The secretary of a taxi drivers’ association in Oxford said new arrangements had been made following the introduction of a taxi-hailing app in the city.
Oxford was picked as the latest launch destination by ‘MyTaxi’, the fast-growing taxi-hailing service last month. The ‘MyTaxi’ service works with existing black cab drivers to provide pick-ups within five minutes of hailing.
More Opportunities with ‘MyTaxi’ app
The user-friendly app service is designed so drivers can balance online work while still being available for roadside work.
However, initial concerns were raised among some drivers that the use of the app would cause confusion on the rank at Oxford station.
They argued that drivers could be hailed by the ‘MyTaxi’ app and move out of the rank. This would ultimately cause disruption in the line and cause misunderstanding with queuing customers in the rank.
New Station Taxi Ruling
Secretary of the association, Sajad Khan, said a revised arrangement has now been made with drivers.
He said: “We’ve requested drivers to pull off the rank if they receive a ‘MyTaxi’ or a radio job.
“The driver may then pick up the job from a suitable and safe location without causing any obstructions to anyone and more importantly, without burdening any passengers.”
Oxford is the sixth UK city this year where ‘MyTaxi’ app has launched.
City of Oxford Licensed Taxicab Association has also posted an updated notice at the station which says: “To avoid confusion and being accused of malpractice when accepting either radio or ‘MyTaxi’ app jobs, drivers are advised if on the rank, to pull off and pick up passengers from a safe and convenient place. Drivers must not pick up from bus stops, especially the ones by the steps at the rail station, and cause obstruction to bus operations.”
Right Time for Ride-hailing App
‘MyTaxi’ spokesman, David Savage, said earlier interest from residents and support from the council convinced bosses the time was right for the launch. He believes the app has the potential to transform the way people in Oxford hail black cabs.