When is a taxi not a taxi? When you’re in Jersey, is appears.
Plans unveiled to restructure the taxi industry in Jersey have left many in the trade dismayed.
The reform, announced by Transport & Technical Services Minister, Eddie Noel, seeks to simplify the fare structure for customers, introduce electronic payments and increase the number of accessible taxis available on the island.
All seems reasonable enough. Arguably less so, though, when reading the details of how Noel’s plans are to be achieved – a sentiment echoed by the leader of the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, Mick Tostevin. He said: “A lot of members of the industry, not just the rank taxis but private hire too, have been left gobsmacked and reeling by the revelations.”
Here’s why . .
Taxi or Cab?
The plan, which is due to be phased in over the next three years, will see the classification of vehicles changed. Under the reform, wheelchair accessible vehicles are to be called ‘taxis’ whilst those without access will be classed as ‘cabs’ – this is irrespective of the license type of the driver.
“A lot of members of the industry have been left gobsmacked and reeling by the revelations.”
All drivers wishing to use the rank will need to be accessible by 2019. However, both taxis and cabs will be able to be booked in advance and be hailed in the street. They will also share the same tariff structure and a maximum fare will be introduced.
New Branding
There are to be new rules around branding too – taxis will have to be black, silver or grey with a Jersey mark on the bonnet. They will also need a taxi roof sign. Cabs will also have to have a notable, albeit less stringent, livery and a roof sign identifying the company’s name and when the vehicle is available to be hailed.
Further changes being introduced include additional training for drivers, plus the provision of children’s booster seats and electronic payment systems in all vehicles.
Improving Service?
Deputy Noel believes the changes being implemented will change the trade for the better. He said: “We’re encouraging the cabs to work smarter and to increase the capacity at peaks hours when the public needs it.
“This will allow both types of taxi drivers to increase their incomes. It will also allow rank taxis to do private hire work and for private hire drivers to go on the ranks.
“This all adds up to a greater availability to access the service.”
Disagreement
Along with many local drivers, the Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authority (CICRA) disagrees, claiming the reforms are not in the best interests of consumers.
CICRA Chief Executive, Michael Byrne, commented: “We’re concerned that the reforms the department is seeking to introduce retains a two-tier system which is confusing for consumers, will significantly increase the cost to industry of providing services (costs which will ultimately be borne by customers) and appear to increase the burden of regulation on the industry (with associated costs) without a clear case for such interventions.”
Have Your Say
Are you a taxi driver on the island? Are you for or against the changes? Let us know what you think by clicking the link below.