Taxi Driver Online

Late-night bus service hits cab takings


TAXI drivers have hit out at a late-night bus service they say has “significantly reduced” their earnings.

Last month, bus operator First introduced the 4U service – dubbed the clubbing bus – running every 30 minutes until 2.15am.

It leaves from the railway station and stops close to various city centre nightclubs before going to the University of York.

The service was hailed as a major boost to residents in streets such as Heslington Road, who often suffer from noise problems as boisterous students walk home to the university in the early hours. The bus can be used by non-students as well.

But Stuart Robinson, vice-chairman of the York Taxi Association, said a number of drivers had complained that the new service meant fewer students were flagging down hackney carriages. He said: “One or two drivers have seen a significant reduction in fares.

“Drivers’ earnings go up and down across the month – at the start of the month the kids have more money to spend – but I think it’s fair to say this has made a significant difference.

“That late-night business has made a real difference to their income.”

He said the blow had come at a bad time, with City of York Council issuing more taxi licences.

“They’re adding 15 new plates to the existing 158, which is as near as you get to a ten per cent increase,” Mr Robinson said.

He said the additional plates would mean average incomes for drivers would fall by about ten per cent.

First were contacted, but did not provide a comment.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Thank f*** Be achy Head is in Sussex and not Yorkshire.

I wonder what % of their punters must regret asking if they have been busy?

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IDFIMH