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1.4 Steve Wright (SW) expressed a preference for a two-tier system. He felt that it worked very well in London and that, with the introduction of improved technology, its functioning would improve. The introduction of a one-tier system would lead to the collapse of the private hire industry and thus passengers’ ability to pre-book.
Tell me about this new technology because the customer is only actually interested in the end result.
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1.5 Tommy McIntyre (TM) agreed that maintaining the pre-booked market was positive for customer choice. He also noted that fare setting in one market was often done by reference to fares in the other market. Furthermore, the problem of insufficient rank space would only be exacerbated by shifting to a one-tier system.
Is that right Tommy....customer choice.....a bit like phoning DELTA?
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1.6 Dai Powell (DP) noted that pre-booking was essential to disabled persons who could not obtain a vehicle in another way.
Another way.......you mean apart from ranks, street hails and phones? Which other way is this.....the power of the sixth sense?
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1.7 Patrick Connor (PC) felt that moving to a one-tier system risked creating a “honeypot” situation which would reduce provision in non-urban areas.
Yes it does Patrick.......but nobody is suggesting a one tier system without pre-booking, or getting rid of areas.
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1.8 Bryan Roland (BR) noted that 95% of drivers were self-employed. Private hire operators were concerned that a one-tier system would not give them sufficient control over drivers to allow them to cope with demand. The labour market was a different shape in each area and it was not possible to say to what extent driving work represented the main source of income.
Is that what its about Bryan......PH Op's having control? And this demand you speak of.....is it PH demand or HC demand......have you invented a vehicle which a driver can drive at the same time?
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1.9 SW added that he felt a one-tier system would lead to a “honeypot” situation. Drivers would not be willing to pay operators’ fees and, given that there was very little hailing in suburban areas, all vehicles would work in city centres, reducing provision elsewhere.
You guys and your honeypots......its like dealing with Winnie the Pooh ffs ......Your wrong about not paying for radios SW.......you get £20K around a drivers neck and you'd be surprised what he'd pay to make sure he doesnt lose his shirt.
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1.10 James Button (JB) questioned why it was not possible to allow for pre-booking in a one-tier system.
That was a curved ball jimmy baby. I dont think anyone did suggest that.
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1.11 Geoffrey Riesel (GR) felt that a two-tier system was required for practical reasons; however, he noted that many other countries operated one-tier systems which allowed for pre-booking. The private hire industry had come into existence where there was a lack of taxis, often due to quantity restrictions. It was not possible to tear up the existing system and start again, as this would be very damaging to business.
No Geoffrey.....the PH industry has always been here, they are often cheaper than taxis....thats how they get customers.
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1.12 BR felt that outside of city centres, vehicles worked in what was essentially a one-tier system. There was no ranking or plying.
Are you talking about lakeland fells or the Yorkshire moors? And what has that point got to do with anything whatsoever?
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1.13 Julian Francis (JF) expressed the view that taxis and PHVs could be distinguished on the basis that taxis were an emanation of the state and part of public transport, whilst PHVs were not. PHVs represented a market-led response intended to fulfil specific pockets of demand.
Well said LTI......never let the choice of a driver get in the way of a monopoly situation.
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1.14 Bob Oddy (BO) noted that a one-tier system would be in conflict with requirements for disabled access.
Not if they have to buy WAV's Bob.
I get the feeling the LC will be doing what I spent 5 minutes doing.
CC