Discussions

First off by no means is this meant to be a marketing ploy to bolster or demeen any Taxi  
 
company in the city of Brandon. Im sure to most of you this is going to seem like simple  
 
business 101, and that is really all it is.  
I have been reading all the posts on eBrandon for a couple of months now regarding  
 
anything to do with taxis, and there are alot. It appears public Safety is the largest and  
 
definitely the most important issue. Things like Drivers and licencing, Vehicle condition  
 
and maintenance etc..  
Saftey issues are #1, Presentation, image and proffesionalism are also common concerns.  
 
Things like Dirty smelly cars, driver attitude and appearance, knowing the city, customer  
 
service, common courtesy and most of all accountability.  
I would like to think that each and every company in the city understands and strives to  
 
deliver the whole package, but I dont believe it is the case. I believe that for the most  
 
part the companies in Brandon are more focused on making the most money they can for  
 
themselves, with the least effort or concern for thier customers, The city of Brandon,and  
 
even their employees.  
Why else would a company knowingly employ a driver with a sketchy criminal past, or  
 
drivers with little to no driving experience, or records of numerous traffic violations,  
 
accidents, speeding etc.  
I personally know of one driver that had to spend $2100 in fines and penalties in order to  
 
renew his license and get back out there in his cab to work the following night. One day I  
 
took my daughter to get a drivers manual so she could get her learners, as we were leaving  
 
the motor vehicle branch, a taxi pulled up and the driving instructor climbed out of the  
 
passenger side with his book in his hand. Im just betting the driver just got his licence  
 
and he was driving that same cab that night transporting the public. I've seen taxis driving  
 
the wrong way down one way streets. Taxi Vans loaded so full of passengers that when they  
 
slide the door open people are falling out, Drivers who wreak of marijuana or alcohol. I've  
 
heard stories of drivers drinking and doing drugs with customers, Its pathetic really. I  
 
guess thats cheap labour, and "lack" of company concern for professionalism, respect and  
 
appreaciation for their valued customer.  
 
I do however know of one company that maintains a strict standard when it comes to  
 
driving ability, record history, and experience. Not to mention they are all educated on  
 
standard company driving practices. As a matter of fact I don't think they have ever been  
 
ticketed or fined for any traffic offence in their 4 year history.  
 
Then we have the vehicles that are called taxis. How can a company sit back and allow its  
 
vehicles to be used.I dont know how many times Ive seen taxis with headlights burnt out for  
 
days at a time, or tail lights that dont even work. I'm sure youve seen those taxis running  
 
around on the little spare tires, or tried to get into one that the door doesnt open because  
 
it was in an accident a month ago. Ive actually seen drivers have to get out and open a door  
 
to let a customer out because it doesnt open from the inside. And I even know of one story  
 
the customer was actually told to just hold the door closed while they drove to the  
 
customers destination. I cant even count how many times I've seen the big side doors on vans  
 
slide open around corners. Thank god for City safety inspections every 6 months.( they  
 
should be 3 months) The city is constantly having to pull vehicles from service for failing  
 
standards, they are always having to write tickets for failing inspections. The crazy thing  
 
is these owners get plenty of advance warning of the city inspections.  
 
I do however know of the same "one" company in the city that has never failed a city  
 
inspection. And they have very strict standards on vehicle maintenance. There is no excuse  
 
for unsafe vehicles regardless of age or circumstance.right from their new vehicles to the  
 
11 and 12 year old vehicles. They spare no expense in providing top quality, safe clean  
 
vehicles always. They are one of the only taxi companies that maintain and operate a 24  
 
hour, 7 day a week service bay for emergency repairs at a substantial monthly expense to the  
 
company. This company feels it is crutial and essential in maintaining a record of vehicle  
 
saftey.  
 
The really sad part of all this is that the competition seems to be either incapable, or  
 
unwilling to provide our city with the level of Safety, quality and and professionalism that  
 
Brandonites deserve.