Taxi drivers ‘doing best to keep industry going’

Leon Gallienne was responding to concerns expressed by the tourism and hospitality sectors as, like many businesses, it struggles to cope with a lack of staff.

That has led to tourists being unable to book a taxi, with some hotels having to drive guests to their destination themselves.

But Mr Gallienne said they were doing their best in a situation of ‘extreme pressure’, with drivers often working long hours in stressful circumstances.

This has been amplified by staff shortages at CT Plus, which has caused bus cancellations and a greater demand for taxis.

‘We are trying out best to keep the industry going,’ Mr Gallienne said.

‘We are doing our utmost to provide a service as best we can under very difficult circumstances.’

A third of taxi drivers quit in the two years leading up to 2021.

Guernsey Hospitality Association president Alan Sillett said his industry was aware of problems with the taxi service.

‘There are many taxi drivers who offer an excellent service. But it is apparent that there are times when it is clearly very difficult to book a taxi for customers to/from hotels and/or restaurants,’ he said.

‘On occasions it falls to managers or staff to help out and drive customers to ensure they get to their chosen destination.’

Mr Gallienne said all sectors were struggling with staff.

‘These people are facing exactly the same problems as we are – they are understaffed, not to capacity, some close during the week, and sometimes there is no one at reception when we come to pick people up.’

He thought taxi drivers had been painted in a bad light.

‘We are not the only industry struggling with staffing issues. They are all struggling – this is not a unique position for Guernsey, it’s right across Europe. Even the government is struggling to recruit,’ he added.

‘It’s a problem that all of us are facing and one we are going to have to deal with as a community.’

He hoped the highly-anticipated taxi review would offer some valuable recommendations.

‘I can understand the frustration... we get frustrated as well but under the circumstances we are providing a good service and one we want to improve.

‘It think it’s a good idea to find time to discuss this, but let’s wait and see what the review reveals, then have a more constructive meeting which will help everyone have a better understanding of where we are.’