Taxi Driver Online

20 Mar 2008

Cabbies’ fury over rail ranks at Middlesbrough station

TAXI drivers say they are being driven round the bend by new parking
measures at Middlesbrough station.

Cabbie Michael Stephenson, 46, pictured, says he is refusing to pay
TransPennine Express for a permit which would allow him to wait outside
Middlesbrough Station to pick up a fare.

“Five months ago TransPennine were sending out letters saying if we
wanted to park at the rank at the front of the station we had to pay over
£400 for a permit,” said Mr Stephenson, who’s also known as ‘Bangers’
and has been a taxi driver for 21 years.

He said the main problem would be for disabled people in a wheelchair
using platform One.

He said: “They have to come out of the station, past Wilson Street, go
underneath the bridge and round to the back of the Bongo Club before
they can hail a cab and I think it’s wrong.”

He said TransPennine, which managed the rank, was also planning to
change the taxi bays into pay and display parking for rail passengers,
leaving two taxi spaces at the back of the station.

A spokesperson for First TransPennine Express said: “First TransPennine
Express has introduced taxi permits at various stations across its network
which ensures that only licensed vehicles can pick up passengers.

“Following discussions with taxi drivers at Middlesbrough, the majority
decided they would not pay for a permit, which equates to the price of £1
per day. Therefore a compromise has been reached whereby drivers can
still use the rank at the rear of the station.

“The taxi rank at the front will remain as a drop-off and pick up point for
pre-booked taxis and, following passenger demand, extra car parking
spaces will be created.

“Therefore passengers will not only have extra parking spaces but they
will also have the choice of using a taxi at the rear or a pre-booked taxi at
the front.”

Source: GazetteLive
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