Latest news with #privatehire
CNA
a day ago
- Automotive
- CNA
‘Have a life besides driving': Death of private-hire driver a wake-up call, say those in industry
SINGAPORE: The death of 49-year-old private-hire driver Gavin Neo from a stroke in May was a 'wake-up call' for those in the industry looking to cash in on working long hours, some drivers say. Friends said Mr Neo often spent up to 15 hours behind the wheel to provide for his teenage son and daughter. Private-hire drivers CNA spoke to said that while they have the freedom to choose the number of hours they work, incentive structures set up by ride-hailing platforms - offering cash bonuses for completing more trips - can push them beyond their limits, and should be reviewed. Other said however that it was also up to the individual to know their physical limits and not blindly chase after cash rewards. Working long hours for more incentives was precisely what Mr Lincoln Khoo did when he joined ride-hailing platform Grab in January last year. 'For me it was very simple, the motivation to drive long hours is only one thing: Money, income,' said the 40-year-old, who drives part-time and does emceeing and hosting gigs as well. 'The more you drive, you will earn much more." Under a newcomer incentive at that time, he could get up to S$3,000 (US$2,300) in cash bonuses if he completed at least 200 trips for the first four weeks. The current newcomer incentive on Grab's website shows that to get the highest possible cash incentives, drivers have to complete 200 trips per week for four weeks. There are lower incentives for completing 125 rides per week. What does 800 trips a month look like? Mr Khoo laid out his schedule: A daily 18 hours of driving from Monday to Friday, followed by 26 hours of driving from Saturday afternoon to Sunday -over four weeks. He said he slept in during all the hours he was not on the road, and took short coffee breaks and washed his face in between drives to keep awake. For racking up a total of 845 trips in his first four weeks, he earned S$15,000 - S$12,000 from rides and S$3,000 in cash bonuses. Taking into account expenditures on fuel and rental, he took home about S$10,000 that month. Was it worth it? Mr Khoo described himself as 'the kind of person where if you give me a challenge, I want to fulfil the challenge'. But he acknowledged it was not a sustainable routine. After that initial burst out of the blocks, Mr Khoo 'took it easy' and drove shorter hours, taking home S$3,000 the next month. 'If you do it continuously for six months, you'll start to feel the effects.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Major change to 'the knowledge' for Bristol taxi drivers
Most Bristol taxi drivers will no longer have to learn by heart the thousands of routes around the city. At a meeting of the city council's public safety and protection committee on Tuesday councillors unanimously approved changes to part of the test known as "the knowledge". The changes - which apply only to private hire drivers, not Hackney cabs - means the requirement to memorise the city's geography will be scrapped in favour of a new approach. Councillor Sarah Classick, who chairs the committee, said it was "not about making the test easier to pass", but rather bringing it more in line with more modern guidance. "Because all journeys are pre-booked a lot of drivers now rely on things like sat navs," she said. "As such the sections where they have to have that memory of where every pub, club and restaurant is in Bristol is a bit outdated, and seems to be a bit of a barrier to good drivers passing the knowledge test." It emerged at the end of May that "the knowledge" would be scrapped, but Ms Classick said other parts of the test such as those on road safety, legislation and policy and disability awareness would all remain in place. She also insisted that drivers would still be tested on their knowledge of Bristol - not confusing, for example, Greenbank Road in Southville with Greenbank in Easton - but said the test as it stood was a "barrier to good drivers passing". Though councillors have approved a new approach in principle there will not be any changes made immediately. Ms Classick said council officers would now be asked to look into examples of best practice from other cities that have already made a similar change, and any new elements of the test would need to be approved by the committee.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Uber must 'follow the rules' in Reading says private hire taxi industry
Uber should follow the rules other taxi companies abide by, if it is allowed to operate in a Berkshire town, according to a representative of the private hire taxi ride-sharing giant announced in April it was in the process of applying to operate in company was denied a licence to operate in the town centre in 2016 because it refused to have a staffed office in Sikandar Hayat, the chairman of the Reading Private Hire Association (RPHA) has said Uber should only be allowed if it follows the council's rules. Uber has been approached for comment. The company is applying for a licence as a private hire taxi operator, meaning journeys must be pre-booked from its hire drivers are not allowed to take passengers on the spot like black cab drivers are in private hire drivers have expressed support for Uber coming to the town, arguing that allowing them to use the app will make them more competitive. Mr Hayat said "operators have concerns" but as an association, they "think it'll be fair if they [Uber] follow the rules."The company refused to have a staffed office in town in 2016 to deal with customer bookings and complaints, and inspection and enforcement visits from council enforcement said: "Other operators work by providing drivers and customers access to the system; we have a 24-hour telephone system, and customers have direct access to offices. If Uber can comply with these conditions, that's ok."Most of the drivers are concerned that if the rules change, they may not get the same care they expect."Mr Hayat also suggested that Uber should introduce zoning restrictions in the town on its app to tackle the issue of drivers with Uber licences from other boroughs taking trade from Reading explained: "If Reading drivers get the work, it's ok for us, if they [Uber] don't follow the rules, if they don't have a contact system, that is an issue."Uber was asked to clarify its office policy and whether it implements zoning, but it has not replied. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
365 Transports Expands Premium Airport Transfer Services Across the UK
365 Transports, a trusted name in airport transfers and private hire services, TELFORD, WELLINGTON, UNITED KINGDOM, May 23, 2025 / / -- 365 Transports, a trusted name in airport transfers and private hire services, is proud to announce its continued expansion and growing recognition as one of the UK's most reliable transportation service providers. Based in the heart of Telford, the company has grown from a modest fleet of just three vehicles in 2020 to a nationally recognized transport solution for individuals, hotels, schools, and corporate clients alike. At 365 Transports, the mission is simple: to deliver safe, punctual, and comfortable journeys to every customer, whether traveling for business or leisure. With a commitment to high standards and exceptional customer service, the company has become a preferred partner for airport transfers throughout the United Kingdom. 'Our goal has always been to provide a personal, professional, and high-quality travel experience,' said a spokesperson for 365 Transports. 'We understand the value of reliability and customer care, especially in today's fast-paced travel environment. It's what has driven our growth and continues to shape our future.' Key Highlights: Nationwide Service: Serving all major UK airports and destinations with seamless transfer experiences. Modern Fleet: A carefully maintained range of vehicles that balance luxury and practicality. Professional Drivers: Experienced, licensed drivers committed to safety and customer satisfaction. Trusted by Industry Leaders: Contracts with leading hotels, schools, and corporations demonstrate the brand's trusted reputation. Customer-Centric Approach: From booking to drop-off, 365 Transports focuses on convenience, communication, and client comfort. The company's dedication to professionalism and quality service is redefining what clients expect from the private hire and airport transfer industry. With user-friendly booking options and responsive customer support, 365 Transports continues to set a new standard for excellence. About 365 Transports Founded in 2020, 365 Transports offers premium airport transfer and private hire taxi services across the UK. Based in Telford, the company has built a strong reputation for reliability, safety, and customer service. From individual travelers to corporate accounts, 365 Transports ensures a seamless transportation experience with every ride. Contact Information: Business Name: 365 Transports Website: Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 1952 455365 Address: Telford Rd, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RZ, United Kingdom 365 Transports 365 Transports +44 1952 455365 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
