PLEASE LEAVE ME IN THE CAR FOR OTHERS TO READ.

The Official Newsletter of Aerial Capital Group LtdIssue Thirty-Two August/September 2015

Spring Has Sprung And It’s Time To Check Your

Taxi Air-Conditioning

Make sure it is in tip top condition to ensure the comfort and health of both drivers and

passengers during the hot summer months.

FLEET NEWS 2

MEET TODD 3

CTIA NEWS 4

EVENTS SEPTEMBER 5

SOCIAL MEDIA HOUSE RULES 6

SEPTEMBER MAIN EVENT 7

FLORIADE MAP 2015 9

DRIVER POINTS 10

AMBASSADOR DRIVERS 11

OUT & ABOUT 12

For any enquiries regarding the CabBerra magazine, please call

02 6126 1696 or email marketing@aerialcapitalgroup.com.au

TABLE OFCONTENTS

ISSUE #32 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

FLEET NEWS

After missing a month due to the production of the special danger edition of CabBerra it’s good to get back to the monthly Fleet News column. In this month’s edition we will talk about uniforms, driver ratings and the importance of moving immediately to a booking after accepting it.

Once every couple of months I seem to find myself writing about uniforms and why they are important. This month I wanted to talk about a new trend that we are seeing a lot. This is the trend of drivers wearing long sleeve T-shirts underneath CTIA short sleeve shirts. All drivers should be aware that any drivers undertaking this practice will be considered out of uniform and will face action in line with Aerial By-Laws. It is both untidy and unprofessional. Should you wish to wear a T-shirt underneath a CTIA shirt you are required to wear a long sleeve CTIA shirt. If you are wearing a short sleeve CTIA shirt and are finding it hard to handle the cold Canberra winter then pop by the Aerial shop to purchase a jacket or jumper.

Moving onto the driver rating system which has now been in place for three months. For those drivers who may have missed the May edition of Fleet News, customers who have booked their taxi through an Aerial based website or through the mobile web app are now able to rate their driver after travelling in the taxi. So far 80% of the ratings are positive which is a reflection of the hard work drivers have been putting into customer service.

However it should be mentioned that we are averaging about three negative driver ratings a week. Customers giving these negative ratings have made it pretty clear to us that they want clean taxis, well presented drivers and offers of assistance. The high positive ratings show that the majority of the drivers are doing this. The challenge is for all drivers to provide the same

high level of customer service that they expect.

Finally in recent weeks those who have been driving would have seen messages on the system asking drivers to please move immediately to the pickup address after accepting a booking. Recently we have received an increased number of reports of drivers accepting bookings from the system but then taking 10-15 minutes before moving towards the pickup address. This often results in customer call-backs, customers being late for appointments or flights, and undue stress for the passenger. It also gives the passenger the impression that there is a shortage of taxis when the truth is the driver has accepted the job early and failed to move directly to the pickup address. This is more prevalent when the driver is at his home. Flat batteries or car won’t start is not an accepted excuse unless the driver has advised the Base immediately that there is a problem. In this case the job would usually be re-dispatched to another car.

Over the coming months the taxi industry is expected to be challenged by ridesharing apps which dispatch work to the closest car via GPS. This provides a better result for customers but could be considered not so great for drivers. These applications dispatch in this way because the average pickup times are greatly reduced. The quicker customers are picked up the happier they will be. So those drivers who are failing to move directly to the pickup after accepting a job are leaving paying customers waiting extended periods of time. Don’t give the customers a reason to try another booking service. It will ultimately mean less money in your pocket.

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

Accepting the need to get a move on!

02 - CABBERRA THIRTY-two facebook.com/AerialCG

Todd is a Lions Hearing Dog and along with his owner Therese has worked for Aerial Capital Group since May 2010.Todd is a Wire Fox Terrier cross and is 7 years old.

Todd was rescued from the Adelaide RSPCA pound by the Lions Hearing Dog organization, tested and found to be smarter than some humans.8 Months and $30,000 later Todd was a fully qualified Hearing dog and

a valuable member of our team along with his master Therese.

Want to know more?? Then keep watching as more is coming soon.

CANBERRA TAXI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CTIA NEWSThere has been much said and written about the possible entry into Canberra of Uber and its uberX platform and its possible effects on the taxi industry. More will be said in the next few weeks.

However, maybe it’s about time something else is discussed, especially as spring (and Floriade) is in the air.

I recently asked a taxi driver if he was having a good day and he said, “ I am always having a good day. I woke up this morning, I have a roof over my head, I had breakfast, and I have a job.”

That’s the sort of taxi driver who gives us all a good name, our city and everyone in the taxi business.

The Floriade season is one of those times when most people feel pretty good and hopeful and a time when Canberra’s taxi drivers have the opportunity to make many others feel the same.

It is also a time when Canberra usually looks pretty good. It is a great time for taxi drivers and all Canberrans to show a friendly face to each other and to visitors.

There are a few other things that should help those in the Canberra taxi industry to feel good about themselves.

Firstly, the Canberra Airport is reasonably happy with the service being supplied at the Airport taxi rank.

Secondly, the number of trips per taxi per day is up almost three trips on

what it was in 2013 when the number of surrendered licences reached fifty-one. The Canberra economy is not booming, but hopefully it has bottomed out.

Thirdly, service delivery is probably the best in Australia with an average pick-up time for a booking not much over five minutes, and it appears that the fleet could handle a good deal more bookings without affecting service delivery.

Fourthly, the uptake of the Book & Track web based app is slowly growing and providing excellent service to our customers. Our new app, CanCab will prove to be more effective, and further app improvements are on the way. Our apps enable the customer to appraise their driver and so far the satisfaction level has been most pleasing.

Fifthly, the Canberra taxi fleet has never looked better, and nothing impresses a taxi passenger more than a clean, on-time taxi driven by a pleasant, uniformed driver.

So all the talking about unfairness and consequences of an Uber entry into the Canberra taxi market, may or may not be convincing. The most convincing arguments are won by actions and by simply by doing their job well, Canberra’s taxi drivers are in a position to be the best negotiators and the best promoters of the local industry. Most are doing that now, so please keep up the good work.

Please promote the newest app.

04 - CABBERRA THIRTY-two facebook.com/AerialCG

Advance Democracy: Polifemy & The Renaissance Men 06/09/2015 High Court of Australia, Public Hall, Level 2

Selby & Friends - Antilogy 07/09/2015 James O. Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia

The Distant Warriors 09/09/2015 to 19/09/2015 Canberra Glassworks

Gayby Baby: Screening and Filmmaker Q&A 10/09/2015 Palace Electric Cinema

Cranky Bear 11/09/2015 to 12/09/2015 Canberra Theatre

Night Market Canberra 11/09/2015 Realm Park

Hustle and Scout: Twilight Fashion Market 12/09/2015 Old Bus Depot Building

Olli Mustonen, Bach & Shostakovich 12/09/2015 Llewellyn Hall

Floriade 12/09/2015 to 11/10/2015 Commonwealth Park

Tuliptop Gardens Festival, The 12/09/2015 to 11/10/2015 The Tuliptop Gardens

Neil Murray 12/09/2015 The Street Theatre

Capital Carnage vs Sydney City Smash & Rogue Scholars vs S2D2 The Empire 12/09/2015 Southern Cross Basketball Stadium

Gunning Fireworks Festival 2015 12/09/2015 Gunning Showground

SAFIA 12/09/2015 ANU Union Bar, Australian National University

Night's Caressing Grip - art song recital 13/09/2015 Wesley Music Centre

Stromlo Sprint Duathlon 13/09/2015 Stromlo Forest Park

Bijou: A Cabaret of Secrets and Seduction 16/09/2015 to 20/09/2015 The Street Theatre

Joan Baez 17/09/2015 Royal Theatre, Canberra Convention Centre

Night at the Museum: Chance 18/09/2015 National Museum of Australia

Joe Chindamo and Zoe Black: The Goldberg Inventions 18/09/2015 Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music

Our Place - Belco 50 19/09/2015 Belconnen Arts Centre

Breakfast with the Birds 19/09/2015 to 11/10/2015 Australian National Botanic Gardens

Windows to the World 19/09/2015 to 11/10/2015 Different Embassies and High Commissions

Lasers Can Do Anything 19/09/2015 The Shine Dome

Canberra Botanical 2015 19/09/2015 to 04/10/2015 Nishi Gallery

The Confidence Man 20/09/2015 The Street Theatre

Old Bus Depot Markets - Green Savvy Sunday 20/09/2015 Old Bus Depot Markets

ACT Legislative Assembly Open Day 20/09/2015 ACT Legislative Assembly

Australian Cool Climate Wine Show 21/09/2015 to 26/09/2015 Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds

Discovery of Korea 2015: K-Fashion – Hanbok Showcase 22/09/2015 Llewellyn Hall

ASOC Spring Exhibition 2015 23/09/2015 to 27/09/2015 Albert Hall

Floriade NightFest 23/09/2015 to 27/09/2015 Commonwealth Park

But Wait There's More 23/09/2015 to 26/09/2015 Canberra Theatre Centre

Mt Stromlo Observatory September Public Night 25/09/2015 Mt. Stromlo Observatory

Handmade Market September 2015 26/09/2015 to 27/09/2015 Exhibition park in Canberra (EPIC)

ACT Duathlon Championships 27/09/2015 Rond Terraces

Rockwiz Live! Salutes the ARIA Hall of Fame 30/09/2015 Llewellyn Hall

SEPTEMBER 2015

FLORIADE Week 1 – StoriesSaturday 12 September – Sunday 20 September

Week one of Floriade explores the topics of food, art, culture, music and fashion, and the stories these aspects of our lives tell. Be transported through the decades with the floral fashion design competition, Horti-couture, welcome our newest residents at Australian Citizenship Ceremonies and learn from the fascinating Churchill Fellowship recipients. Join the very funny and insightful Gretel Killeen at Floriade on Saturday 19 September and Sunday 20 September.

Week 2 – PrideMonday 21 September – Sunday 27 September

Our country’s national pride will be on display during week two. In the Inspiration Hub, experience a taste of Canberra’s cultural institutions – who tell the stories of our nation – with interactive demonstrations, workshops and displays. Hear from the respected newspaper columnist, radio host and author, Peter FitzSimons, on Sunday 27 September.

Week 3 – ConnectionsMonday 28 September – Sunday 4 October

Celebrate the essence of our identity and who we are today as we delve into our family history and cultural practices with the week three theme of connections. Explore our region’s indigenous heritage through dance, art and dreamtime story workshops with Wiradjuri Echoes. See Mark Olive showcase his talent for fusing native food and culture with contemporary lifestyle cooking on Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October.

Week 4 – HarmonyMonday 5 October – Sunday 11 October

The final week of Floriade is inspired by the theme of harmony. In The Inspiration Hub see a range of unique artworks inspired by plants and animals, witness painting and sculpture demonstrations and learn about endangered species. Award-winning chef, restaurateur, author and television presenter Karen Martini will showcase her passion for food in The Kitchen Company Tasting Plate on Saturday 10 October.

IMAGE CREDIT: VISIT CANBERRA

FLORIADE 2015

CABBERRA THIRTY-two - 07facebook.com/AerialCG

DRIVER POINTS SYSTEM

AERIAL DRIVER POINTS

CRAIG ALCOCK

YAU KWONG LUM AJAY MALIK

SALEEM AKHTARTERRENCE CLAYTON

PUNERDEEP SINGH GULYANI

RANJEET SINGH

ABDUL QAISRANI LOI TAN TRUONGRABIH IBO

How to earn points?Pickup within 6 minutes = 1 Point | Reject a Job = Minus 1 Point | Recall a Job = Minus 1 Point

INDERJEET SINGH MALCOLM FORSYTH GAGANDEEP SINGH

10 - CABBERRA THIRTY-two facebook.com/AerialCG

AMBASSADOR DRIVERS

GAGANDEEP SHARMA

Your customer called to say thank you for assistinghis wife, who was refused entry onto the busbecause she had a pram. You had stopped andpick her up, folded the pram and put it in the bootfor her. Her husband was very grateful for yourkindness and help. Well done Gagandeep, we areso proud of you!

UMER TUFAIL

Umer, your customer has contacted us. He is a DVAcustomer which you took to Sydney. He rang upwhen he returned to Canberra to say that you couldnot have been more careful and helpful throughoutthe entire trip. The customer really appreciatedthat you identified the issues he was having withhis eye sight at the time and offered what was saidto be first-class customer service.

TERRENCE PLENTY

Wanted to briefly send a message to Terry\’s management Team. He works for canberra elite in Taxi #135. He went out of his way to help and assist with taking me to Bonner (from Civic) to help find my stolen cell phone. He did not only take me there but also stayed with me for 10 minutes to ensure I was safe. He then brought me back home. I am very grateful to have received his help. You and your team should know and understand you have an excellent cab driver working for you. It is people with Terry’s charisma, personality, humbleness, and willingness to help that continue to make this world a better place!

WELL DONE! AMBASSADOR DRIVERS

How to be an ambassador driver?provide your customers with the

best customer service possible and encourage them to write to us to

provide positive feedback.

CABBERRA THIRTY-two - 11facebook.com/AerialCG

KANWAR PAL SINGH TX420

MINHTRI TROUNG TX427

JOSE MANUEL EXPOSITO TX407VIBOL LONG TX309 JATINDER SINGH TC 3887

AFRIZAL AFRIZAL TX409

AJAY MALIK TX 424

SEPTEMBER out & about

OUT AND ABOUT | FLEET INSPECTIONS

12 - CABBERRA THIRTY-two facebook.com/AerialCG

OUT AND ABOUT | FLEET INSPECTIONS

JAGPREET MAVI TX207GAGANDEEP SIGNH SIDHU TX 410 RAJBIR TX210

Do we have a government of reflective regulators that see the long-term picture and aim to shape developing technology according to the law; or do we have a government that allows the rise of

corporate juggernauts by letting technology and their wealthy backers trample all over and change our laws?

the upcoming decision by the ACT Innovation Review will answer this.

ABC Radio National’s Future Tense Program “The rise of the Silicon Valley oligarchs” with Antony Funnell is a must to listen to. It provides eye opening insight into the overarching effect that the ACT

Government’s decision will have on our society.

Here is an excerpt from the program:

“Public discussion about the dramatic rise of UBER is often themed as a titanic struggle between old-fashioned expensive taxi companies and a new digital upstart. UBER usually comes out on top because it’s new, cool and part of the ‘sharing economy’. But legal academic Frank Pasquale offers a very different perspective. Companies like UBER, he says, represent a threat to competitive capi-talism. Their modus operandi is to use populist discourse - and vast financial backing from venture

capitalists - to ignore laws, overwhelm markets and establish monopolies”.

Search for the program title online or visit:

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programitem/pgZaG5Zae6

“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.