The Cumberland Hotel capped fare scheme.. By Taxi Talk Reporter, Mike Hughes

The Cumberland Hotel capped fare scheme started this morning (Monday 29 Aug) - and it has already proved its worth.
Having been reminded about the scheme I turned up at around 6ish to find LeeW? and Johnathan (givati) already there ready to tell people about the scheme. There was a taxi on the rank, I made number 2 and a little while afterwards a Metro cab (I think his name is also Lee) joined us.

With three taxis on the rank we saw what appeared to be a hotel porter come along. He asked if anyone took credit cards. The first taxi said yes at which point the porter asked "How much for an airport". At first we thought he was asking how much it would be for a taxi to the airport but he was actually asking how much we would give him for an airport job! It beggars belief. When he realized he was not going to get anything he was off faster than a scalded cat.

It was then that Johnathan came into his own. When he calmed down (very slightly) he went to the Marriot at Park Lane and discovered that was where the porter had come from. I believe that he spoke (although that may be translated as 'had words') with the duty manager. I am told he also saw the porter slinking into the further recesses of the hotel. I shan't say any more now as there may well be follow up actions on this.

Being a Bank Holiday it was slow but at around 7.15 things started to move. The taxi in front got a 4 hand walk up to Kings X. I moved up and within minutes had three people walk out of the hotel and ask to be taken to Paddington. Before moving off I discovered that they were going to Heathrow. With the help and assistance of Lee, Johnathan and Dizzy who had also joined us the new Capped Fare was explained to them and off I went to Terminal 3 - a very happy bunny indeed!

On the way I further explained the system to my passengers, Robert Alexander and his wife Huang (both well into their 70's) of Orange County, California and their son Mark of Santa Cruz, California. They were absolutely thrilled with the service and the clear maximum pricing structure of the capped fare scheme. Robert said "We are here as tourists. Although we've been before this is the first time we've stayed at the Cumberland Hotel. Whilst it is very pleasant it was a little bit too business like and impersonal for me but this idea really adds that missing personal touch. Now I know about this service it may well persuade me to use the Cumberland again instead of looking elsewhere".

There you have it, the capped fare scheme can also help the hotel's image in the eyes of their clients - a true win, win situation.

I am reliably informed that shortly after that Dizzy got a capped fare which came out of the hotel. There may be a small degree of argument as to who got the first Cumberland Capped Fare but for the moment I am claiming that title.

Keep up the good word chaps. It's small beginnings but you've planted the acorn firmly in the ground. It's up to the rest of us to see that it grows into a full oak tree laden with goodness for all of the London taxi trade.

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Editorial Comment:
Lets not forget that this was the system which was put to Mr Oddy, General Secretary of the LTDA by Johnathan. Oddy argued it wouldn't work/couldn't be  done and eventually told Johnathan to "F-Off". (Full meeting can be heard on the Bob Oddy exposed Tapes: Listen here.