CityFleet Networks Limited Win Taxi Card Contract.....Is Com Cab Sleeping with the Enemy?. By Jason Byrne.

London Councils has awarded a three year contract for the administration of the Taxicard scheme which has saved boroughs more than £1.8million.

Taxicard allows people who have serious mobility impairment which makes it difficult for them to travel on public transport, to make journeys in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles.

City Fleet, advertising Taxis and Minicabs harmonised together

Following a tendering process, members of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee have approved the letting of the contract to CityFleet Networks Limited. The company will take calls from Taxicard holders across London to book journeys 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They will also provide vehicles with wheelchair access when required.

The contract will run from 1 April 2012 for three years with the option to extend it for up to three further one year periods. The £1.8million saving is split 45/55 per cent between boroughs/Transport for London and Taxicard holders.

Thirty-two London local authorities run a Taxicard scheme in their area. Taxicard is funded by boroughs and Transport for London. London Councils administers the scheme on behalf of the boroughs.

There are a total of 98,000 Taxicard holders in London who are predicted to make more than 1.5million trips on 2011/12.

Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Catherine West said: “Taxicard has given people who find it very difficult to use public transport freedom and independence. Without it, many would of them not go out as much as they do.”

 “This single, London-wide contract has saved boroughs a substantial amount of money.”

Editorial Comment:

Although London's Licensed Taxis Trade is 100% wheelchair accessible and as City fleet own a London Taxi radio circuit (Com-Cab), It is alleged that holders of Taxi card are amazed how often cars are dispatched to inappropriate pick ups.

Apparently Westminster City Council runs its own scheme as they were unhappy with the service offered by Com-Cab.

We asked Bob Oddy, a none executive director of Com-Cab why so many cars are dispatched in place of London Taxi Cabs, but have received no comment.