Here’s why there are long wait times for a taxi in Weymouth and Portland
Some customers have been waiting over an hour for a cab on the weekends
Last updated 27th Jul 2021
A combination of drivers finding other jobs during lockdown and uncertainty regarding future restrictions could be why we’re having to wait so long for a taxi, in Dorset, at the moment.
Since the start of the Governments roadmap out lockdown Weyline taxi owner Ian Ferguson says his companies have seen an increase in demand.
Not only that but some drivers have gone on to retire and those who were retired and working part time have stopped as they feel it to be a risk to their health.
Sadly, they also lost a driver to Coronavirus.
Ian says the industry has 20% less drivers compared to before the pandemic, he explains why.
“It’s been a classic case of famine and feast for the main, it’s more of a running buffet as we are seeing such a high level of demand at all times and days of the week now.
“The pandemic in common with lots of other parts of the night economy has been battered and because we weren’t obliged to close by law, we received little in the way of help From the government.”
They have also struggled to recruit telephony staff in common with lots of sectors but in particular the hospitality sector.
WHAT SAFETY MEASURES TO FOLLOW IF YOU’RE GETTING A TAXI
Safety for drivers and their passengers is still a top priority for the company, despite masks not being a legal requirement anymore.
The company, who run Weyline, Bee Cars and Street Cars say they are currently working within the safety guidelines and continuing as they were pre, this current easing of lockdown.
In line with the Government guidance, Dorset Council say when a using a taxi or private hire we should do the following:
- Passengers should wear a face covering when using taxis, the driver can refuse to accept you if you are not wearing one.
- Keep a 2 metre distance from others during your journey, for example at taxi ranks.
- Use contactless payment if possible, or find out if you can pay online in advance.
- Be aware of the surfaces you touch.
- Be careful not to touch your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- When finishing your journey, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands as soon as possible.
Ian has this message for his customers:
“I would like to apologise to customers for the lack of service, both in terms of getting to the phone quick enough and getting cars to people at the time they want.
“It’s not how we want to perform or run our businesses but at the moment we are doing our very best under challenging situations, I hope business as usual will return very, very soon.”