Cab Direct previously reported that black cab drivers in Nottingham were concerned over the hackney taxi rank relocation at the city’s busy train station. Despite protests from the trade, the council forged ahead with its plans, resulting in frustration for both locals and tourists alike.
Ready to Give Up on Black Cabs
“If you arrive by train there’s no taxi service available outside the station. It’s such a long way to go, you almost give up.”
Elderly tourist, Chris Perry, recently visited the city from Hull to see Wagner’s Ring Cycle at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall. He was left less than impressed by the location of the rank. So much so that he almost gave up on trying to get a black cab at all.
He said: “The Ring has drawn people from across Europe, everyone in that concert hall probably arrived by train.
“I’m staying in a Premier Inn and people that I’ve met are furious that there’s no taxi service available outside the station. It’s such a long way, you almost give up.”
So displeased with how far he had to walk, laden with luggage, Mr Perry wasn’t relishing the thought of his return journey home. He continued: “Next time I’ll bring a toothbrush only!”
Bad First Impressions
Although he still enjoyed his trip, Mr Perry can’t help but feel let down.
He said: “I was really pleased with the concert hall, it’s world-class. Someone at the performance said it was better than Bayreuth Festspielhaus in Germany which Wagner had specifically built.
“All that’s a plus but to have that nonsense at the train station gets the week off to a bad start and it makes it look as though Nottingham couldn’t care less about what impression it creates when visitors arrive.”
Shared Views
“You can see the reaction of passengers coming out of the station and how frustrating it is.”
Chairman of Nottingham Licensed Taxi Owners’ and Drivers’ Association, Umar Mahmood, echoed Mr Perry’s sentiments.
He said: “The rank has gone from being just three metres from the station exit to 600 metres. You can see the reaction of passengers coming out of the station and how frustrating it is.
“Taxis need to be right outside the door of a train station. We get people coming into the city and we don’t want to ruin it for them. The council needs to do something about it.”
Finding an Acceptable Location
Councillor Nick McDonald tried to reassure everyone that a final decision hadn’t been made and that the council would be consulting the taxi trade. He commented: “I’m sorry that Mr Perry was disappointed with the current taxi rank arrangements outside the station.
“He’s come to the city when we’re into the last phase of works which in fact aim to do precisely what he says – give visitors a good impression when they arrive..
“Of course short-term disruption is frustrating but the long-term success of the city is contingent upon us continuing to improve and develop it and that’s what the city council intends to do.
“We’re in ongoing talks with taxi drivers and East Midlands Trains to find an acceptable final arrangement for taxi ranks near the station which will improve the experience of people arriving at the station.”