CabBerra 30

PLEASE LEAVE ME IN THE CAR FOR OTHERS TO READ.

The Official Newsletter of Aerial Capital Group Ltd

Issue Thirty May 2015

CTIA NEWS THE ACT TAXI REVIEW PG. 4

FLEET NEWS FLEET PRESENTATION PG. 2

KING CABBIE’S TIPSOur Common Taxi Voice

• LICENSED AND REGULATED TAXI OWNERS AND THEIR DRIVERS ARE AT THE HEART OF THE PUBLIC PASSENGER TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN

CANBERRA;

• LICENSED TAXIS OFFER PASSENGER SAFETY – DRIVER POLICE CHECKS, LICENSING, IN-CAR CAMERAS, PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE AND

REGULATED DRIVER TRAINING;

• TAXIS OFFER A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES TO ALL PASSENGER GROUPS INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, THE AGED AND SPECIAL

NEEDS TRAVELLERS AT REGULATED PRICES.

TAXI RANK UPDATE:

• CITY EAST RANK (WALTONS) | BUNDA STREET : IS ACTIVE AGAIN IN ITS ORIGINAL POSITION OUTSIDE THE CANBERRA CENTRE.

• GUNGAHLAN RANK | HIBBERSON STREET: RANK IS SOON TO BE MOVED BACK A COUPLE OF SPACES FROM ITS PRESENT LOCATION WITH U-TURNS POSSIBLE IN FRONT OF

THE RANK. ACCESS TO THE RANK WILL ONLY BE POSSIBLE FROM GUNGAHLIN PLACE. THIS IS A TEMPORARY DISRUPTION EXPECTED TO LAST APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS WHILE ROAD

UPGRADES TAKE PLACE.

• KINGSTON FORESHORE RANK: HAS STILL NOT BEEN BUILT AND REMINDERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ACT ROADS.

FLEET NEWS 02

TRAINING ROOM 03

CTIA NEWS 04

DRIVER POINTS 06

AMBASSADOR DRIVERS 07

MAY EVENTS 08

EVENTS OF MONTH 09

OUT AND ABOUT 10

QUIZ 12

For any enquiries regarding the CabBerra magazine, please give us a call on 02 6126 1696 or email us at [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ISSUE #30 MAY 2015

FROM THE MD’S DESK

Melbourne, in April this year, hosted the Australian Taxi Industry conference. Mike Foggerty, the President of the American TLPA (TaxiCab Limousine and Para-transport Association) spoke about the challenges being met head-on in the US. US taxi companies’ best competition from TNC (Technology Network Companies) and in many cases with the support of City Regulators. Here TNC refers to the technology providers like Uber, Lyft, TaxiMagic, goCurb, iHail etc, etc.

Mike highlighted many very important issues in challenging TNCs. Two examples given were memorable. TNC’s often do not carry adequate insurance cover and this has left drivers and passengers worse off. Customer safety is frequently overlooked or compromised and the outcome falls a long way below the hype and marketing messages.

Taxi companies, typically hold adequate commercial insurance, which costs, and in Canberra Aerial holds all the necessary commercial insurance cover needed to support our taxi operators and their drivers.Customer Safety is the competitive point of difference where the future challenge between licensed Taxi Companies and TNC’s will be decided.

CabBerra this month details a customer rating option that is being added to Aerial’s Book and Track App and Web booking page. Why are we doing this?Not, and I repeat, not to do what the TNC’s do. TNC’s typically use negative customer feedback to terminate driver access to bookings, usually without consultation or access to natural justice. Aerial will use this customer feedback within our existing fleet management system and this information will be made available to Operators firstly. Once the Operator has been consulted then Aerial’s Fleet Management process will be used, where there is a need. Our first goal is to offer safety with great service. We are not focusing on the TNC’s revolving door that pushes drivers through their money machine.

Another great Conference message was to keep the emphasis on the value of the small business taxi owner. Small business owners must have a passion for their businesses to be successful. Passion and innovation go hand in hand and we all know that the taxi industry overflows with passion. Politicians hear the weight of numbers and all we need do is join our passion to a common voice. Let the common voice focus on the vision and the ideas that make the many small businesses that own taxis.

And finally three important rules to remember when presenting our taxi industry ideas with a common voice:1 – “We don’t need to be defensive” (We offer a great service and put priority on community safety).2 – “Our message must never be self-serving” (We are here to serve the community not a few wealthy individuals that offer big tips or can afford the surge pricing taken by greedy opportunists).3 – “Keep evolving at the forefront of technology” (This is in play and a lot of new things are on the way. Aerial will be part of the Taxi Industry’s forward pack).

WRITTEN BY MARK BRAMSTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR

stars with one star meaning the customer was disappointed and three stars meaning the customer had a good trip. The customer will also be able to provide the reason for the rating given. For the time being this will only be available for customers booking online but over time there are plans to introduce this option to all Canberra Elite, Silver Service Canberra and QE customers. The information gathered from this system will be used to improve driver training to meet the customer’s requirements. It will also be available for drivers to self analyse their own performances. This is an important step forward as we aim to provide the best level of customer service of any taxi network or transport provider in Australia.

Finally I want to address uniform standards within the fleet. It seems every year as soon as the weather starts to cool down we see a lot of drivers wearing clothing which is not the approved network uniform. One of the most common problems that we are coming across is black jeans or black business trousers. Please be aware that black trousers are not part of the Aerial uniform and drivers will be penalized if caught wearing them. The other common breach is the wearing of non-uniform jackets. When driving on the Aerial network you are required to wear the correct uniform for the fleet you are driving in. For the Canberra Elite fleet this is a navy blue jacket with the CTIA logo. Should you have any questions regarding the correct uniform for the Fleet you are driving in please don’t hesitate to contact the Fleet Department who will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding uniforms. Remember the Aerial shop is your one-stop shop for all your CTIA jumpers, vests, pants and jackets in 2015.

That’s it for this edition of the Fleet News. Stay safe and we will see you on a rank sometime soon.

FLEET PRESENTATION WASHED AWAY WITH THE RAIN

Hello to all the operators and drivers in the industry. I hope you have all had a safe and profitable month. In this month’s edition of the Fleet News I plan to talk about dirty taxis, the implementation of a new driver rating system and winter uniforms.

Over the past month the Canberra region has received a lot of wet weather and with this type of weather we often see the standard of presentation in the Fleet decrease. I have personally visited the Airport Rank on numerous occasions in previous weeks to find some taxis in great condition despite the poor weather. To those operator/drivers well done and keep up the good work. However the condition of certain taxis in the fleet was quite frankly well below our network standard. Operators and Drivers are reminded that dirt, mud and thick black dust on top of Canberra Elite livery is a dreadful representation of the fleet to customers and members of the public. At a time when customer service has never been so important the presentation of taxis needs to be immaculate at all times. Aerial is aware that cleaning takes time and money but remember we are trying to exceed the customers’ expectations. If the customer is expecting a dirty taxi then let’s give them the cleanest taxis they have ever seen. In coming weeks Aerial staff will be on the lookout for the cleanest taxis in the fleet and will be rewarding these taxis through the ambassador driver program.

Whilst we are on the subject of customer service I would like to take the chance to announce the implementation of a three star driver rating program that Aerial will be introducing over the coming weeks. This system will allow customers who have booked their taxi through an Aerial based website or through the mobile booker to rate their driver after travelling in the taxi. Customers will have the opportunity to rate their trip out of three

WRITTEN BY JASON SHIELDS, FLEET MANAGER

FLEET NEWS

02 - CABBERRA THIRTY FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG

http://www.facebook.com/AerialCG

FLEET NEWS

The Driver Training School has been back up and running for a couple of months now with the new curriculum, R.T.O and practical assessment requirements. We are pleased to say we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from course attendees thus far. So

far 28 attendees have completed the course in full and received statement of attainments outlining their completion of nationally recognised training.

WRITTEN BY JAMES BETTS

In addition to the new content there have been some adjustments to the booking procedures and evidence requirements for completing the theory components of the course.

For anyone who is unsure as to how students are to book in and what is required to complete the course I have included a quick checklist;

• Pick up an info pack from reception• This includes the Jockeying Workbooks A and B• Medical and police check forms• Info as to the ACT government requirements• Complete the Jockeying Workbook Part A and have the applicant submit this by Friday lunchtime prior to booking their course• Attend the 2.5 day course (usually Mon-Wed dependent on public holidays)• Complete the Jockeying Workbook Part B and Geography Workbooks• Attend the Testing session on Thursday afternoons from 1:30pm to complete the theory assessments• Upon successful completion of the theory assessments and having submitted Jockeying Part B and the Geography Workbook, the applicant can book a practical assessment• If found competent the applicant will receive a nationally recognized certificate

Please be aware that any applicants who have not held their licence in the ACT for the previous 12 months will be required to submit a licence history statement when booking their practical assessment.

If you have any queries at all please feel free to email me at [email protected]

FROM THE TRAINING ROOM

Email all enquiries to

[email protected] or call 0433 398 097

29 Morrow St Dunlop ACT 2615

LOAN APPROACHHOME & CAR LOAN SPECIALIST

CRN:439457 ABN:51668 783 218

Call Ashok Chhabra for an expert advice

CANBERRA TAXI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Mr Leigh’s paper has been produced on behalf of the Australian Labor Party and although he believes there is great potential in the peer-to-peer market, he is well aware of the need to address concerns around public safety, workers rights, tax and accessibility.

They are the concerns of the taxi industry too and one might think that logic and a sense of fairness will ensure that UberX type fake taxi services will be prevented from starting in Canberra. But this cannot be taken for granted.The CTIA and Aerial will be working hard over the next few months to protect the interests of taxi drivers, operators and owners, but representations by individuals to MPs and Legislative Assembly members will help the cause. Everyone can play a role.

CTIA NEWSWRITTEN BY JOHN MCKEOUGH, CHAIRMAN OF CTIA

he CTIA contribution to the business well being of taxi drivers and operators was demonstrated last month when the resolution of the local taxi driver training problem was reported.The campaign to address the apparent seduction of some politicians and economists by the likes of Uber and goCatch has hardly begun.

The Harper Report into competition policy in Australia claims to present a forward-looking package of reforms to Australia’s competition policies, competition laws and competition institutions; and well it might.Naturally the many inquiries involving productivity, competition policy, and state taxi operations are put into the hands of economists of whom nearly all believe economies run best when they are deregulated.

And so the Harper Review into competition policy, released in March 2015, has recommended, among other things, the deregulation of shopping hours, pharmacies and taxis. Although the Harper Review suggested that deregulation of the taxi industry was well overdue and something that needed to be done now, it did say that it could see little benefit to the public in such a move.

The Harper Review, unlike the National Competition Policy Review of the 1990’s, did not wield the big stick and leave state governments in a position whereby they would lose productivity bonuses on offer from the federal government if they did not deregulate as recommended. It did, however, suggest that the illegal UberX service should be able to compete with the taxi industry.

From the taxi industry point of view, the draft of its findings was at first seen as standard comments from a group of economists (but not to be taken lightly), that would have little sway over common sense, and the recommendation that an illegal operation with obvious unfair advantages over the taxi industry was expected to be dismissed

The ATIA made a lengthy submission in response to the draft, but was unable to have it changed. Unfortunately, the decision by the ACT government to hold the ACT Taxi Industry Innovation Review appears to have been driven by the seductive approach of Uber (see Canberra Times 5/5/15- “Uber works with government on new taxi reform”) to both the ACT government and the Harper panel.

It is disappointing to the CTIA that a foreign company that has been facilitating illegal taxi services and facing questions on its attitude to its Australian tax obligations has been able to “work with government” when in 2007, the CTIA, after suggesting to Minister Hargreaves that by working together, he and the CTIA could make a better taxi industry, was told that he did “… not want to be seen as a captive of an industry”. Along with the ACT taxi inquiry and the Harper Report the CTIA needs to respond to a paper produced by local federal member Andrew Leigh on the Sharing Economy.

ACT TAXI INDUSTRY INNOVATION REVIEW

AUSTRALIAN TAXI CONFERENCE, MELBOURNE

At the time of writing this item, it is two weeks before the Australian Taxi Conference in Melbourne and a report on the conference will be presented in the June issue of CabBerra.

The topics will include, the state if the taxi industry in Australia and overseas, communications, future fuel, driver training and the importance of regulation.

Mr Jeff Kennett, former Premier of Victoria, and a supporter of the taxi industry will give the keynote address.



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DRIVER POINTS SYSTEM

AERIAL POINT SYSTEM

DAVID BENNETT

SANDEEP SHARMA

HONEY SAHORE

GAGAN GULSHANKUMAR BATRA

SEDHA SAO

KRISHAN PAL

CHRIS STENT

MARCUS BRADLEY TIESLER

GUL AHMAD KHALIDI

YAU KWONG LUM

GAGANDEEP SINGH

RAVNEET SINGH

ABHIJEET MAHESHWARI

RASHID MEHMOOD

ATIF SHAHZAD



RAM TIRATH BANGERA message from your customer: I took a taxi one afternoon from Garran to the airport. The driver was an absolute delight, he was so courteous and such a gentleman. Please let him know that he has done a great job. I hope many other drivers are like him.

BABAR KHANBabar, we received a call from someone who works at Ainslie shops. She witnessed you assisting a disabled passenger with getting their medication and getting in and out of the car. She wanted to tell us at the base that you are a credit to this organisation. We were even more impressed when we called you to pass on the message a few hours later and you said that you were just carrying your duties. Job well done!

MING CHI FUA message we received from one of your customers:

I want to bring to the attention of the Canberra Elite management the good work done by one of your taxi drivers.

On Tuesday, 28 April 2015, I had an appointment in Chapman. Unfortunately I had a flat tyre (my health condition does not permit me to replace tyre myself) and I had to leave the car at Namatjira Drive in Warramanga. I had to order a cab to get to and from my appointment. On the way back from Chapman I was in the cab TX174. The taxi driver dropped me at my destination (where my car had broken down). I showed him my car with a flat tyre across the road. He offered to help. It was around 5pm and peak time for taxis. It took him at least 15 minutes to replace the tyre and check that everything was done properly. I offered him money for his time and work but he dismissed it. As expected his hands got dirty too. It was a busy time and I am sure he would have had to decline a few jobs to help me. He helped me without any fuss, without making me feel bad, and without expecting anything in return. On top of that he did all the work like he would do for his own vehicle. I am very grateful for his help. It would be great if Canberra Elite could recognise the work of this good samaritan. We need more compassionate and helpful people like him in our community.

AMBASSADOR DRIVERS

WELL DONE! AMBASSADOR DRIVERS

CABBERRA THIRTY - 07FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG



Port Moresby | Second Contact 1/05/2015 to 24/05/2015 PhotoAccess

Canberra International Music Festival 1/05/2015 to 10/05/2015 Various Venues

100 years of Kingston Power House 2/05/2015 to 06/06/2015 Canberra Glassworks

The Umbilical Brothers – KiDSHoW (Not Suitable For Children) 04/05/2015 TO 05/05/2015 Canberra Theatre Centre

Warp Drive 05/05/2015 The Shine Dome

Little Faces - May 05/05/2015 to 06/05/2015 National Portrait Gallery

CSO Llewellyn Series 15.2 Tchaikovsky 06/05/2015 to 07/05/2015 Llewellyn Hall, Australian National Univer-sity

LE NOIR - The Dark Side of Cirque 06/05/2015 to 10/05/2015 Canberra Theatre

The Importance of Being Miriam 06/05/2015 to 09/05/2015 The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre

Encoded 08/05/2015 to 09/05/2015 The Street Theatre

Segue 2015 08/05/2015 to 10/05/2015 The Street Theatre

Massacre 09/05/2015 The Street Theatre

Portrait Encounter 09/05/2015 National Portrait Gallery

Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans 09/05/2015 GIO Stadium Canberra

Hughes Parties at the Shops 09/05/2015 Hughes Shops

Delve Deeper 09/05/2015 The Street Theatre

Mother's Day - Carlos Perez Martinez: Live music in the Barrel Room

10/05/2015 Lerida Estate Winery

Aves Nocturnas 10/05/2015 The Street Theatre

Baby et Lulu 10/05/2015 The Street Theatre

Mother's Day on the shareway 10/05/2015 Bunda Street Shareway

Wednesday gallery talks: Absent bodies 13/05/2015 National Portrait Gallery

FASHFEST 13/05/2015 to 16/05/2015 National Convention Centre

Jasmine Rae 15/05/2015 Casino Canberra

SciNight: X-rated science for adults 15/05/2015 Questacon - The National Science and Tech-nology Centre

Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be - The story of Bon Scott 15/05/2015 to 16/05/2015 The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre

Salut! Baroque May Concert: The Quartet 15/05/2015 Albert Hall

Ian Moss 16/05/2015 The Street Theatre

I Love Photography Workshop 16/05/2015 to 17/05/2015 Griffith Hall

Mostly Mendelssohn 16/05/2015 Llewellyn Hall, Australian National Univer-sity

What My Mother told Me: Thorough Bass 17/05/2015 High Court of Australia, Public Hall Level 2

Twenty Years of FourPlay 17/05/2015 The Street Theatre

Old Bus Depot Markets - A Celebration of Wool 17/05/2015 Old Bus Depot Markets

International Museum Day 17/05/2015 National Portrait Gallery

A literary portrait 21/05/2015 National Portrait Gallery

Revealing the Rothschild Prayer Book c.1505–1510 from the Kerry Stokes Collection

22/05/2015 to 09/08/2015 National Library of Australia

Mt Stromlo Observatory May Public Night 22/05/2015 Mt. Stromlo Observatory

Ainslie Parties at the Shops 23/05/2015 Ainslie Shops

Once, our comrades 24/05/2015 National Portrait Gallery

Three Sixty Fashion Market - Autumn 24/05/2015 Fitters Workshop

Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24/05/2015 GIO Stadium Canberra

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 29/05/2015 to 30/05/2015 Canberra Theatre Centre

Brumbies v Bulls 29/05/2015 GIO Stadium Canberra

Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos 30/05/2015 GIO Stadium Canberra

No Turning Back 31/05/2015 Dendy Cinemas Canberra Centre

MS Walk + Fun Run 2015 31/05/2015 Rond Terraces

Reconciliation Week: In the trenches - out of memory 31/05/2015 National Portrait Gallery

HAPPENING IN CANBERRAMAY EVENTS 2015


The Australian Ballet GiselleCanberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra

Thursday 21 May 2015 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Love conquers death in this ultimate Romantic ballet. A village girl falls in love with a man who is not all he seems. The Australian Ballet first performed on the Canberra Theatre stage for its opening performance in June 1965 and returns in 2015 to celebrate the theatres 50th birthday.

When:

Thu 21 May 2015, 7:30pm–9:30pm

Fri 22 May 2015, 7:30pm–9:30pm

Sat 23 May 2015, 1:30pm–3:30pm

Sat 23 May 2015, 7:30pm–9:30pm

Mon 25 May 2015, 6:30pm–8:30pm

Tue 26 May 2015, 7:30pm–9:30pm

Where:

Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra

Canberra Theatre Centre 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra

Thursday 28 May 2015 7:00pm – 11:00pm

The Canberra Theatre Centre celebrates 50 years of Performing Arts in the Nation’s Capital with an exclusive Gala Dinner, theatrically set on the stage of the Canberra Theatre.


EVENTS OF THE MONTH


OUT AND ABOUT



OUT AND ABOUT

LUIS TX84

MANINDER TX74 ABDULLAH TX67 & JASON SYED UMER TX47

JASON & SHIV TX175 SHIV TX175 SATISH TX152

TIEN TX92

RAJINDER TX78



SPRING

QUIZ

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ACROSS

1. Taxi Dispatch System (6)

4. A Taxi Queue (4)

6. Taxi Passenger (3)

8. Fleet Manager (5,7)

9. A Taxi Manager (8)

10. What a Taxi Passenger Pays (4)

12. An Inner South (8)

2 = 6, 3 = 12, 4 = 20, 5 = 30, 6 = 42

9 =

DOWN

2. A Taxi (6,5)

3. An Inner North Suburb

5. Large Taxi (4)

7. Premium Taxi (6,7)

11. A Container Village (8)



CAPITAL GROUP LIMITED

May Special

$140 FOR AIR-CONDITIONING

SERVICE & REGASBOOKINGS ESSENTIAL, CALL 02 6126 1500

Aerial workshop

SPRING

“It’s not realwithout the seal”

An Australian Taxi Industry Association initiative.

www.grabacab.net.au

Protect the future of our industry and fight back against illegal

ride-sharing! Join the ‘Grab a Cab!’ campaign and display the

seal of approval on your cab to inform your passengers that

their journey will be safe and in accordance with all government

regulations.

Documents

CabBerra 30