THE GLOBAL TAXI NEWS SOURCE
Edition 1 | Summer 2020
LATEST
TECH
HARD
TIMES
BACK TO THE EU TAX CHANGES
FUTURE WHAT THE TAXIS
WORKERS’ RIGHTS
MEANT TO LOOK LIKE
WWW.TAXIPOINTWORLD.COM
OF TODAY WERE
VEHICLES
CONTENT AND EDITORIAL
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TEA WELCOMES NEW TAX PROPOSALS
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TaxiPoint Chief Editor: Perry Richardson TaxiPoint Editor:
WORKERS’ RIGHTS
Michael Murphy TaxiPoint Publishing & Advertising Manager:
WIRELESS CHARGING
Lindsey Richardson
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IN CAR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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Welcome to the first edition of TaxiPoint World. We hope you and your family are coping well during these challenging times. TaxiPoint launched in the UK in 2017 and over a million readers have accessed taxi industry news across our digital platforms. We’re now delighted to offer our expertise in taxi journalism to the global audience via TaxiPoint World. We’ll keep you updated on the latest news on the TaxiPoint World website and bring you the biggest headlines and feature stories via these digital magazines. Our aim is to connect the taxi industry and create an international community. New policies always start locally somewhere in the world. Reading more on the topic early will keep you one step ahead.
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Perry Richardson Chief-Editor and Licensed Taxi Driver
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EUROPE
SUMMER 2020 | www.taxipointworld.com | 4
TAXIEUROPE ALLIANCE WELCOMES NEW EU TAX PROPOSALS HITTING DIGITAL INCOME PLATFORMS Taxi driver organisation, TaxiEurope Alliance (TEA), has welcomed the first steps taken which could see EU tax bodies exchanging information on digital income platforms like Uber. On Wednesday 15 July the European Commission adopted an ambitious new Tax Package to ensure that EU tax policy supports Europe's economic recovery and long-term growth. Fair taxation is said to remain a top priority for the European Commission, as a means of protecting
public revenues, which is hoped will play an important role for the EU's economic recovery postCOVID-19. The EU package is seeking to boost tax fairness, by intensifying the fight against tax abuse, curbing unfair tax competition and increasing tax transparency. The new proposals are made up of three separate, but related initiatives; The Tax Action Plan, communication on tax good governance and, most telling for the taxi and private hire industry, the proposal on administrative cooperation (DAC7).
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DAC7 proposes to extend EU tax transparency rules to digital platforms, which would include multinational ride-hailing firms, so that those who make money through the sale of goods or services on platforms pay their fair share of tax too. This new proposal will ensure that Member States automatically exchange information on the revenues generated by sellers on online platforms. The proposal also strengthens and clarifies the rules in other areas in which Member States work together to fight tax abuse, for example through joint tax audits.
when it comes to paying their taxes, and harder for fraudsters and tax cheats. These proposals will help Member States to secure the revenues they need to invest in people and infrastructure, while creating a better tax environment for citizens and businesses throughout Europe.”
The package is the first part of a comprehensive and ambitious EU tax agenda for the coming years. The Commission will also work on a new approach to business taxation for the 21st century, to address the challenges of the digital economy and ensure all multinationals pay their fair share. A spokesperson from European taxi representatives, TEA, responded to the news saying: “As TEA, we welcome the commissions proposal to make Member States’ tax bodies automatically exchange information on income generated by sellers on digital platforms like Uber. This is an important step forward, while we wait for rules on taxation of digital economy.” Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that works for People, said: “Now more than ever, Member States need secure tax revenues to invest in the people and businesses who need it most. At the same time, we need to break down tax obstacles and make it easier for EU companies to innovate, invest and grow. Today's Tax Package takes us in the right direction, helping to make taxation fairer, more user-friendly and more adapted to our digital world.” Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, said, “Fair taxation is the springboard that will help our economy bounce back from the crisis. We need to make life easier for honest citizens and businesses
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TECHNOLOGY
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AI DEPLOYED TO MONITOR TAXI DRIVER CONDUCT Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to monitor the behaviour of taxi drivers on the road. They say the aim is to identify weaknesses in the professional performance of taxi drivers while sitting behind the wheel.
“This project aims to verify the compliance of taxi drivers with the applicable rules and regulations as regards the safety of both the driver and passengers,” said Khaled Al-Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
“Unlike surveillance cameras fitted to taxis to verify complaints from passengers, this technology is a “RTA started to use artificial intelligence technologies proactive measure to know the driver’s on-road to monitor the conduct of taxi drivers in collaboration behaviour on the spot. Through this technology, we with Acacus Technologies, the developer of the smart can figure out the performance of the driver on the road in a continuous manner. It helps us to send alerts cameras installed on-board Dubai taxis. Image credit: RTA
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TECHNOLOGY
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to drivers or subject them to rehabilitation courses in case of repeated violations such as speeding, sudden stopping or unnecessary use of brakes.
cooperating with RTA, one of the biggest government entities in Dubai and the UAE and places much emphasis on the comfort and happiness of taxi riders. Taxis are a means of transport that have to maintain privacy and deliver high-level safety and quality services in line with RTA’s vision of "Safe and Smooth Transport for All".
“AI technologies also enable us to know the underpinning factors that prompt drivers to make unacceptable practices. We take into consideration the road condition or other circumstances triggering such conducts. The technology enables us to be fully “This technology will also help us in monitoring the transparent and objective in taking appropriate action conduct of drivers and riders as regards to the against the driver,” added Al-Awadhi. compliance with the precautionary measures in place to fight the Coronavirus such as the physical "The quality of images about drivers' on-road behaviour captured by the AI systems and transmitted distancing and the wearing of face masks." to the monitoring centre for analysis is as high as 99.92%. We are working with Acacus to raise this quality of such images to 99.98%. We will also improve the notification system and carry out a comprehensive assessment of drivers' performance assisted by AI technologies,” he continued. Talal Ben Halim, Founder & CEO of Acacus Technologies, said: "We pride ourselves in
RTA has previously used Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, such as computer vision and machine learning algorithms, in detecting and reporting violations of preventive measures undertaken to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19). Such monitoring covers physical distancing and wearing of face masks onboard taxis by both passengers and drivers.
“This technology will also help us in monitoring the conduct of drivers and riders as regards to the compliance with the precautionary measures in place to fight the Coronavirus such as the physical distancing and the wearing of face masks." TALAL BEN HALIM
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ELECTRIC
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WIRELESS
CHARGING Image credit: Momentum Dynamics
TAXI CHARGING STATIONS COMING TO OSLO Momentum Dynamics will provide the wireless charging system to Jaguar Land Rover vehicles to support the City of Oslo with the world’s first highpowered wireless taxis.
experience for taxi drivers in Oslo and enlisted the support of Momentum Dynamics in integrating the wireless charging infrastructure.
The project will be the first wireless high-powered charging system for electric taxis in the world and by providing a fully automatic charging infrastructure model that can be implemented almost anywhere, it will help the rapid adoption of electric vehicles globally.
A team of engineers and technicians from both Momentum Dynamics and Jaguar Land Rover were engaged to help in testing the solution, and Cabonline signed up to operate the fleet as part of Oslo’s ElectriCity programme.
Jaguar Land Rover will provide 25 MomentumIn a programme known as ‘ElectriCity’, Momentum outfitted Jaguar I-PACE models to Cabonline, the will join Jaguar Land Rover, Nordic taxi operator largest taxi network in the Nordics. The brand’s Cabonline (NorgesTaxi AS), the region’s largest performance SUV has been designed to enable charge point operator Fortum Recharge and the City Momentum Dynamic’s wireless charging of Oslo to build wireless, high-powered charging technology, making it the ideal vehicle to drive the infrastructure for taxis in the Norwegian capital. initiative.
Fortum Recharge, who will be supporting the installation and electrification of the project, identified the need for a more efficient charging
For usage efficiency, Taxi drivers need a charging system that does not take them off route during their working hours. Multiple charging plates rated at 50-75 kilowatts each, are installed in the ground
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ELECTRIC
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in series at pick-up-drop-off points.
development of wireless charging for all communities. By providing unlimited driving range This allows each equipped taxi to automatically charge while queuing for the next fare. The system, our system enables Oslo cab drivers to stay in which uses no cables and is situated below ground, revenue service all day. requires no physical connection between charger “We are pleased that the system was integrated by and vehicle, engages automatically and provides on Momentum and Jaguar Land Rover engineers into average 6-8 minutes of energy per each charge up the I-PACE in a matter of weeks, even with the to 50kW. difficulties of COVID-19. This project perfectly The taxi then receives multiple charges throughout outlines the automatic electric taxi charging model the day on its return to the rank, maintaining a high for any city looking to implement zero emission battery state of charge and the ability to remain in transportation.” 24/7 service without driving range restrictions. The Oslo ElectriCity partnership is part of Momentum’s vision of ‘Clean Streets’, a goal that enables EV charging without adding undesirable street clutter to urban environments. Momentum Dynamics CEO Andy Daga said: “This is a technology breakthrough moment in the
Oslo will be the world’s first metropolitan area to install wireless, induction-based high-powered charging stations for electric taxis, in a bid to make its cab system emission free as early as 2024. Norway wants to go even further however, and is mandating that all new cars sold in the country by 2025 are zero emission.
Image credit: Momentum Dynamics
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FEATURE
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“TAXIS IN THE ERA OF CORONAVIRUS”
UITP’s Kaan Yildızgöz releases second book UITP Senior Director Kaan Yildızgöz, has released a second book, 'Taxis in the era of coronavirus', which provides his expert viewpoint on taxis and ridehailing during the pandemic. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, UITP has brought together a number of varied voices that make up the public and private sector, one of which being Kaan.
update on its status during COVID-19, whilst also featuring a special preface from UITP’s Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani. In 2018 Kaan’s first book was published, 'Taxis in the era of digitalisation' to great acclaim in several languages, leading to interest in a second title during a time when more information was being requested. Currently available in digital format to cater to the sector’s needs for quick news during COVID-19, the book is first published in Turkish, with the English language version to come. At the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted all mobility modes, including taxis and ride-hailing. The impact has resulted in a decrease of ridership and therefore a decrease of revenues and the additional costs. 'Taxis in the era of coronavirus' outlines what the taxi sector was discussing before the pandemic, and the ways in which the impact of the crisis has led the taxi and ride-hailing companies to respond.
As the resident taxi and ride-hailing expert, Kaan’s brand new book 'Taxis in the era of coronavirus' ("Koronavirus Caginda Taksiler” in Turkish), aims to give the sector a much-needed
What will be the key issues to consider when taxis approach a return to normal times? What may change in the taxi sector after the full impact of the crisis is felt? Better design, the acceleration of digitalisation and
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FEATURE
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partnerships and governance are all considered.
has impacted taxis – and crucially, how the sector has responded. I’ve taken ten points developed for In a recent interview with Kaan, he gave more mass transit modes by UITP and customised them insight in to his second title and what to expect: to a focus on taxis. There has been some unique Q: Kaan, congratulations on your new book changes applied to the taxi sector during COVID-19 focusing on the taxi sector! Was it an easy and I hope that my new book helps people choice for you to publish your second title understand this more.
during these times? Kaan: “Thank you! The pandemic has changed so much in our sector and what people are searching for is information. There’s been a big spotlight placed on public transport, with our essential sector workers and the constant presence of public transport in our cities during the coronavirus outbreak, so I knew I could offer an outlook here. And by publishing the book first in a digital format as an e-book, it meant people could get this information quickly and consume it as life continues to change. I hope that it will help people during the pandemic and allow them to get a feel for what has happened to the taxi sector during COVID-19.”
Q: Readers will be able to learn about potential, and recommended, changes in the taxi sector. Can you tell us more? Kaan: “Absolutely. What may end up changing going forward is important to address. I look at partnerships and governance in taxis: that is partnerships between regulators and operators, between traditional taxis and ride-hailing companies and also those individually owned taxis towards corporatisation.
“The acceleration of digitalisation for smooth operations with using artificial intelligence, automation, big data and mobile technologies and insight for autonomous vehicles is also discussed. What we will see for taxis post-pandemic, and for Q: So 'Taxis in the era of coronavirus' public transport in general of course, is better focuses on the pandemic, what has design. This means from the city level – curb side happened, and what may come next? management and more - to the vehicle level. There will be a lot of important and interesting Kaan: “Yes, indeed. But it also looks at what the taxi discussions taking place now and in the near future sector was discussing before the outbreak as we look ahead to a life beyond the pandemic. occurred. By looking at this, it’s easier to see the “I hope my latest book contributes towards that in ways in which the focus has shifted. its own way.” “The book goes in to detail on how the pandemic
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NORTH AMERICA
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WORKER STATUS
Attorney General (AG) Maura Healey announced a lawsuit seeking a court ruling that Uber and Lyft drivers are employees under Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws. these drivers have a right to be treated fairly.” The designation will allow drivers on the ride-hailing platforms access to critical labor rights and benefits, such as minimum wage, overtime, and earned sick time.
The AG’s Office alleges that Uber and Lyft are unable to meet a three-part test under state law that would allow them to classify drivers as independent contractors. In Massachusetts, a worker who provides any service for another party is presumed to be an employee and may not be classified as an independent contractor unless that party can prove:
In the complaint for declaratory judgment, filed in Suffolk Superior Court against Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc., AG Healey seeks a determination from the court that Uber and Lyft drivers are employees, not • independent contractors as the companies have misclassified them. The AG’s complaint also seeks an • order declaring that these drivers are entitled to protections under the Wage and Hour Laws. • AG Healey said: “Uber and Lyft have built their billiondollar businesses while denying their drivers basic employee protections and benefits for years.
The worker is free from their direction and control; The services the worker performs are outside the usual course of their business; and, The worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business of the same nature as the service performed for the party.
“This business model is unfair and exploitative. We are According to the AG’s complaint, Uber and Lyft drivers seeking this determination from the court because are not free from the companies’ direction and control.
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Drivers must enter into standardized service agreements that set the companies’ non-negotiated terms and conditions, performance standards, and forced arbitration provisions that prevent drivers from bringing private litigation to enforce their rights under the state Wage and Hour Laws.
wage or overtime because the companies don’t pay them for time spent between rides or reimburse them for necessary business expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance.
Uber and Lyft also unilaterally determine their drivers’ pay structure, which is calculated using complicated formulas that change frequently.
wage protections under state laws.
The companies only recently began offering drivers temporary paid leave due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber and Lyft claim drivers set their own schedules and but even these new policies fail to comply with the may choose to work as many or as few hours as they Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law. And drivers who wish, yet they closely monitor drivers’ activities think they were wrongly suspended or terminated through their apps and offer financial incentives to cannot challenge those actions in court because their induce drivers to work shifts that directly benefit the service agreements require them to go to arbitration. companies. The two firms may also penalise drivers for Uber and Lyft both generate billions of dollars of not accepting enough rides, cancelling too many rides, revenue each year. The companies announced plans failing to maintain customer satisfaction ratings, or to spend $100 million to upend a California law that engaging in any conduct the companies determine to protects workers from misclassification. Yet these be grounds for suspension or termination. companies deny their drivers access to the most basic In seeking a declaratory judgment, the AG’s Office asks the court to order Uber and Lyft to reclassify their The AG’s complaint asserts that Uber and Lyft drivers drivers as employees, making available to them the provide a service that is essential to the companies’ benefits and protections afforded by the core business as transportation service providers, and Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws, including those without their drivers, these companies would cease to granted by the Wage Act, Minimum Wage Law, exist. Moreover, Uber and Lyft drivers are not engaged Overtime Law, Earned Sick Time Law, and Antiin an independently established occupation or Retaliation Statutes. business. The drivers are not true independent entrepreneurs with the ability to grow their businesses using their individual abilities, and Uber and Lyft directly rely on and benefit from their fare volume under the companies’ required fee-splitting arrangements. By misclassifying drivers as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft deny their drivers basic protections under the Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws. Many drivers are not even guaranteed the state minimum
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EUROPE
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Image credit: LEVC
LEVC AWARDED INNOVATION OF THE YEAR BY THE GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL LEVC’s TX electric taxi has been awarded Innovation of Key styling features that are integral to the black cab’s the Year 2020 by the German Design Council at the 70-year history are carried forward to the new TX, Automotive Brand Contest 2020. creating a modern design evolution with unmistakable The award honours outstanding product design, in an family resemblance – and ensuring the iconic black cab remains instantly recognisable anywhere in the international contest which highlights the fundamental importance of design in the automotive world. industry, focusing on the integral and consistent use of Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC, commented: “We are the brand across a business. delighted to have won the Innovation of the Year award 2020 and our thanks go to the German Design TX is the result of a £500m investment by LEVC’s Council for honouring TX. LEVC is at the forefront of a owner, global automotive company Geely Holding Group which, along with the construction of a state-of reinvention, transforming from an iconic British taxi -the-art manufacturing facility in the UK, enabled the brand to a leading electric vehicle manufacturer and forging a new path in green mobility.” brand to create the world’s most advanced zero emission taxi.
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EUROPE
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LEVC APPOINT FIRST FULL SALES AND SERVICE DEALERSHIP IN GERMANY
Image: LEVC
LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has appointed its first full sales and service dealership in Germany. This follows the establishment of the company’s central European sales office in Frankfurt last year and marks another significant milestone in LEVC’s expansion of its European sales network. Autohaus Markötter Bielefeld, operated by the Markötter Group, is located in north-western Germany and will support customers in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region. With many areas in the region planning to implement ‘shuttle on demand’ services, LEVC is a key partner, helping to drive green mobility growth in the region. Autohaus Markötter Bielefeld has already sold more than 10 TX Shuttles to three local shuttle operators and the nearby cities of Münster and Gütersloh are already using LEVC’s TX electric taxi and local authorities are set to introduce zero emission zones to improve urban air quality.
Ralf Markötter, MD, Markötter Group: “Our automotive world is transforming with ever-growing demand for sustainable mobility. The arrival of LEVC to our Bielefeld site is an exciting addition to our portfolio and has the potential to inspire ecoconscious customers. LEVC uses modern technology in its growing product range and offers us a sustainable future business model.” Joerg Hofmann, CEO, LEVC: “Appointing our first full LEVC sales and service partner in Germany is an important milestone as we progress with our export strategy by expanding our dealer network in Europe. “LEVC is growing at pace as we see increased demand for TX Shuttle in cities throughout Europe and clear sales opportunities for our VN5 electric van which launches in Europe next spring. We are now actively seeking new business partners across the EU territory to help us deliver our business plan.”
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EUROPE
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NEW HOME Image: Dantaxi
Denmark’s largest taxi HQ to be located in Bagsværd From September, half of Denmark’s 4,000 taxis are to be dispatched from a newly established taxi headquarters in Bagsværd, just outside of Copenhagen.
The new locality will include, other than administration and a call centre, a unique education academy for taxi drivers. Dantaxi has, after several years of growth, grown out of the company’s current headquarters in Virum. The sales and marketing department had to move to a temporary location already last year. This September, employees and departments will meet at a newly established premises on Kroghøjsvej 49 in Bagsværd. The renter, Topdanmark Ejendom, are excited about the cooperation with Dantaxi, who have approved a complete renovation of Kroghøjsvej 49, so the property is future proofed and can contribute to Dantaxi’s continued growth.
Own Education Academy Dantaxi's CEO Carsten Aastrup explains that it is with sadness, that the company is leaving Virum after 38 years, but they are looking forward to the new possibilities that the new headquarters will bring. Aastrup says:“It is no secret that we have always been well placed in Virum. As our company has grown over the years, we have, since 1982, had addresses in three different locations on Kongevejen. We actually have employees that are now moving workplace for the fourth time. With the move, the departments can once again assemble under the same roof, and the house is sized for a continued growth. “One of our focus areas are teaching and further education in order to better the customer experience. We are collecting our current courses and establishing an education academy for taxi drivers in Bagsværd.”
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ELECTRIC
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DENMARK, GERMANY AND BELGIUM TOP MOST EXPENSIVE EV CHARGING LEAGUE Image: LEVC
The cost of charging electric vehicles around the world has been revealed, with Denmark listed as the most expensive according to new research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service. To calculate the results, the research looked at the cost per KWh for 50 different countries, the average mileage per driver and miles per full charge, revealing the most expensive country to charge an EV is Denmark, followed by Germany and Belgium.
cost, giving the annual cost per vehicle associated with travelling 10,000 miles. Sarah Broomfield, energy expert at Uswitch, said: “The use of electric vehicles has clear environmental benefits but for many consumers, the choice to move to EVs can be hindered by perceptions about how much it will cost to charge.
“This research shows that, while the costs are not insignificant, the UK is in a strong position compared The table shows the top 10 countries by EV charging to countries like Denmark where the price of electricity makes the cost of a charge so much higher. “Of course, as well as the cost savings of rapid charging points, we also encourage consumers to regularly review their own energy tariffs to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible.” Table: www.uswitch.com
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COVID-19
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NEW Image credit: FORD
FORD RELEASE OFFICIAL PARTITION SCREENS FOR TAXIS
Ford have announced a new range of protection Owen Gregory, Director, Commercial Vehicle shields that can be quickly and easily fitted to a wide Aftersales, Ford of Europe, said: “Commercial vehicle selection of European taxis and commercial vehicles. operators have faced unprecedented challenges in 2020 and are adapting to new norms as they continue The screens are designed to help operators meet social distancing requirements and deliver additional to provide their vital services to our communities and economy. peace of mind for occupants. Designed with operations including school buses, patient transfer, accessible transport and taxi services in mind, the shields are intended to supplement operators’ existing personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene protocols – and can be fitted in configurations to suit individual applications.
“Our new protection shields provide additional support to our customers as they continue to operate in challenging circumstances, offering drivers and passengers additional peace of mind as they work and travel.” The impermeable shields are made of transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic with integrated straps for simple installation, and can be sanitised as part of operators’ interior disinfecting procedures.
As part of the official Ford Accessories range, customers will soon be able to order the shields – which have passed Ford’s rigorous safety, quality and durability testing – through Ford dealers as well as via Removable suction cups attach to the window the Ford Online Shop in selected markets. interiors to provide unobtrusive fixing points for the
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straps, which also attach to existing fittings in the cabin. Customers can quickly and easily fit, adjust and remove shields without requiring interior modifications, and the design allows the shields to pack down flat for storage.
•
Between driver and front passenger and behind front seats
•
Between and behind driver and front passenger, and between second row seats.
In addition, the shields and mounting points have been carefully designed to maintain safety for occupants. Lightweight, flexible materials with secure mountings are designed to prevent injury in the event of an accident, and mounting points and strap positions enable normal deployment of side and curtain airbags. Initial availability is for Transit vans and people movers, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom, with shields for Transit / Tourneo Connect, and Transit / Tourneo Courier following later this year. Ford Accessories offers a range of storage, protection and security enhancements backed by a Ford warranty to Image credit: FORD best equip vehicles for customers’ specific needs. In addition, Ford is researching advanced solutions for Once installed, the shields do not restrict passenger partitioning cabin interiors, which could also help comfort, interior space or operation of the heating and ventilation systems. The transparent PVC material improve fuel and energy efficiency for future vehicles. also allows the driver to retain full visibility of the The company has recently patented a system that can windscreen, side windows and mirrors, and deploy automated, deformable walls in multiple passengers can still hear and see each other as configurations within the cabin to enable temperature normal. control within specific areas for more efficient energy The shields can be fitted to offer four separate configurations, splitting cabins from front to rear and from left to right as desired, to provide the ideal configuration for each operators’ requirements. Fitting locations are: •
Between driver and front passenger seats
•
Behind front seats to partition from the rest of the cabin
use.
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FEATURE
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A TAXI
WITH LEGS Image: Hyundia
Taxis in the future could come with legs as well as wheels according to new concept car being developed by car manufacturers Hyundai. The need for efficient, rapid, resilient transportation for disaster assistance is what led Hyundai to develop the first-ever vehicle with moveable legs. Elevate is the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), blending technology found in electric cars and robots, which allows it to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle. In 2019, when the Elevate vehicle was first shown to the world, John Suh, Hyundai vice president and head of Hyundai CRADLE, said: “When a tsunami or earthquake hits, current rescue vehicles can only deliver first responders to the edge of the debris field. They have to go the rest of the way by foot. Elevate can drive to the scene and climb right over flood debris or crumbled concrete.” “This technology goes well beyond emergency situations - people living with disabilities worldwide that don’t have access to an ADA ramp could hail an
autonomous Hyundai Elevate that could walk up to their front door, level itself, and allow their wheelchair to roll right in – the possibilities are limitless.” The Elevate concept is based on a modular EV platform with the capability to switch out different bodies for specific situations. The robotic leg architecture has five degrees of freedom plus wheel hub propulsion motors and is enabled by the latest in electric actuator technology. This design is uniquely capable of both mammalian and reptilian walking gaits, allowing it to move in any direction. The legs also fold up into a stowed drivemode, where power to the joints is cut, and the use of an integrated passive suspension system maximizes battery efficiency. This allows Elevate to drive at highway speeds just like any other vehicle. The vehicle like no other can climb a five foot wall, step over a five foot gap, walk over diverse terrain, and achieve a 15 foot wide track width, all while keeping its body and passengers completely level.
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Further, the combination of wheeled motion with comfortably. Engineering enhancements include: articulating legs provides a new paradigm of mobility • Robotic legs with five degrees of freedom plus by enabling faster walking speeds, unique dynamic in-wheel propulsion driving postures and torsional control at the end of • Ability to walk in mammalian and reptilian style each leg. gaits for omnidirectional motion “By combining the power of robotics with Hyundai’s • Capable of climbing a five foot vertical wall latest EV technology, Elevate has the ability to take people where no car has been before, and redefine • Step over a five foot gap our perception of vehicular freedom,” said David • Non-back drivable motors enable the legs to Byron, design manager, Sundberg-Ferar. “Imagine a lock in any position car stranded in a snow ditch just 10 feet off the • Modular electric vehicle platform highway being able to walk or climb over the treacherous terrain, back to the road potentially “We have been working with Sundberg-Ferar on the saving its injured passengers – this is the future of Elevate Concept for almost three years now,” added vehicular mobility.” Suh. “Elevate is part of our various ‘Last-Mile’ technologies and solutions and it also has ‘Last-100 Inside the Elevate, passengers would experience a vehicle fully engineered to tackle the roughest terrain Yards’ capability too.”
Image: Hyundia
FEATURE
SUMMER 2020 | www.taxipointworld.com | 22
WHAT THE TAXIS OF TODAY WERE SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE Image credit: Mazda
Taxis are an essential part of the transportation system in most major cities around the world and are constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the growing public.
With an array of different purpose-built taxi vehicles amongst the world’s fleets, you’d be forgiven if you’ve ever felt charmed by the unique shapes and colour combinations symbolic to their cities.
of the taxi. The taxi would come with its very own translation system to assist communication between driver and passengers of different languages. A cashless payment system was also included in the design, and let’s face it, that’s the only element of this design that we see today in taxi cabs around the world.
With technology moving at a rapid pace and so many vehicle designers trying to come out with the latest ‘stand-out’ taxi vehicle, a week barely passes now without seeing the so-called “taxi of the future”. But will many, if any, ever make it to our streets? Let’s go back to the future and take a look at some of the crazy, weird and not so wonderful prototypes that were being pushed as the next best thing in taxi vehicle design over 10 years ago and see if any actually made it as far as ‘public hire’ as suggested back then.
The Mazda Taxi Designed by Ernesto Rodriquez, this futuristic taxi for automaker Mazda featured an unusual seating layout, placing the driver in their own cockpit while the passengers would be seated diagonally facing the side
Image credit: Mazda
The Minimodal by Hybrid This strange two-person design was the brainchild of Russell Robertson and Jeanne Pfordresher, who investigated the design of the New York City taxi as an international icon. From that they created a strategy to present 3 purpose-built concept vehicles to the Taxi
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Limousine Company (TLC) and the Design Trust for Public Space.
concept but has never made it to public roads as of yet, ten years on.
The Naro taxi The Naro Taxi concept was designed by prodrive, who are known for their success in the motorsport world.
Image credit: Minimodal
The Minimodal was a vehicle built low to the ground and featured side windows and a fully open skylight. The driver would sit in front of an all glass front end and on top of the hybrid engine. The taxi would also have a signalling system that would inform other road users when a passenger was exiting the vehicle.
The small four-wheeled design had the width of a motorcycle and space for one taxi passenger in its enclosed body shell. The idea being that most people travel in taxis solo, so the vehicle was designed for 1person usage to reduce its road space. The design was tested, with the hopes of having it on the streets “in the near future�. I think I can confidently say, ten years later, the Naro Taxi has never been licensed and used as a public taxi. Image credit: Naro
The two other designs, one being the Maximodal which seated 3, and the Mogulmodal which seated 4, plus a wheelchair, were of the same design, just a larger size. The designs were presented to the public in 2005 and were said to receive great reviews. Roll on to 2020 and the vehicle is nowhere to be seen.
The mx-libris taxi This boxy looking taxi was designed by Alberto Villarreal, created for use in Latin America. The vehicle was intended to be a zeroemission taxi with an iconic urban-style form. The design Image credit: mx-libris used fuel cells and a drive-by -wire steering system to optimise the interior space of the taxi. The cabin area was designed asymmetrical to promote interaction between passengers sitting in the bank of three seats at the back and one facing the rear. The design won a Red Dot award for its imaginative
Image credit: mx-libris
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GLOBAL
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AROUND THE WORLD AUSTRALIA Employees across Australia who have been allowing their staff to use ridehailing firms such as Uber, rather than traditional licensed taxis, will now be able to get tax benefits under new laws passed by Federal Parliament. Image: DiDi
CHINA Ride-hailing giant DiDi Chuxing has said that it aims to operate more than 1 million self-driving vehicles through its platform by the year 2030. DiDi has been working on autonomous vehicles with the desire of running a robotaxi fleet in areas which have a shortage of ride-hailing cars. The company recently announced the completion of a £400+ million fundraising round for its autonomous driving unit, which was led by SoftBank Group’s Vision Fund 2.
Previously the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) had said that while ride-sharing drivers have to register for and pay GST like the taxi industry, ride-sharing is not a “taxi” for the purpose of fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemptions. Following years of lobbying by firms like Uber, the definition of “taxi” was adapted allowing for Parliament to amend the Fringe Benefits Assessment Act 1986 to include such travel options.
INDIA Taxi drivers in Kalcutta have said that they will stop offering their services from 14 July if demands for increased fares are not met. Taxi operators in the city have made the decision after a meeting of taxi unions with the officials of the state transport department. The three taxi unions, Bengal Taxi Association, Calcutta Taxi Association and West Bengal Drivers Welfare Association are demanding a minimum fare increase from 30 rupees to 50 rupees. The demand comes after a hike in fuel prices.
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SINGAPORE
JAPAN
Ride-sharing firm, Grab, has announced the lay-off of 5% of its workforce due to the impact COVID-19 has had on its business.
Uber Technologies launched a ride-sharing app in Tokyo in partnership with three domestic taxi firms.
The Singapore-based app said it was letting go of 360 employees and was also winding down a number of non-core projects and functions.
GERMANY
Uber has not been allowed to run its own independent ridehailing service in Japan as it does in many other countries around the world since local regulations ban non-professional drivers from ferrying paying customers. The new app connects app users to taxis run by Hinomaru Limousine, Tokyo MK Corp and Ecosystem in the Japanese capital.
Both traditional taxis and Uber are unhappy with proposals to changes in taxi and private hire vehicle hire laws.
New proposals would see Uber given more opportunities to open up bases in busier cities allowing for quicker turn-around times between fares.
Currently the law states that private hire vehicles such as Uber, must return to base in-between each job and must not pick up another passenger until they have done so. A law Uber want to change.
The proposals have not been welcomed by Uber or traditional taxi drivers. What was supposed to be a compromise has instead faced a backlash, with the Federal taxi association threatening to protest in the thousands, causing major gridlock in cities all around the country.
HUNGARY AImotive, the artificial intelligence automated driving technology company, announced a new investment round of just over ÂŁ16 million led by Lead Ventures, a Budapest based scaleup investor.
Spain
With the fresh capital, AImotive has become the largest VC-backed company in Europe for developing automated driving technology, A Spanish taxi driver who had with a total of ÂŁ60 million. repeatedly transported coronavirus patients to a Madrid hospital for free, AImotive have said they will now continue received surprise standing ovation with theirainternational expansion byby opening staff atin the hospitalGermany, for his kind offices Munich, andactions. Detriot, MI, In addition to the heart-warming USA. gesture, the driver was handed an envelope containing cash for his wonderful contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
USA A taxi passenger was fatally shot in the head while sitting in the backseat of the vehicle in the Bronx. Tyron Mitchell-Almodovar, 20, was in the livery cab near the corner of E. 163rd St. and Tinton Avenue. in Foxhurst on 26 June when a white BMW pulled up and its occupants started shouting at the victim.
The suspect then pulled out a gun and started firing, hitting Mitchell-Almodovar in the head. The victim died four days later in hospital from his wounds.
Image: LEVC
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AMAZON ENTERS RIDE-HAILING MARKET BUYING TECH FIRM ZOOX Amazon and Zoox have announced that they’ve signed an agreement for Amazon to acquire Zoox.
hailing, along with an end-to-end autonomy software stack.
Zoox is described as a team that is working to pioneer the future of ride-hailing by designing autonomous technology from the ground up, with passengers frontof-mind.
Zoox's ground-up vehicle focuses on the ride-hailing customer, with tightly integrated features, which they say is designed to provide a “revolutionary” passenger experience.
Aicha Evans, Zoox CEO, and Jesse Levinson, Zoox cofounder and CTO, will continue to lead Zoox as a standalone business as they innovate and drive towards their mission.
A spokesperson for Zoox said the company’s approach to invention provides flexibility and the means to iterate rapidly to continuously deliver a superior experience for customers.
Zoox started in 2014 with the vision of purpose-built, Completion of this transaction is subject to customary zero-emissions vehicles designed for autonomous ride- closing conditions.
Spain A Spanish taxi driver who had repeatedly transported coronavirus patients to a Madrid hospital for free, received a surprise standing ovation by staff at the hospital for his kind actions. In addition to the heart-warming gesture, the driver was handed an envelope containing cash for his wonderful contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: LEVC
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MAAS
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ON-DEMAND BUS SERVICE
Image: ViaVan
VIAVAN AND EMT LAUNCH FIRST ON-DEMAND PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE IN MADRID In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ViaVan, A European public mobility solution, have announced the launch of Madrid’s first on-demand public bus service for trips to-and-from Infanta Leonor Hospital and 12 de Octubre Hospital.
The service will use ViaVan’s technology for rider booking, dynamic vehicle routing, and safety features including capacity management, seat booking, and data to support contact tracing through a rider registry.
The service is being launched in partnership with Madrid Mayor Martinez-Almeida, Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid (EMT Madrid), the Madrid City Council, Ferrovial Wondo, Goggo Network, Acid Tango, Carto, and BBVA Next Technology. “Smart Bus Madrid” will offer access to transportation needs for residents and hospital workers, and was designed to reduce travel time for hospital trips, compared to existing public transit offerings, while implementing safety measures for passengers and drivers.
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Image: ViaVan
AUSTRALIA
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QUEENSLAND TAXI DRIVERS WELCOME $23M PACKAGE TO HELP BOOST COVID-19 RECOVERY The Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ) has welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s announcement of a $23million package to help Queensland taxi operators and licence owners recover from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. TCQ CEO Blair Davies was quick to praise the State Government for working with the taxi industry in a TCQ reached out to the Minister for Transport and bid to re-boot the Queensland economy as the COVID Main Roads, Hon Mark Bailey, about the desperate -19 threat appears to have been contained. plight of industry members as demand for taxi services plummeted by 70 and 80% due to restrictions Davies said: "It has been a very tough few months for on business and leisure travel aimed at containing the Queensland taxi industry, but we have a proud possible transmission of coronavirus within the history of working with Government and the community. community in times of crisis and natural disaster. Premier Palaszczuk and Minister Bailey both heard and agreed with TCQ’s message that everyone in the industry had been affected, suffering severe economic loss.
“Along with many other industries, we have been brought to our knees by COVID-19 but it is now time to start standing back up and get going again. The Government’s assistance package will be a well-timed tonic to help our members do just that.”
Palaszczuk said: “We know many taxi and limo drivers have been hit hard from the COVID-19 restrictions. The $23 million unite and recover package includes: “This has happened at the same time as more Queenslanders with a disability and seniors are becoming more reliant on our taxis to travel safely. There are more than 3,200 taxi licences and 500 limousine licences across Queensland, representing thousands of small businesses, mums and dads who need our support. “This funding package will ensure that they’re not only supported but also that our taxi services are available to those who need it most.”
- one-off payments of $3,500 per vehicle to taxi and limousine operators; - one-off payments of $1,000 per licence to taxi and limousine licence holders; - one-off payments of $1,500 to authorised booking entities for each affiliated taxi/limousine, capped at 1,000 vehicles and for entities that provide booking services predominantly for taxis and/or limousines; - one-off incentive payments of an additional $1,000 per vehicle for Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WATs) operators.
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IRRITATIONS THE TOP TEN WAYS TO IRRITATE A TAXI DRIVER Every job has its challenges, but in a public customer facing role the chances are that taxi drivers have to deal with more irritations than most. Whilst customers were, and still are, few and far between during the COVID-19 period, cabbies deal with all sorts of passengers. From the very young to the very drunk. Some of their annoying habits can be quickly forgotten, while others require drivers to have the patience of a saint. According to The Taxi Insurer, here are TEN of the most irritating things that passengers do in taxis.
Demanding a detour on a fixed price journey So you’ve agreed a fixed price for the trip from their house to the airport – but suddenly, they insist on going via a cashpoint or even to pick up another passenger. Pretty irritating behaviour, but sadly all too common for taxi passengers, some of whom seem to think you’ve got nothing else to do all day but act as their cut price personal chauffeur.
Keep you waiting Some passengers’ attitude to timekeeping can most charitably be described as relaxed. If they’ve booked you for midday, you want them to be ready by midday, not quarter or even half past –
after all, you’ve got other fares waiting.
And you know that if the tables were turned and it was you who were late, they’d be outraged!
Fail to keep kids under control Taxis are often used by groups or families off out for the day, so it’s understandable that many passengers are young and excited. However, it should be up to the adults accompanying them to keep order in the back.
FEATURE Not only is rowdy behaviour from small passengers annoying for the driver, it’s potentially a dangerous distraction too.
Create a mess
SUMMER 2020 | www.taxipointworld.com | 31 And road laws are there for a reason: to keep drivers, passengers, other road users and pedestrians safe. Nobody’s above them, and certainly not a passenger who really should just have booked an earlier ride.
Kebab wrappers. Worse – half-eaten kebabs. Even worse – regurgitated kebabs. As a taxi driver, you’re likely to have had all the above, and much more, deposited on the floor and passenger seats of your vehicle.
Mess can be merely an inconvenience, or it can create unpleasant smells that you need to tolerate throughout your shift – or it can even cost you the price of valeting and lost business. Whatever the consequences, it’s definitely one of the major downsides of taxi driving.
Damage your vehicle This is less common than mess, but definitely not unknown. Some passengers have absolutely no respect for the fact that your taxi is your livelihood. Would they kick the seats and tear the upholstery in their own car? Yank the door handles too hard? Smash their luggage into the doors and windows? Unlikely – so nor should they in yours.
Fail to tip If you’re taxiing elderly people to hospital, you may understand that they need to keep costs down. But if you’re driving a car full of revellers home from a drunken night out, it’s hard to believe that they really can’t club together to find the cash for a tip.
Many people don’t realise that taxi driving is an expensive business. And if you’ve provided a smooth service or gone out of your way to help them, perhaps by loading heavy luggage, then some might seem it only fair to expect something extra for your hard work.
Of course, you have to expect a certain amount of wear and tear to your vehicle – you’ll be using it a lot. But there are occasional passengers who cause damage through their carelessness, which can be Your taxi is not a tardis. Ask at the time of booking pretty upsetting for drivers. Make sure you have taxi how much baggage they’re bringing, and make your insurance that covers such eventualities. vehicle’s limits clear. Remember that wheelchairs take priority, as you’re both morally and legally obliged to carry them.
Bring too much luggage
Ask you to break the law
Your passengers want you to do a u-turn? Speed up, although the limit’s 30? Jump a red light? Ignore them as best you can. Not only do you risk a fine and points on your driving licence if you break driving laws, you could lose your taxi licence and therefore your livelihood too.
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Expect change for a fifty
Be rude
As a taxi driver, you’re only too aware of the risks of carrying large sums of money around with you. But that doesn’t stop some passengers from wanting to pay a very small fare with a very big note, and being surprised when you don’t have the change.
They refuse to greet you when they enter your cab, and give you curt orders. They think they know a better route. They’re loud, rowdy or argumentative.
Fortunately, these days there are lots of ways you can accept electronic payments and keep the atmosphere cordial between you and your passengers.
All taxi drivers are used to putting up with impolite or unpleasant passengers from time to time. You can probably just ignore most of their rudeness. But if they make racist or any other hateful remarks to you, that’s not just annoying, but downright unacceptable and potentially illegal. And if they make threats, then call for help straight away.
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