Oxford’s two largest and most competitive private hire cab firms have merged in an attempt to “survive” the introduction of various taxi apps.
Global taxi apps such as Uber, Gett and Hailo allow customers to book a taxi without speaking to an operator. Depending on what app the customer uses, they will be sent a hackney taxi or a private hire cab at a click of a button.
Industry-wide Concern
In recent months, these apps have caused chaos across the world as cabbies have blockaded main streets of cities in protest.
“We’ve had to join forces because we need to survive.”
Royal Cars and 001 Taxis feared of job losses as yet another app revealed its intention to expand to Oxford and the news spurred taxi bosses to meet to discuss how they could help each other.
Director of 001 Taxis, Mark Green, said: “We’ve been in competition for more than 20 years and we’re a family run business. There’s lots of pride here but we’re working in partnership now, we’ve had to join forces because we need to survive.”
Job Losses
Both 001 Taxis and Royal Cars have approximately 700 workers, including office based staff and drivers, and jointly they provided for over 46,000 bookings last week but the rise in taxi apps could lead to a number of job losses in order to stay in the business.
Mr Green added: “If the local population does start using these apps then we might have to look to lay off staff, particularly those who answer the telephones.”
Customer Loyalty
Bosses at Royal Cars are hoping that their healthy reputation for good customer service will keep their loyal customers coming back to them rather than booking via apps.
Manager of Royal Cars, Ozayr Khan, said: “We’re a local business and we’re here for local people. We strive to help Oxford have a taxi service that is safe and secure.
“It’s taken us 20 years to get to where we are and our staff knows most of our customers by name. I think they will be loyal to us.”