He has purchased 17 metros plus the plated spare plus the guys other business. No-one knows how much he payed for it all, could be 750,000 - 1.5m.
the drivers who are currently renting these cabs had to go to taxifast house to pay their rent, and sit through a presentaion.
They have been given a choice of changing over to taxifast or lose the cab. as far as i am aware, 3 are with plymouth taxis, the rest I think are independant(there may be a couple with textus).
he has given them a month from last friday to make their decision. i have been told that 6 or 7 will start next week, as he blinded them with his "slick presention"
To be honest I can't see them lasting with him, having previously worked for taxifast before I saw the light and changed over my badge.
talking to some of the current taxifast drivers, there seems to be 3 groups, his inner circle of friend who get the cream of the jobs (not seen picking up no-fares on union street when it's busy), the rest of the locally recruited drivers who get all the crap, working 12 hours for 70-80 quid, more fri/sat, and the foreign recruited drivers who are disappointed they are ONLY getting 150 quid aday now.
also if it is SO great working for taxifast why has there been alot of drivers leaving, going to other p/h firms or like me changing codes.
I think most of Central taxis is made up of ex taxifast drivers, most left this year.
BTW a little item that seemed to escape the "hot press" - John Preece found out his 2nd in charge, Alan Johnson, had fleeced approx 100k from the company through the cars they lease to the drivers. The Police were involved but apparently, Preece does not want to persue it, WHY?
is it because he knows too much about his dodgy dealings? enough to ruin him? we can but guess, it doesn't smell right, as he is quick enough to take the council to court at the drop of a hat.
I feel abit better now