Taxi Driver Online

Crisis for taxis as driver numbers soar

New influx compounding 'difficult situation'

Taxi drivers in Derry are struggling to earn a living because of the number of new drivers entering the industry, it has been claimed.

Eamonn O'Donnell, of the North West Taxi Proprietors (NWTP), told the 'Journal' the industry - already facing difficulties because of the ongoing economic downturn - is being stretched by the numbers of people who have recently been made redundant seADVERTISEMENTeking to work as taxi drivers.

He said the NWTP sympathise with anyone who has lost their job and can understand people's need to return to work.

"But there is evidence to suggest that as factories close, as places of employment lay people off, people view the taxi industry as an easy route to self employment.

"There is a real fear in the industry now, that in the current economic climate, this has the potential to make the situation worse.

"We are not saying people should not show the initiative to return to work but the net in terms of our industry is already stretched. As the net gets stretched further it is likely to burst," he said.

Mr. O'Donnell said the influx of new drivers in the North West only compounded an already difficult situation for the industry which provides work for around 1500 people in the Derry City Council area.

"What we are seeing as an industry is that people are holding back on spending their disposable income. Currently the industry is seeing a fall in the type of work that relies on disposable income - restaurants, nightlife and the bar trade," he said.

"Like every other service provider we are being squeezed by the credit crunch, people are now not so quick to spend."

He said increased working hours had become commonplace for most drivers who are struggling to earn a living.

Working longer

"What we have now is a situation where drivers who were once working a seven or eight hour shift are being forced to work longer hours to make it worthwhile.There are obvious concerns over self employed people being forced to undertake longer hours in terms of health and the impact on family life."

He said NWTP is currently providing a programme, funded by the Big Lottery, to help drivers cope with the demands of the job.

The programme includes exercise, health and nutrition and stress management classes.

More information for drivers is available by contacting NWTP on 7136 2556

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