Roy August 31st, 2010
The new rule limiting existing plates to one more transfer of ownership and making new plates non transferable has been widely welcomed by taxi drivers, because if it’s done honestly it could reduce the fleet over an extended period …… as existing drivers retire, leave the business or die.
However, the Commission for Taxi Regulation are not behaving honestly, the new rule only effects individual plate owners and not those held by the corporate sector, plates registered to companies can continue to be transfered ad infinitum, simply by changing the names of the company directors.
This is unjust and unfair, as those individuals who can least afford it see their asset reduce in value as a direct result of this new rule, whilst those plates in corporate ownership will not be affected by it.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation are aware of this anomaly and admitted to me in a meeting I had with them that it is unfair, but they suggested that they can do nothing about it. This is untrue, the loophole could easily be closed if the Commission had a mind to do so, the thing is ….. they have a long term aim to make the majority of the fleet corporate owned (They say it would be easier to govern)
However they should not be allowed achieve this aim in such an unfair and unjust manner
Please help to Close the Corporate Transfer Loophole NOW!
Simply fill in your name, plate number and email details in the form below and then press Submit, the message in the box (change it if you want to) will be sent to the Commission, Minister Dempsey and also both the Fine Gael and Labour transport spokespeople.
Form Object
Roy August 19th, 2010
Vinny Kearns seems to be back on the Taxi case again, lately I have been CC’d a number of e-mails from him, including this one which was sent to the CTR and the media:
Hi all,
we have played around with our “Social Corporate Responsibility” and responded with the correct sound bites to create the perception that we genuinely want to create a socially inclusive taxi service. The taxi industry has been blamed for the lack on progress in this regard when the truth is that the responsibility lies with the Government and if the right incentives and subvention is introduced we will be in a position to deliver. This topic has not received enough public debate and I would appreciate it if the representative bodies would bring this to the attention of the media. The government will not remove VRT and VAT from the purchase of W.A.T.s and there is no plans to subsidise travel for those needing the services.,
Regards,
Vinny
He also included an article about the situation in NSW this is a clip from that article:
The Government in New South Wales have come up with this novel idea:
Incentive payment for wheelchair accessible taxi drivers
The NSW Government is undertaking a twelve month trial of an incentive payment to wheelchair taxi drivers when they carry passengers in wheelchairs.
Since 1 December 2007, drivers of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATs) have been able to claim $7.70 plus GST for each wheelchair passenger carried. The trial is funded from the Taxi Advisory Committee account at no cost to passengers.
This payment is only for the driver of the WAT and is designed to improve reliability and response times for passengers, and to support WAT drivers in achieving these improvements. The NSW Government is committed to improving wheelchair accessible taxi services and supporting WAT drivers in achieving these improvements.
Any chance our lot might take a leaf from that book?
Roy August 16th, 2010
I’ve just finished reading the latest post from my mate Kyle Wilkins called Taxi Abuse in it he tells of a bad experience he had in a Taxi, personally I’m not sure if it was him or the driver that got the raw deal ….. have a read and tell him what you think ………………… Taxi Abuse
While you’re there have a look through some of his other weird and wonderful ramblings……………
Roy August 5th, 2010
As many of you know I’m in favour of the 9 year rule, but that’s possibly because it doesn’t effect me, either way I can see why many think it’s unfair, here’s the CTA take on it:
Regulated Off The Road.
Capital Taxi Association today held a photo call to highlight the discrepancies in the Commission for Taxi Regulations nine-year rule due for implementation in January 2011.
It would appear that the disabled, the public in general and the vast majority of Taxi Drivers are not entitled to a fair shake of the stick by the Commission for Taxi Regulation. According to new regulations standard taxis over nine years old will be deemed unfit for use due to age. The governing factors behind this are, according to the Commission for Taxi Regulation, environmental impact and passenger safety. The Commission maintains newer vehicles are cleaner for the environment and safer for passengers. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, despite having the same alleged failings as standard taxis are exempt from the nine-year rule.
Best practice guidelines for SPSV vehicles in the UK state “ It is perfectly possible for an older vehicle to be in good condition. So the setting of an age limit beyond which a local authority will not license vehicles may be arbitrary and inappropriate. But a greater frequency of testing may be appropriate for older vehicles – for example, twice yearly tests for vehicles”.
The environmental impact of a vehicle is assessed during the emissions test as part of the yearly National Car Test (NCT). Given the fact that a vehicle can fail the national car test based on the result of the emissions test it is difficult to see the commissions’ rationale.
The current Wheelchair Accessible fleet will have to meet standards set out for passenger car M1 certification from 2012 but will remain exempt from the nine-year rule. Once M1 certified these vehicles must simply continue to undergo and pass the National Car Test (NCT) and Société Générale de Surveillance Ireland Ltd (SGS) visual assessment on a yearly basis to remain in service. Standard taxis of comparable age and condition must be taken out of service as taxis but these vehicles may be resold as family cars.
The nine-year rule is badly flawed.
The disabled are expected to travel in vehicles over nine years old which, if they were other than wheelchair accessible would automatically be deemed unfit for use due to age while existing operators of standard taxis over nine years old regardless of condition must replace their vehicles.
Wheelchair accessible taxis also operate as multi passenger vehicles (up to eight passengers) when not transporting a wheelchair user, a standard taxi service for more than four passengers so, why the disparity?
Some Taxis that will be deemed unsuitable next year:
Roy July 25th, 2010
These are are a series of letters between a solicitors office the CTR,, TAC and various unions/rep bodies that I believe are the basis for the upcoming court challenge, although the actual challenge seems to be much bigger.
For more information I reccomend you attend the meeting in the Kennel club on tuesday 27th July @ 2pm.
I spoke to Frank Byrne of Tiomanaí Tacsaí na hEireann on Friday Evening and he gave me leave to post them here:
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Roy July 18th, 2010
Thanks to Frank Byrne of Tiomanaí Tacsaí na hEireann for this excerpt containing questions by Tommy Broughan TD, to Minister Dempsey relating to Taxis; (no real news though, same old crap)
No plans to change legislation on Garda vetting, No date on 10% target for wheelchair accessible fleet, no plans to introduce VRT/VAT rebate on Wheelchair accessible Taxis and no change to the appeals process (seems happy with the current situation)
320. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the proposal by Capital Taxi Association for the urgent introduction of legislation similar to the model in use within the private security industry and operated by the Private Security Authority to facilitate the strictest and most comprehensive vetting standards for all drivers and licence holders within the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31090/10]
Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey): I refer the Deputy to the reply given by my colleague Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, to Dáil Question No. 116 which he answered on Thursday, 20th May 2010 regarding Garda vetting.
I have no plans to introduce additional legislation in this regard.
Taxi Regulations
321.Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the target date for 10% of the taxi fleet to be wheelchair accessible; if he is considering any initiatives such as a scheme for an exemption from vehicle registration tax for the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31092/10]
Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey): The provision of a scheme of VAT and/or VRT relief for wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs) was considered by my Department and the Department of Finance late last year. However, having regard to the EU prohibition on new schemes to refund VAT, it was considered that it would not be feasible to narrow the tax base by introducing a VRT relief scheme for WATs.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation (CTR) has submitted a proposal for a grant scheme to incentivise the provision of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys, based on a target of 10% accessible taxi and hackney fleet. I have referred the CTR proposal to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for its consideration and decision.
The NTA, which has responsibility for public transport investment in the Greater Dublin Area, will consider the proposal having regard to available funding (including its Exchequer capital allocation), priorities for investment and the enhancement of accessibility for transport services in the Greater Dublin Area.
322.Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the> Minister for Transport when he will introduce legislation to facilitate an appeals process for drivers within the taxi regulatory system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31093/10]
Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey): Regulation relating to the control and operation of small public service vehicles (SPSVs) is governed by section 82 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Currently administration of the necessary SPSV drivers licence is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Section 35 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 will be commenced when the functions on driver licensing are transferred from the Garda Commissioner to the Commission for Taxi Regulation. This will provide that persons, who are refused a licence by a licensing authority (i.e. the Commission or the Gardaí), may appeal to the District Court. Appeals may also be made where licences are suspended or revoked.
I have no plans to introduce additional legislation in this regard.
Roy July 10th, 2010
UNITY
Taxi drivers will on Tuesday, 13 July hold a silent candlelight vigil at the front gates of Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park from 8pm until 10pm.
The candlelight vigil is to draw public and government attention to the recent tragedies that have taken place within the industry and to highlight the emotional and financial difficulties experienced by full-time taxi drivers.
Spokesperson Lisa Corr said “all drivers suffering personal difficulties should make contact with Console HELPLINE – 1800 201 890 to receive advice and support for any problems they are presently going through.”
Roy July 5th, 2010
Useful information for intending passengers………….
Part 1 how to hail a cab -
Part 2 How to queue at the Rank –
Roy June 15th, 2010
Taxi-Pay, the new Credit/Debit card payment solution for Taxi drivers has just completed a full cycle:
Fares charged by passengers using the service for one full week
Payments made to drivers for fares paid using the service during that week
I have received correspondence and spoken to some of the drivers whose customers have availed of the service and all have been complimentary, here’s one of the E-mails:
Roy,
Got my first punter 20 mins after i put up my stickers.
Got called up ahead of 20 other cars at the airport, ¤35 to ranelagh. Went without a hitch, customer well impressed.
Nice one…
One small dispatch company in Carlow has signed up and will begin advertising the service shortly.
I was slightly concerned when a group of Spanish students decided to use Taxipay, wondering would their mobile recognise the number and whether the English menu would prove problematic, however although one or two of the menu items needed to be replayed, they completed the transaction quickly and seemed to genuinely enjoy the process.
I did have to refuse the opportunity of skipping the queue on the Green last night as the potential passengers wanted to use Amex, not sure if Taxi pay takes that?
Have you signed up yet? if not then why not? It’s a completely free service for drivers and gives you a competitive edge, stay ahead of the game……………
Sign up here
Roy May 20th, 2010
In this video the Don’t Get Screwed Team show us what to do if the price charged for your repair is more than what they quoted you……………
