TAXIAPP INTERVIEW: Driver owned London taxi app details the COVID impact and the road to recovery
TaxiPoint caught up with Taxiapp, a driver run co-operative booking app in the capital, to discuss the impact of COVID and the road to recovery.
How has the pandemic impacted Taxiapp?
The pandemic has impacted every part of the taxi trade.
Particularly as work levels were at a point where it seemed you could only get work if you happened to be on an app.
It highlighted how very fragile we are as an industry.
Literally as Taxiapp was beginning to build momentum we were confronted with a pandemic.
It was at a time when the decision was made to take another positive step in the right direction, by rebranding Taxiapp.
With months of preparation we were readily in position to push the app to drivers, as well as focusing on promoting Taxiapp to the loyal base of London taxi users.
With such a difficult year it was very important that we kept the app ticking over, we were dependent on the confidence and trust of our drivers supporting us.
The app will be eternally grateful to the commitment made by those drivers who understood how we needed them through the pandemic.
A year of keeping the app floating above water was the most important and necessary aspect of keeping the Taxiapp dream alive.
How do you expect the taxi and private hire industry to recover once all COVID-19 measures have been dropped?
I wish there was an easy answer to this particular question.
The taxi & PH industry will be very dependent on public confidence, I predict people will want to return to a normalised routine, as soon as it is humanly possible.
Any recovery whether through a recession or in this instance, a pandemic, will require the public to feel good about the future.
And if the momentum grows with a confident nation, why not the same with a vibrant metropolis, in which confidence would certainly bring back business to the taxi industry.
Do you see a fast recovery in work levels or a slow improvement?
It will possibly take some time to recover to pre pandemic levels and one in which most drivers were at least able to earn a liveable wage.
The flexibility of deciding when you choose to work, gives drivers an advantage of doing hours that suit their financial position or circumstances.
I am sure for most taxi drivers it will feel like starting a new job. Might just need to brush up on our knowledge.
Do you anticipate new opportunities for the taxi industry post-lockdown?
The taxi trade is unique for thinking of ways to evolve, more so by individuals.
What we really need is a collective approach on sustainability.
We certainly need to make the Knowledge attractive again and with natural growth, the window of opportunity will present itself.
I think most drivers will be looking to play catch up, especially with any outstanding debt they may have accrued over this last year or so.
How important is taxi road access to Taxiapp, its drivers and its customers? Do you see reduced road access as a threat?
Yes. It is very important.
If apps can provide the convenience of picking passengers up from a desired address, it is essential that we have access to be able to provide our service.
Road access is the number one factor for the trade to work, this enables us the ability to offer efficiency whilst providing a competitive service.
The unique selling point for the taxi trade is the all purpose wheelchair accessible vehicle, which cannot be provided if customers are denied access to a taxi on all streets and roads.
Sending vehicles on prolonged time consuming routes, is certainly not beneficial for the environment and further confirms how exclusions will deny residents access to the most efficient and professional service.
Local councils may request that residents should walk the last part of a journey.
Is this really an option if a resident happens to be disabled or visibly impaired?
The relevance of being the only ‘door to door’ service is significant if we are to maintain the highest standards.
London is a lesser city without the assured sight of a yellow light that gets customers home safely.
What new developments can we expect from Taxiapp in 2021?
The app has some really exciting news shortly but for the immediate future, we need drivers to continue pushing the app because they are integral to Taxiapp’s success.
The push for our brand to become more visibly recognised will hopefully show a significant difference, upon returning to work.
All of this has been achieved by the sheer determination of drivers wanting to have a real impact on making Taxiapp successful.
We will of course look forward to informing TaxiPoint of the exciting news, much nearer the time.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Taxiapp drivers for their continued support.
