if you’d not finished a certain run or not

Or get in touch direct...

Glenn Shelford Fat loss expert

Glenn@gfitpt.com

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COVID-19

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 24

Auto Trader’s

TOP TIPS:

Cleaning and disinfecting your taxi

As we all know, during lockdown we should only leave our homes to shop for necessities, attend medical appointments, engage in daily exercise and, if we choose to, go to work.

Driving is still currently allowed in the UK lockdown for those who need to use their cars to nip to the shops, • head to work, attend any medical appointments and, of course, work as taxi drivers.

Auto Trader has produced the following list of top tips for cleaning and disinfecting cars for those who still need to leave their house, to help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19): • •

Clean before disinfecting: Give your car a scrub inside with warm soap and water or car-cleaning products before you use disinfectant. Check the chemicals in these products to make sure you’re not damaging your car. Cleaning first ensures you’re removing dirt, organic matter and many germs from surfaces, allowing the disinfectant to then do its work on the more harmful, stubborn germs.

•

Prioritise disinfecting areas that are frequently touched: These include door handles, the rear-view mirror, the gear stick, infotainment and dashboard controls, seats and armrests,

seat belts and the handbrake. Isopropyl alcohol is a proven disinfectant, and is also safe to use on most hard car interior surfaces to remove many stains, smudges and residues, as well as kill bacteria and viruses.

Use soap and water on leathers: Isopropyl alcohol may cause problems with leather so stick to warm soap and water for any leather interiors.

No need to scrub too hard, avoid excess suds and water, and use a microfibre cloth if possible to avoid scratches.

Use material-specific cleaners and disinfectants: For a thorough clean, use materials specifically for fabrics, exterior metal and plastic, and interior plastic, vinyl and leather. When using these products, follow the guidance on the manufacturer labels and the safety precautions.

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COVID-19

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 25

•

Avoid bleach and peroxide-based cleaners: While these kill germs, they’ll also damage vinyl and plastic, and probably discolour your car too.

•

Don’t use too much water inside your car: Particularly around electronics.

•

Do not stockpile products: Please think of others when buying products. A little goes a long way, particularly if you clean before disinfecting.

•

Most importantly, wash your hands: Continue to wash your hands frequently and for a minimum of 20 seconds each time.

transporting other family members, so having multiple people in and out of a car means a higher risk of infection through contact with surfaces. By keeping cars as hygienic as possible with regular cleaning and disinfecting, we can reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading through car use."

An Auto Trader spokesperson says: “We understand that people still need to use their cars to get around, whether it’s for shopping for necessities, going to work, or attending medical appointments. Many may also be

Image: Auto Trader

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MAINTENANCE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 26

How to maintain your cab when not driving regularly With the country in the middle of the coronavirus outbreak, it’s highly likely many won’t be out and about in the taxi as much as they used to be. Some will be wondering what to do with their cabs if they aren’t driving it on a regular basis.

What to do with your taxi, and how to maintain it, depends on how long you’re leaving your cab idle. For example, you may be using it to top up on food and supplies.

But for many, you may not need or want to use your cab for a lot longer, maybe even months.

With the help of the AA, here’s a few tips on leaving your car parked for up to a month.

Fuel: Before parking your cab up for a long period, it’s a good idea to top up with fuel. Not only will this help with other measures, but a full tank doesn't attract condensation, which could cause issues if allowed to build up over time.

Battery maintenance: If you can, connect your car's battery to a mains-powered battery maintainer. If you can't, start the engine once a week and allow it to run for about 15 minutes. This will re-charge the battery and help keep the engine in good condition. It’s important to allow the engine to run for this long so the battery can charge properly. In the case of petrol engine cars, it also helps to prevent engines from flooding with fuel.

Never leave your car unattended with the engine running.

Brakes: Sometimes when a car's parked up for a long period with the parking brake on, the brakes can seize. To prevent this it's good practice to release the parking brake and move the vehicle a short distance back

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MAINTENANCE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 27

and forth, at the same time as running the engine. You shouldn’t leave the parking brake off unless the vehicle is on private land with the wheels securely chocked.

Electric vehicles: EVs and hybrid vehicles have 12-volt batteries, the same as conventional cars. However, they charge differently. Pressing the start button, so the ready light comes on, will operate the charging system.

Doing this for 10 minutes once a week should keep the 12-volt battery topped up. Some electric and plug -in hybrid vehicles can maintain their 12-volt batteries if they’re plugged in to the mains charger. Check your vehicle handbook for details on this.

Garages: Don’t run a car engine inside a household garage as the exhaust fumes can be toxic. If you keep your car in a garage, pull it out onto the drive to run the engine to charge the battery.

Tyres: Before driving the car after a long period parked up, check all of the tyre pressures and inflate if needed.

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FINANCE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 28

THE FINER

DETAILS

LEVC frequently asked questions as cab drivers defer taxi payments To ease the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the UK taxi trade, a three-month finance payment holiday initiative has been agreed by LEVC and Black Horse and is now available nationwide.

“A payment deferral or payment holiday is technically a contract extension. As such, any deferred payments (1, 2 or 3 months) will be added on to the end of your repayment period and additional interest will accrue on the loan for those extra months. This will vary TX drivers on any existing Black Horse finance contract can register their interest for a three-month from customer to customer and will be disclosed once the deferment has been applied for. Black Horse suspension of repayments. have opted for full transparency regarding these But what are the finer details? Here are some of the costs.” questions being asked frequently and the answers Is the end of contract vehicle valuation affected by supplied by LEVC: the payment break?

Is there a charge to defer a monthly payment and “No, LEVC and Black Horse will honour the existing take a payment holiday? end of contract vehicle valuation providing all other “There is no charge to defer a monthly payment. terms and conditions are complied with.”

However, please see following question for the Is my credit rating affected by taking a payment overall cost implications of taking a payment break? holiday.”

“No. During these unprecedented times, many Why am I being charged interest when I defer a financial institutions are working together to assist payment? customers and this will be taken into consideration

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FINANCE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 29

when you come to change your existing vehicle.

Please note, we find ourselves in an exceptionally complex environment so systems and processes are having to be manually adjusted in order to offer the assistance available.”

Can I request a blanket 3 month break?

“Your monthly payments can be deferred by a maximum of 3 months. When you ask for a three month payment holiday online if you have already had a 1 month payment holiday, a payment holiday will be applied for a further 2 months.”

agreement, you will need to call Black Horse to arrange this for you."

If customers take the 3 month break is there an option where the customer can spread the payments across existing terms instead off extending term so in other words customers payments will just increase to cover the difference?

“At the end of the 3 month payment deferral, you can contact Black Horse and discuss rescheduling your agreement to reduce the period by 3 months and increase the resulting monthly payment.

What happens with up coming payments that are due within the next week or two?

“We fully appreciate that this is a protracted process but as previously mentioned, we are faced with “As per the latest communication, you can follow the extraordinary situations that everyone is trying to instructions to log onto your Black Horse account and manage their way through.” move the payment date back 30 days (1 month). If you have already done this during your current

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HELPING HEROES

Taxi drivers and members of the public up and down the UK have stepped out of the shadows to assist our NHS heroes who are putting their lives on the line every single day to protect and save people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are just a few of the ways taxi drivers, operators and everyday people are showing their appreciation.

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 30

present their NHS identification card to the driver at the start of the journey to get a free trip.

Taxi drivers participating in the wonderful gesture display free journey information stickers on the front and rear windows of their taxis. This service is selffunded by the taxi drivers.

LONDON Many of London’s licensed taxi drivers have offered their services as a free form of travel for NHS workers in the capital. With its partitioned passenger cabin area, a traditional hackney carriage black taxi could be considered one of the safest ways to travel.

Hero cabbie Michael Hayes drives his cab to his local hospital in Newham to take doctors, nurses and other key workers home for free. Mr Hayes does this after a long shift trying to earn a living and takes great care in taping off all air gaps between the driver and passenger compartment. A number of NHS key workers have already taken Michael up on his generous offer.

NOTTINGHAM Nottingham City Hackney Carriage Owners & Drivers Association are giving NHS staff free taxi journeys to and from their place of work. All staff have to do is

NORWICH Staff at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital are being offered free transport by a local taxi firm who want to show their support for NHS staff during such challenging times.

Courtesy Taxis is offering the free journeys to and from the N & N Hospital for any member of staff with a valid NHS ID card in Norwich and surrounding areas.

The firm are also issuing discounts for NHS staff that live even further afield.

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HELPING HEROES

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 31

BURNLEY Volunteer taxi drivers have put themselves forward to go shopping for NHS staff who are unable to find the time due to front line work in hospitals.

Drivers from Nelson and Burnley based Delta Taxis are also offering to drop off the groceries free of charge. A spokesperson for the firm said: “We hope this allows our wonderful NHS to concentrate on saving lives whilst we take this worry away from them.”

Image: Ross Campbell

VEEZU DRIVER-PARTNERS A 20 per cent discount by all driver-partners working across all Veezu hubs in the UK is being offered to all frontline NHS staff.

few weeks/months will hopefully only be through that distance.

“For families with NHS workers though, they have to live it and deal with it, for us all.”

A2B in Solihull and Birmingham, Amber Cars in Leeds and Bradford, Dragon Taxis in Cardiff and Bridgend, Go The campaign has initially been launched with Glasgow Carz in Shropshire and the West Midlands, plus V Cars Taxis being at the forefront of the journeys. in Bristol, Bath, Chippenham and Swindon are participating in the offer.

UK TAXI APPs

CEO, Nathan Bowles, said: “Many people are naturally concerned at the moment and feeling helpless or at loss as to what to do in response to this current disruption. At Veezu we understand how crucial it is to ease the pressure on the NHS at this time, and not only are we supporting the NHS directly, we are also offering our support to local social and health care providers.”

GLASGOW Members of the public and taxi drivers have joined forces to ensure as many NHS staff as possible gain access to free trips, launching a ‘Go Fund Me’ page to raise money to cover the cost of fares.

Two of the UK’s biggest black taxi apps, FREE NOW and Gett, have created a special booking option on their platforms; NHS Heroes. They are offering a reduced fare to NHS workers, allowing them to get to hospitals quickly and safely.

FREE NOW’s reduced rate equates to 50% off the lowest tariff and Gett drivers are offering £10 rides for their NHS Heroes scheme in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Reading, as well as London zones 1-3.

There are many more cities, drivers and members of the public offering such wonderful, kind gestures – too may to mention. We at TaxiPoint would like to thank all those going above and beyond to assist frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.

Scott McMillan and Brian Walsh, who launched the campaign, said: “As a family, all we have been asked to do is stay at home, is that really a big ask? We watch and listen to the news, but we are at home and our direct contact with what may happen over the next

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COVID-19

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 32

BLACK CABS

&

‘HOT-HUBS’ Image: LEVC

Black cabs are “well positioned” to assist in new ‘Hot- position the passenger over the government’s Hub’ pilot COVID-19 patient testing scheme says UCG. recommended 2 metre distance too.

London taxi driver representatives, United Cabbies Group (UCG), contacted the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, detailing the reasons why London taxis should be seriously considered in the new COVID-19 clinical testing scheme.

Trevor Merralls, UCG General Secretary, wrote in the letter saying: “London Taxis can provide a fully inclusive and accessible door to door service which can be utilised to act and support the emergency services to deliver people, medicine and other necessities.

Partnering with the NHS, the London taxi trade could help deliver coronavirus “testing up to ten times faster” and protect frontline healthcare staff by reducing the infection risk, freeing up 100’s of hours of clinical time every week and making many more ambulances available.

“The London Taxi Trade is well positioned in view of our purpose built vehicle where the partition can be clinically sealed, our unique training and enhanced vetting to support essential public services, provide a link to supporting the elderly, vulnerable and those self-isolating in and around London in this unprecedented crisis.

Traditional black taxis have a partition separating the driver and passengers travelling in the vehicle.

Dimensions shared with Mr Shapps also show the Mercedes Vito and electric LEVC TXE taxi models

“Following our letter to the Health Secretary, we were approached along with our colleagues in the LTDA, by a key Primary Care Trust to be involved in providing

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COVID-19

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 33

transport for a Pilot COVID-19 Patient Testing facility or “Hot Hub”. This scheme partnering with the NHS will help deliver COVID-19 testing up to ten times faster as it will protect frontline healthcare by reducing the infection risk, freeing up 100’s of hours of clinical time every week and making many more ambulances available.

“Black Cab drivers from across London have stepped forward to help the NHS deliver this pilot, which is recognised for being safer than any other methods currently being deployed in the UK.”

Hot-hubs are to be set up in number of locations around the UK specifically for patients with underlying health problems who also have COVID-19 symptoms.

The appointment-only clinics will be available for anyone who is referred by their GP.

Lynn Millar, Director of Primary Care for the NHS Staffordshire Clinical Commission Group, said: “There are particular concerns about people who are selfisolating at home who have long-term conditions such as asthma or diabetes, or if they are pregnant, who start to show symptoms of COVID-19.

“If directed by 111 they should contact, but not visit, their GP surgery and if their doctor thinks they need further assessment they can be referred to the hothub.

“When they arrive they will be asked to wait outside, and then they will be seen on a one-in-one-out basis.

This is the best way to minimise the risk to both patients and staff.

“The hot-hub will either be able to advise on treatment or refer the patient to hospital if they think that is best.”

NHS GETT SET TO GO As of last week, London Black Cabs have begun supporting the NHS by transporting patients with COVID-19 symptoms who also require assessment for other non-urgent health conditions, thanks to a partnership between the NHS in South East London and taxi platform Gett.

Despite GP practices handling as many patient queries as possible on the telephone, some patients will continue to require a face-to-face appointment. This new initiative will see Black Cab drivers transport patients who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, but still need to be seen by a GP, to and from designated NHS community centres. Patients will not be tested for COVID-19 at these centres.

Several other cities are in dialogue to pilot schemes, two of which include Glasgow and Liverpool.

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Image: Gett

COVID-19

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 34

CABBIES HELP MOST VULNERABLE Taxi drivers are delivering emergency food parcels for the city’s most vulnerable households across Bristol.

On 28 March a delivery of emergency goods supplied by central government was received at Bristol’s City Hall before being packed into individual bags by Bristol City Council workers and volunteers, and distributed by local taxi drivers.

The council phoned over 300 people who are being shielded – those most at risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus – and found that 53 people had no food and support. They quickly mobilised volunteers who had registered on the council's Can Do Bristol site, to come in and pack emergency food parcels.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities from the threat of the coronavirus outbreak is the responsibility of everyone. Working in partnership with central Government and local volunteers we are

doing all we can to shield the most at-risk people though making sure they have food and support.

“The preparation and distribution of these food packages has been a collaboration between government, the council, local volunteers, and taxi drivers and provides the perfect example of how by working together we can help those who need it most.”

Following a call for volunteers to help during the coronavirus pandemic, nearly 3,000 people signed up on the council’s volunteering website, Can Do Bristol.

From that group, 75 people said they were available to help pack food on Saturday.

The Council is also working with local groups, including St Mungo’s and Julian Trust, to house homeless people and other vulnerable groups in accommodation that allows them to self-isolate during the crisis, as well as receive the food, support and the medicines they need.

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GLOBAL RESPONSE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 36

COVID-19 RESPONSE Around the World

France

Singapore

Taxi drivers have been utilised by the French government to help support healthcare workers during the coronavirus outbreak.

ComfortDelGro Taxi has extended the daily rental relief given to taxi drivers in Singapore until September 2020 to help its cabbies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak – a move which will effectively The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, announced a series of measures to support healthcare push it into the red. workers. Among them, was the mobilisation of taxis ComfortDelGro Taxi hirers are now receiving a total of for the staff of hospitals and public and private social $46.50 per taxi per day in rental relief – comprising medical establishments. $36.50 from the Company and $10 from the Government’s Special Relief Fund (SRF).

Given the low activity of taxi companies, the service has not be offered as part of a requisition, but instead as a standard hospital service.

The move is expected to cost ComfortDelGro Taxi as much as $80 million and will effectively push it into the red for the year ending 31 December 2020. This will be the first time Singapore’s largest taxi operator will post full-year losses.

Germany German mobility providers are increasingly relying on LEVC's electric TX taxi and TX shuttle vehicles for their operations during the Coronavirus outbreak.

German electric transport service CleverShuttle, available in Berlin, Munich, Leipzig, Dresden and Kiel, is currently only providing transport for solo passengers and follows the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute by increasingly using the 20 TX shuttles from their fleet.

"The vehicles are in operation almost around the clock," says Bruno Ginnuth, CEO & Co-Founder of CleverShuttle.

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Image: LEVC

GLOBAL RESPONSE

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 37

Italian taxi drivers OBLIGED to go to work despite there being NO demand

Italian taxi drivers are obliged to go to work despite there being no demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

hours, taxi drivers need to stand in a certain area to provide the service just in case someone needs it (for example doctors, nurses, the elderly, pharmacists or Since Italy became the first European epicentre for the those who work in the food supply chain). Taxi drivers therefore cannot choose not to go out. coronavirus pandemic, all eyes have been locked on the nation to see how communities and industries are “Following the coronavirus outbreak, the drop in tackling the deadly virus. demand is almost total – about 95/99%.

The taxi industry in Italy, like most industries in the country, has been hit heavily since the outbreak changed peoples' daily lives. Total lockdowns and no tourism has provided very little work to a once vibrant trade.

A spokesperson from taxi union Unione Radiotaxi d'Italia (URI), who are members of European taxi industry representatives TaxiEurope Alliance (TEA), said the demand for taxis is almost at zero, but drivers cannot choose not to go to work.

The Unione Radiotaxi d'Italia said: “Taxis in Italy, as services of general economic interest, have an obligation to guarantee a certain supply of the taxi service, despite of the actual offer.

“This means that even though there are no trips for

“In bigger cities, such as Florence, there are stands of 5/6 hours and, even though about only 10% of the taxi fleet is operating, there are drivers who return home without even having made a ride. Basically, if everyone exercised his usual right to work, about 90% of taxi drivers would not even make one ride.

“Obviously in smaller cities the situation is even more critical.”

The drivers' union also highlighted new measures brought in by the Italian Ministry of Transport that ensures taxi drivers provide their services equipped with protective masks and gloves. There is also a ban on passengers sitting next to the driver and no more than two customers can occupy the backseats at any one time.

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UBER

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk | 38

LOCK STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS

Uber’s TURBULENT month on Wall Street Uber Technologies Inc. launched its much-hyped IPO debut on 10 May 2019, sparking a frenzy from those wishing to buy shares and some of those early investors who had waited patiently to sell a portion or all of their shares.

that the company had enough cash to get through the coronavirus crisis.

In response to Khosrowshashi’s comments, Uber’s stock surged on 19 March to more than 38%, closing at $20.49 and then a further 17% to $23.97 on 24 March. They seemed to be climbing back to safety.

The last four weeks’ sudden rise in coronavirus cases and the announcements from governments On 2 April, Uber shares dropped more than 8% from worldwide advising less travel and lockdown, has seen $25.15 to $23.29 and eventually closed on 3 April at Uber’s stock price go up and down like a sky-scrapping $23.68, continuing its consistent inconsistency. rollercoaster. Which leaves some asking the question; can the ride-sharing firm survive such turbulent times?

On 17 March, Uber suspended its shared-ride services (also known as UberPool in some cities) in the U.S. and Canada. The aim? “To help flatten the curve of community spread in the cities we serve,” said Andrew MacDonald, Senior Vice President of Rides and Platform.

On 18 March, that announcement had a dramatically negative effect on the firm’s share price, seeing it plunge to an all-time low of $13.71. The worrying fall from grace looked as though Uber could drop completely over the edge, prompting a statement from CEO, Dara Khosrowshashi, assuring investors

Image: Google

Meaning it’s probably safe to say there’s certainly going to be many more rapid climbs, drops and loop’the’loops before we all finally come through these uncertain times.

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CHARITY

April 2020 | www.taxi-point.co.uk |40

Financial pressures and social isolation takes toll on taxi industry’s charitable UK events in 2020

Financial pressures and social isolation have taken their toll on the taxi industry’s charitable events in 2020.

In London, the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children (LTCFC) has also had to abandon its plans.

Bradley Winfield, Honorary Chairman of the LTCFC, Cabbies across the UK have historically fundraised and said: “It is with much regret that we have to announce that our outing to Southend on 14 July has been volunteered for vulnerable sections of the communities that they serve. However, they are being cancelled following Government guidelines issued due to the current situation with the COVID-19 forced to cancel plans as a result of the coronavirus Coronavirus. outbreak.

In Scotland, Edinburgh’s 74th Taxi Outing due to take place this summer has been cancelled.

The annual taxi outing, which is steeped in tradition, offers the families a memorable free day out which would otherwise not be possible. The outing was formed in the wake of the Second World War and has been popular ever since.

A spokesperson from the Edinburgh Taxi Outing Committee told its drivers on Friday: “It is with much regret and sadness that the Committee has decided to cancel this year's Outing.”

“The LTCFC committee are really disappointed to take this decision but the health and safety of the children, carers, drivers and everyone else involved on the day remains our number one priority.”

Back in Scotland, another huge charity taxi event, the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund trip to Troon, has also been cancelled.

Stephen Lalley, Treasurer of the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund, released a statement saying: “The Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund charity today regrets to announce that the planned 75th annual children's trip to Troon scheduled for Wednesday 17 June has been cancelled.”

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Charity

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Charity

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