Watch out London, taxi drivers in Hull are stepping up to the mark and taking a knowledge test of their very own.
Hull taxi firm, 65 Cars Ltd, has teamed up with Hull Business Improvement District (HullBID) to launch a local knowledge taxi test which will allow drivers to increase their awareness of the city, which in turn can be passed on to their passengers.
City Image
The new knowledge scheme comes after a local driver described the city as “the devil’s armpit” to an American tourist.
Managing Director of 65 Car Ltd, Mark Fleming, said: “An American customer told how someone had spoken very negatively about Hull.
“He said that he had been told to get out of the city as soon as possible because it was ‘the devil’s armpit’. Of course, we were absolutely horrified by this.
“He then travelled with one of our drivers and was so impressed with the friendliness and local knowledge of our driver that he booked him for a three-hour tour of the city.
“It got me thinking that we could work with HullBID to provide all our drivers with the information which will give passengers an insight into what Hull is really all about.
“Our aim is to work with as many businesses as we can to promote our city and this will help us do that.”
The Knowledge Test
London taxi drivers have to pass the world renowned exam called ‘The Knowledge’ in order to complete their taxi licence application. ‘The Knowledge’ test is said to be the hardest in the world and sees taxi drivers memorising every route and landmark. Typically it can take two to three years to master.
Later this month, 65 Cars will be opening an office in Hull’s Princes Avenue, where passengers can wait indoors for their taxi. Whilst doing so, they will have the opportunity to gain more information in regards to the city by the means of TV screens.
65 Cars hope their version of ‘The Knowledge’ will mean no question goes unanswered.
Mr Fleming explained: “The new screens are all part of our aim to provide passengers with more information about places to visit in Hull. We’ll use them to promote other businesses in the area and help bring the city together.
“We’re already in touch with businesses in the city centre through HullBID’s evening economy group. This new venture will involve our drivers topping up their knowledge of Hull, so they can show passengers what’s great about our city.”
Positive Changes
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID city centre manager, said: “Taxi firm 65 Cars works with a lot of businesses in the HullBID area including hotels, restaurants and bars and is in a great position to make a really positive first impression with visitors to the city.