Ford Motor Company, Could Launch Its Own ‘Uber-Like’ App In London

Ford is experimenting with its own “Uber-like” ride-sharing app, the Washington Post reports.

The US car manufacturer is toying with the idea of rolling out its own fleet of cars in what it calls a “dynamic social shuttle.”

According to the Washington Post, Ford’s app and vehicles could be tested on the streets of London as early as this year. Nothing is certain at this point and plans are still in development, but speculation has begun about when and how the company will roll out the project.

It looks like Ford is trying to tap into the area between complete city coverage, as taxis and black cabs do, and buses and routed public transport.

John Abernethy, Ford’s project lead in the UK, told the Washington Post: “There is a white space for a new product. Between a taxi and a bus is a space for something else.” Ford says the service could be faster than taking a bus, but cheaper than an UberX — yet nestled neatly in between the two, in terms of market and customer use.

Ford announced this project as one of a host of developments in January. Venturebeat says the motor company is hoping to carry out 25 experiments in cities around the world to test new driving models and initiatives. Most involved car sharing, Venturebeat adds.

At the time, CEO Mark Fields appeared to hint that Ford’s plans were inspired by the likes of Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar. There’s a huge trend for ride-sharing and Ford’s CEO noted during CES that today’s demographic seems less inclined to actually own cars.

Nobody knows when we’ll see “Uber-like” Ford vehicles rolling around London. As the Washington Post notes, Abernethy and his team haven’t yet identified who a Ford app customer would be, and what cars would best suit the service. (The Ford Transit has been noted as a possibility.)

At this point, it looks as though shuttle buses directly to airports are the most likely first step. Ford has been putting together an app that matches riders with a mode of transport, probably a sort of “premium mini-bus.” The Washington Post highlights this as the company’s vision: A high-end, on-demand pooling system. Whatever it’s doing, Ford could really shake up public travel.

Uber Pulls Out Of Another Northwest Market

Ride service company Uber announced Thursday that it has pulled out of another Northwest market.

Boise Weekly reports that at noon, drivers powered down the app and stopped accepting rides from Boise, Idaho residents after operating in the city for almost five months.

“We’ve also worked closely with the City of Boise to craft new regulations that recognize the unique nature of ridesharing and put consumer choice and safety first,” said Bryce Bennett, Uber general manager in a statement. “But after months of good-faith negotiations with the Mayor and city leaders, we find ourselves at an impasse.”

City officials proposed new rules at a Wednesday meeting, stating that Uber and other non-taxi services would be held to similar regulations as taxi companies. The alternative news weekly reports that Uber was not invited to the meeting.

The city had banned Uber drivers from charging riders because the company had not followed city rules. Uber has ignored the no-cost-for-rides rule in the past. When drivers started accepting fares during New Year’s Eve, the city of Boise issued a cease-and-desist order against the company. Uber said it had to foot the bill for drivers’ wages.

“Steep and growing costs that come from offering thousands of free rides combined with unworkable and onerous regulations being proposed by the City leave Uber no other choice than to suspend operations in Boise for the foreseeable future,” wrote Bennett.

The company has had its fair share of problems in Oregon markets as well. Portland also issued a cease-and-desist order against Uber in December for not complying with city code. The company agreed to stop operations in the city until April while the city updates local laws.

Eugene and Salem both issued warnings to the company that it must have a business license before it can accept riders. Oregon’s Capital has since eased up, and is considering changes to local laws that would allow non-taxi ride services.

TfL’s Response To The GLA Inquiry And Suburban Review.

Mayor and TfL take action to boost taxi trade
25 February 2015
The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) have confirmed plans to develop and expand the number of taxi ranks in the capital as part of ongoing work to support the trade and to better meet the needs of drivers and passengers.
Today, Transport for London (TfL) formally responded to the London Assembly Transport Committee’s ‘Future Proof’ report, which examined taxi and private hire services in the Capital. Sir Peter Hendy CBE, London’s Transport Commissioner, gave evidence to the Transport Committee and announced the publication of two action plans that will develop taxi ranking arrangements and the provision of taxi services in the suburbs.
More than a third of the 70 million taxi journeys completed in London each year originate from a taxi rank. Ranks are also of particular importance to passengers with mobility issues or those starting their journey in suburban areas. In recognition of this, TfL has today published a Taxi Rank Action Plan. The Plan sets out ambitious plans to expand the network of 500 taxi ranks that TfL has appointed, with £600,000 funding to further increase the number of ranks by 20% by 2020.
TfL has also confirmed it will undertake a strategic review of rank provision across the Capital – which will be completed by early 2016 – and will inform plans to introduce new ranks. A dedicated taxi ranks web page will be created – to inform both drivers and passengers – and this information will be made available to app developers. The Plan also contains a proposal to explore sponsorship of late night marshals at key taxi ranks.
Of the 25,000 licensed taxi drivers in London, around 3,500 are suburban drivers who are licensed to work in one of nine suburban sectors – providing a valuable service to passengers in outer London. Following a review of suburban taxi service, which included two trade workshops and a public consultation, TfL has today launched a Suburban Action Plan. This sets out plans to ensure that suburban taxi services continue to cater for demand in outer London as the population of the capital continues to grow.
The Plan explores the possibility of creating more Island Ranks – that allow suburban drivers to pick up passengers on the edge of their licensed area. TfL has established seven Island Ranks, including Finsbury Park, Putney Station and Garrett Lane, and plan to introduce more – informed by the strategic review of rank provision. It also includes a commitment to complete a survey to ensure a better understanding of supply and demand and inform future policy.
In addition, as part of a new approach by the Mayor and TfL to work with the industry on the issues it faces, a new Taxi and Private Hire Terms of Reference Group will be created to consider the future developments of both the taxi and private hire trades. TfL will also establish a regular forum to discuss taxi issues with suburban drivers alongside established trade representatives.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: `These plans deliver on my commitment to listen to the taxi trade and to help it to continue to offer passengers a first rate service that is the envy of the world. Boosting the number and the type of taxi ranks we have – particularly in the suburbs – is central to this aim and will help to ensure better business for cabbies and an even better service for customers.’
Sir Peter Hendy CBE, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: `London’s taxi and private hire services are the envy of the world and, under our oversight, are thriving. Customer satisfaction rates are high and our robust enforcement work with police colleagues means journeys in taxi and private hire vehicles have never been safer.
`However, we are not complacent and recognise that both the taxi and private hire trades must move with the times and keep pace with technological advances.
We have carefully considered the Assembly’s recommendations and I’m pleased that several are already in hand; and have today published two further action plans to develop the services offered to passengers.’
TfL has also announced that an over the counter service for taxi and private hire driver license applications will be introduced in June, meeting a long-standing aspiration of the trade and providing drivers with the option to hand in documentation or speak to someone face-to-face about their application, if they wish to do so.
One proposal from the public consultation that will not be taken forward, due to a lack of consensus amongst drivers themselves, is a proposal to reduce the number of suburban sectors.
TfL is responsible for licensing 100,000 taxi and private hire drivers, 85,000 taxi and private hire vehicles and 3,000 private hire operators and is the largest licensing authority in England and Wales and is responsible for licensing over a third of all services.
TfL’s regulation of the taxi trade is widely recognised as the best in the world. The rigorous Knowledge of London examination coupled with the Conditions of Fitness, which require every taxi to be fully accessible, mean an exceptionally high standard is required.
TfL’s response to the London Assembly Transport Committee ‘Future Proof’ report is available, on request, from the TfL Press Office.
Editorial Comment:
Lots of good stuff here including some common sense not normally seen with TfL commitment.
The reintroduction of counter services is long overdue.
The Mayor has made a commitment to extend our network of Taxi ranks and has made £600 available. But before we all start thanking him graciously, it should be pointed out that this is close to the sum TfL cut from the ranks budget over the past 15 years.
This plan is a reversal of TfL’s agenda to revoke ranks, giving our road space over to bus resting areas and Boris bike placements. Over the last 15 years our rank spaces have been either cut back or moved, with many important standings disapearnt altogether. It seems that when a minicab office appears in a tube station forecourt, the Taxi rank is moved away or revoked completely.
It is stated in this release that regular Taxi forums will be held for suburban drivers and their representatives. While this is welcome, the main body of Central London drivers would also like this facility extended to them, as no constructive reason was given to the suspension of our Taxi forums previously held at Palestra.
Again Hendy insults the trade by insinuating we haven’t moved with the times. It must be pointed out that every new innovation seen in this industry has first been seen within the Licensed Taxi Trade. We would ask Sir Peter to point to one aspect of new technology Taxis do not incorporate.
And again, Hendy has jumped on the band wagon, insisting the Private Hire and TfL should be included in the world wide belief the London Taxis are the gold standard and the best Taxi service in the world….nice try Pete. Some one once said if you tell a lie long enough, eventually people will start to believe it’s true.

Free rides in nearly emission free taxis

Metrocab

A NEW fleet of low emission taxis will be trialled in London this week as Metrocab test out its range-extended electric taxis.

The launch will film passengers enjoying free a ride past London’s landmarks in a publicity stunt confusingly labelled ‘zero-emissions and zero fares’. Confusing because the new Metrocabs run a 1.0-litre petrol combustion engine generator that, naturally, is not always zero-emission and claim a fuel economy of 99.4mpg around town.

We have been developing the new Metrocab for 10 years now, with over a million miles of powertrain testing completed

Frazer-Nash Research Ltd and Ecotive Ltd, the makers of the all-new Metrocab, will run a small fleet on a trial basis in the Capital in association with ComCab.

The short promotional feature will be filmed in central London this week, with passengers that are willing to take part being given their journey free of charge.

Karl Maresch from ComCab said: “We’re very proud to be partnering with Metrocab on this pilot fleet of these superb range-extended electric taxis.  It could revolutionise our business, with the cost savings being very significant.  I’m really looking forward to seeing the short film, and finding out what our passengers think of the all-new Metrocab.  Zero-emissions and zero fares – what an offer!”

Gordon Dixon, Regional Operations Director for Metrocab, said: “We have been developing the new Metrocab for 10 years now, with over a million miles of powertrain testing completed.  I’m so proud that it has been licensed by Transport for London to operate on a trial basis as a London Hackney Carriage.  With its cost savings for the drivers, smooth air-suspended ride and unrivalled panoramic glass roof views of the city for passengers and its zero-emissions capability benefitting the environment, truly every body wins.”

The Metrocab has been shortlisted for the London Transport Awards 2015 in the Taxi & Private Hire Innovator of the Year category, with the winners being announced in March.

 

Source: Business Car Manager

Wolverhampton taxi drivers threaten strike in licence row

Taxi drivers and the council are on a collision course over the number of cars in Wolverhampton.

There are 174 Hackney Carriages licensed to trade in the city but only 60 rank spaces.

Strike action is being discussed by drivers who also want a rule allowing six-year-old vehicles to join the existing fleet scrapped.

Showdown talks are planned with Wolverhampton City Council next month with drivers already threatening protests and a go-slow demonstration around the city.

Chairman of the The Taxi Owners Association Parminder Sekhon recently demanded a clampdown on the number of foreign cabbies being given licences amid concerns about their level of English.

And Mr Sekhon said a cap on the number of taxis in the city would help safeguard jobs.

“Drivers are prepared to demonstrate outside the Civic Centre and their voices aren’t heard they will do regular go-slows. And they know how to call the DVLA,” he said.

“At the moment drivers are sat at the station for hours. The city is dead and we’re getting no help.

“Letting older cars join the fleet is pointless, especially when there are so many vehicles already.

“How can they – the council – justify anything they say? They’re just looking after themselves.”

Council bosses are hoping to give the city’s night-time economy a boost with more taxis, saying that a lack of available cabs in the evening is ‘damaging’ to the economy.

Mr Sekhon said that was ‘rubbish’ and added: “The taxis aren’t there in huge numbers in the evening but Wolverhampton is not a 24-hour city.

“There’s nothing going on in the evening and sometimes you won’t pick up a fare until 2am. There’s nobody in town.”

The council’s licensing manager Colin Parr said: “We are in regular dialogue with the trade representatives and are already aware of their concerns.

“The policy to relax entry requirements for new Hackney carriage licences in Wolverhampton was agreed by licensing committee with cross-party support two years ago.

“It is acknowledged that there are not enough black cabs working on an evening which is damaging to the night time economy of the city and this policy will help to address that issue.

“It was agreed to introduce the new policy in phases and the final phase, where hackney carriages that are up to six years old will be eligible for new licences, is due to come into effect in April.”

A new taxi waiting area before taxis can queue at the nearby railway station rank was introduced in Chubb Street in 2012. Ranks were opened in Wulfruna Street and North Street in 2013 and then Princess Street last year.

 

Source: Express & Star