A dedicated training programme has been launched in Fife to help train new drivers, in an effort to improve the level of service provided by local taxi operators.
Set up by Christina Laing, the owner of a Cab Direct E7, the scheme offers new taxi drivers training in a wide range of subjects in order to improve the quality of service offered to passengers across Central Scotland.
Already the initiative has been so successful that Christina – who initially set up the programme as Elephant Training – has passed the running of the scheme to Fife College, so she can focus on her own business, Twenty Twenty Taxis, in Kirkcaldy.
The course lasts for 32 weeks, and consists of five SVQ-accredited units – customer service, first aid, vehicle maintenance, disability awareness and cash handling. There is also an additional course on further vehicle maintenance. At the end of the course, Fife Police carry out an in-car assessment, as well as offering further training on defensive driving.
“The scheme has been more successful than we originally anticipated,” said Christina. “So far we have completed two groups of sixteen drivers. Interest has been so great that we have had to pass the course on to Fife College to offer a more structured course.” Funding has now also been secured to enable more potential drivers to attend the course.
Team Leader for Tourism Industries at Fife College Cynthia Buick said, “This new initiative will help increase customer confidence in Fife taxi firms and will ensure that the region’s drivers are amongst the best in the country.”