Taxi Driver Online

A letter to the Newcastle Journal in respect of NE taxi drivers using bus lanes.
..............................................

THE JOURNAL (Newcastle, UK)

January 10, 2007 Wednesday

HEADLINE: Why should taxis be using bus lanes?

Iam a driver as well as a frequent user of public transport who has benefited from buses using bus/taxi/cycle lanes which allow the operators to run a frequent and reliable service.

Unfortunately, as a driver I have to use roads that have a bus/taxi/cycle lane, and have been terrified and frightened by the use of these lanes by taxis.

Some drivers of these vehicles seem to have no compunction about disobeying the speed limits or rules that apply. They thunder past at tremendous speeds on the inside, only to cut across the solid white line when a bus blocks their way or a change of lane suits their purpose.

Can anyone tell me why taxis should have use of these lanes at all? The majority of inner city journeys by taxi are with one passenger (the driver does not count), taxis do not run to strict timetables, they are no greener than a car of similar age or make, and do nothing to encourage people to use mass public transport, which they are in opposition to.

With the plethora of buses in inner cities, are taxis needed? Or are they the transport of the wealthy who can afford to pay highly for short journeys?

Should taxis pay an additional levy to use bus lanes? Alternatively, should they collect for the exchequer an emission levy for every inner city journey, which would encourage the use of mass public transport?

R IRWIN, Gateshead
.................................

God what a plank!!!!

I'm sure my punters would love to pay excessive waiting time or if this guy had his way a bus lane charge.

THE JOURNAL (Newcastle, UK)

January 16, 2007 Tuesday

Taxis' flexibility make them a first choice

May i reply to the letter written by Mr R Irwin of Gateshead regarding taxis using bus lanes ("Why should taxis be using bus lanes?", Voice of the North, January 10)?

As chairman of the Newcastle Hackney Drivers Association, I was instrumental in lobbying Newcastle City Council over the use of no-car lanes and bus lanes for the licensed trade.

The council were the first to implement no-car lanes in this country.

Hackney carriages have been around longer than buses, with the first permits issued in the 1640s to horse and carts in London. We've been involved in public transport from then, but do not receive the subsidies other public transport operators receive.

The 1995 Disabilities Act refers to taxis being part of the public transport network, and that local authorities should look to include taxis as such in their transport policy, although there's no mention of subsidies, of course.

Taxis are not in use for the wealthy: a seven-seater, for instance, can be cheaper than the Metro or bus. Many members of the public prefer taxis - safety is a major issue - as do many people who have disabilities, such as wheelchair users. Taxis undertake school runs for local authorities and some of the children may also have disabilities.

Taxis and private hire vehicles do various types of work for different health authority groups around the region, carrying equipment as well as passengers, who wish to meet an appointment and find the taxi not as a luxury but a necessity.

Taxis and private hire vehicles are the only forms of public transport who operate without subsidies and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

It is the very flexibility of our trade and the use by travellers in all categories, from all walks of life, that make us first choice to them. Why take that choice away from the public, by denying them access to much under-used road space?

If Mr Irwin has complaints concerning the misuse of bus lanes by taxi drivers or members of the public, he should direct his complaint, with the details, to the police who are in a position to take up his grievance.

JM BLAKE, Chairman, Newcastle Hackney Drivers Association, Newcastle
...................................................

good old Jimmy, a guy with a case stated behind his name

CC

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