New taxi association formed aims to change perception of the sector
THE newly-formed Guernsey Taxi Drivers’ Association has elected its first head.
Nicki Bessin will head up the organisation that was formed to replace the fractured Guernsey Taxi Owners’ Federation, as recommended in a States-commissioned and critical report into the industry published earlier this year.
‘The association is very new and we are trying to find our feet,’ she said.
‘We want to change public perception of the sector and build relationships with our clients. If the public has a positive or negative experience or a suggestion on how we can improve the service, we would love to hear from them. We want to be a point of contact for everyone.’
The association will represent the island’s taxi drivers, including the 42 new drivers who applied for permits after the relaxation of licensing laws.
‘The new association has a real variety of committee members who represent a wide range of interests across the industry. We have people who represent independent plate holders, company owners, accessible taxi services and private hire. We are a new committee with a varied outlook over every aspect of the industry.’
The report was critical about the lack of structured engagement between the States and the taxi industry and said if properly organised, it could work better with airlines too.
Many drivers told the consultants who prepared the report that the federation did not represent them. They complained that meetings were irregular and it was recognised that the federation needed replacing, and that a single voice for the industry was needed.
The association now aims to represent drivers on all the issues facing the sector from the price of petrol and fares to the introduction of a taxi app and converting to electric vehicles.
It also aims to consult with organisations like the police and tourism groups to build better relations.
Committee member Ian Vaudin said the next step for the association was regular meetings with the Environment & Infrastructure committee and Driver and Vehicle Licensing, so decisions were made with them involved.
‘We have done our bit by forming this group, now it’s up to them to involve us in the future of the sector. Our goal is to be absolutely transparent and inclusive with our members, and to use every tool to engage with them,’ he said.
Ms Bessin has been a taxi driver for over 16 years and in that time has driven a host of celebrities around the island, including the Kaiser Chiefs, Ruby Wax, Chris Tarrant, and magician Paul Daniels and his wife Debbie McGee.
‘I started as the job fitted around childcare, and loved the flexibility. Every day is different and I enjoy that its not a rigid nine to five.’
The association can be contacted at gsytaxidriversassociation@gmail.com
