New Rank At Paddington Station...By Thomas the Taxi

Taxi rank changes

A new covered taxi rank has opened, next to the Hammersmith & City line Underground station. The rank will provide direct access for passengers to and from the mainline station and will be fully accessible.

Access for taxis to and from the rank will be from Bishop’s Bridge Road using a new junction adjacent to Sheldon Square.
A small feeder rank will remain on Bishop’s Bridge Road, with a call forward system being introduced to help entry to the new rank.
There will be a new drop off point within the taxi facility.
City of Westminster is proposing a larger feeder rank within the Harrow Road

The new taxi rank arrangements at Paddington Station have been agreed as a result of TfL, City of Westminster, Network Rail and the London Taxi Ranks Committee working together.

Last night I drove round to Bishops Bridge to see how the new rank is operating.
I was surprised to see how well the rank and the feeder were functioning, 
but I could see one major problem that may cause concern to drivers!


And that's how easy it is to jib in. 


On Twitter drivers were already complaining about other drivers queue jumping after setting down passengers.
After dropping off, a quick glance over to the rank, I saw a massive gap between the end of the queue of cabs on the rank and the feed who were caught at the lights at the new entrance, waiting to turn in and join the rank. 


This is a problem that should have been attended to by the joint ranks committee in the planning stage. They have had information about the new rank for some time.


   


Editorial Comment by Jason Byrne...
I hope the best Taxi service in the world ,conducts itself in a proper manner when using the new rank facilities, but going on past behaviour at other stations, I won't be holding my breath...


This problem needs to be addressed fast. 
This is a great improvement to a station that will see a massive escalation in passenger traffic in years to come. 
Lets hope the Trade does not bring itself into disrepute.


Inside the station, the rank holds approx 50 vehicles. 
We are still to be informed of the spaces available for the feed.