In Paris Christophe Najdovski, Deputy Mayor in charge of transport (a post filled in London by Heidi ‘I know nothing about transport’ Alexander) is modernising the existing taxi system. He’s not only revamping the old ranks, he’s creating new ones.
Recently re-elected, the deputy Mayor wants less private cars in the centre of Paris, but he also wants more official Taxis.
Virtually all ‘Car Free Zones’ will be freely open to taxis, but closed to PHVs / Uber
New Paris Taxis application
Paris Taxis is a free phone app, developed by the City of Paris that allows customers to view the taxis available around them and order the taxi of their choice, whether it is in circulation or on a rank.
Paris Taxis can also be called directly to stations by the app, if the rank is busy.
The customer can, if they wish, filter the display of taxis according to different criteria:
- Low-emission vehicles
- Wheelchair ramp
- Credit card payment terminal.
Taxi drivers should know that only Taxis are visible on the Paris Taxis app. Taxis subscribed to an operator approved by the national platform.
Previously the Paris Taxis PRO app only targeted taxis at stations, causing confusion. The old app has now been deactivated.
Taxi call terminals:
Because they had become technologically obsolete and maintenance could no longer be ensured, the City of Paris had to resolve to uninstall the taxi call phone terminals which were no longer repairable.
A new generation of terminals have therefore started to be deployed since the beginning of 2020, and 60 locations have been selected.
Operation Of The New Touch Screen Terminals:
The terminals, will remain in the locations of the current terminals and will be put into service as they are installed.
Installation and maintenance are provided by SOPACT.
The characteristics of the new terminal models
The functionality remains the same as the previous models, but the design is completely different to be in perfect harmony with the existing street furniture.
Thus, terminals are “hung” on the furniture already used for taxis and buses.
40 stations with passenger shelters will be equipped, plus 20 with only the signal mast.
New bright, free or occupied taxis signage
At present there are still Taxis that have white/bright signage located on the roof of the vehicle: Only when the white light is on, is the Taxi free.
To facilitate the new system, Taxis must now equip themselves with a new double-color light:
- Green: the taxi is free
- Red: the taxi is busy
When a sheath is placed over the light, the taxi is on "rest/pause" and cannot carry a fare.
TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT:
It’s all very simple stuff and could be an excellent model for London to cut dramatically congestion and improve air quality.
Licensed Taxis only inside the current congestion zones, along with buses and cycles.
A one stop shop app run completely by the regulator (TfL) to dispatch work centrally.
To do this Paris needed a brave new deputy Mayor for transport. Perhaps that’s what we need in London, a new deputy Mayor for Transport, who actually knows something about transport and can do the job without have private vanity agendas.
While we’re at it, a new Mayor wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
After complaints from both GLA Cllr Susan Hall and LCDC chairman Grant Davis, TfL have ordered all private hire drivers to remove newly fitted unapproved screens from their vehicles.
This statement, was put out earlier this week. By Helen Chapman, Transport for London’s (TfL) Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging:
“The safety of licensees and anyone travelling in a Taxi or private hire vehicle is paramount.
Letter from Addison Lee’s Liam Griffin, to all their drivers:
After complaints from both GLA Cllr Susan Hall and LCDC chairman Grant Davis, TfL have ordered all private hire drivers to remove newly fitted unapproved screens from their vehicles.
This statement, was put out earlier this week. By Helen Chapman, Transport for London’s (TfL) Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging:
“The safety of licensees and anyone travelling in a Taxi or private hire vehicle is paramount.
“We completely understand why some drivers would want to explore having a temporary screen fitted, but any such screen must comply with government and industry regulations in addition to our own requirements to ensure it does not compromise safety.
“We are aware of reports of some private hire vehicles that have been fitted with unapproved screens, and we will take appropriate licensing action where we find this.”
Letter from Addison Lee’s Liam Griffin, to all their drivers:
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