Taxi drivers are reported to be turning down bookings from concert goers heading to this summer’s Radio 1 Big Weekend. The reason they’re giving is that the trip simply doesn’t represent good economic sense.
One Big Problem for PHV’s & Black Cabs
“It happens all the time in the city when it’s busy, it’ll be even worse when an event like this is on. They say, ‘drop me here, I’ll walk’ but you’re still forced to sit in the traffic jam with the meter off.”
The two-day event is being held in the rolling acres of the Burton Constable Hall Estate. Roads to and from this venue are incredibly narrow and in many places, are single track lanes. Passing spots are limited too, meaning that heavy traffic congestion is likely to quickly choke up all the lanes.
Many drivers have expressed their concerns about the length of the journey and the costs that will be involved in returning to the city with an empty cab. It’s also been mentioned that frustrated passengers will get out the cab once they hit the main congestion area, leaving the black cabs and private hire cars stuck in traffic.
A taxi driver from Hull commented: “It happens all the time in the city when it’s busy, it’ll be even worse when an event like this is on. They say, ‘drop me here, I’ll walk’ but you’re still forced to sit in the traffic jam with the meter off.”
Business as Usual from City Centre
With an estimated 25,000 visitors predicted for each day of the event, private hire companies are advising travellers to make alternative arrangements and even pre-booked cabs have been cancelled by firms. Hull Taxi Driver Association representative, Peter Nilsson, has recommended that revellers use the local bus service instead which will cut down on the amount of traffic on the roads and prevent congestion. He also said that while there’s a pick up and drop off point at the venue, cabs are not well catered for.
Mr Nilsson has reassured customers that the city’s 1,300 private hire cars and 200 plus black cabs will be ready and waiting to take passengers on to their homes once they return to the city centre.
Passengers Support the Move
“The taxi firm apologised but I understand where they’re coming from.”
While it may seem a little draconian by outside observers, many passengers have said that they understand why the taxi firms have chosen this course of action.
One woman who had her booking cancelled by a cab firm said: “I would’ve liked to have got a taxi as it would be more convenient and cheaper but I’ve just booked the bus without any issues. The taxi firm apologised but I understand where they’re coming form. A lot of people moan about the cost of transport but this is a free event. Think about how much you’d have to pay for Glastonbury.”