New Rapid Transport Bus Service to blame for job losses, say Black Taxis Boss

Taxi driver boss says the introduction of the Glider bus service, has resulted in 85 Belfast black taxi drivers losing their jobs.

Transport manager for West Belfast Black Taxis, Brian Barr, claimed that many users of the rapid tranport system were not paying for tickets and therefore were regarding the new buses as a free service, which in turn was badly affecting the black taxi industry.

Glider bus service Translink, said it has no significant concerns about fare evasion as ticket inspectors carry out regular inspections every day at different locations.

The London-style black taxis have operated in west Belfast for more than 50 years.

But when the new Glider service started operating in September 2018, West Belfast Black Taxis said it employed 215 cabbies, however now it has only 130.

Speaking on BBC radio, Brian Barr said: "Our main criticism of the Glider would be that due to fares not being taken on board the service. A lot of people feel: 'I'll take a chance. I'll get on it free'.

"If they see a ticket inspector they will then get off. If things persist the way they are going, eventually the Belfast black taxis service could ultimately fade away altogether. That's our worry. 

It's a real big concern to drivers at the moment."

Mr Barr said the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) agreed to allow black taxis to provide a service, for those in housing estates on the outskirts of west Belfast to the main Glider route, however this deal was not followed through.

He said "They assured us that we would be providing the feeder services, from Whiterock, Glen, and Shaws Road".

"We should have been part of the public transport network. We have the same licences as Translink".

Brian said he doesn’t understand why at the very last minute, there was a complete U-turn done and we were not advised.

A spokesperson said "The Belfast Rapid Transit team engaged with West Belfast Black Taxi representatives in relation to them having a role in feeder services".

"However these discussions were not successful and this option was not considered further in the design of the system."

Mr Barr also argued that Translink had an advantage over black taxis as they received a government subsidy.

The DfI provided £94.4m in funding to the Glider service: £48.7m on infrastructure improvements, £24.2m on buses and £7.4m on new ticketing arrangements..