Taxi drivers go back to school

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/yorknews/display.var.2100582.0.taxi_drivers_go_back_to_school.php
By Haydn Lewis

Some of the drivers who took part in taxi drivers course with York College


TAXI drivers in York have been going back to the classroom to learn how to deal with awkward customers.


Hackney carriage and private hire taxi drivers in York have embarked on a ground-breaking training programme at the Yorkshire Railway Academy.

They are on a ten-week course designed to improve the professional image and skills of taxi drivers in the Yorkshire and Humberside region.

Drivers work on skills such as customer care, looking after disabled passengers and route planning.

The taxi drivers are working towards nationally recognised qualifications to develop and enhance their jobs and recognise their existing knowledge and skills, namely a Level 2 Certificate in Road Passenger Transport and an NVQ Level 2 in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving.

First off the mark are drivers licensed with City of York Council, shortly to be joined by more drivers licensed with either Hambleton District Council or Scarborough Borough Council.
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More from these and other local authority areas are expected to participate in the long term.

The training, delivered in partnership between the Yorkshire Rail Academy, Gap Training and York College, is funded via the Train To Gain scheme by the Learning & Skills Council.

Drivers also have the opportunity to brush up on other skills such as communication and IT through additional courses running in parallel with the main programme.

Alan Rowley, secretary for York Taxi Drivers' Association, said: "There has been a lot of interest in the course. In fact, it was over-subscribed, which shows the majority of taxi drivers in York are keen to promote a professional image and work closely with City of York Council.

"It has been beneficial to us all, particularly for us to re-visit the need for good customer relations. We are all very proud of the city and passionate about providing a good service to the residents and tourists. If this type of course becomes available, then people are willing to take part."

John Lacy, city council licensing manager, said: "The City of York Council is always looking to improve the taxi service in York.

"There is a great willingness by the trade to improve standards and attending this course is a fine example of the taxi trade wishing to raise their image and professionalism."

Anne Ingham, of the Yorkshire Rail Academy, said: "The taxi drivers are keen to learn and improve their skills.

"They recognise the benefits that this course can bring to the taxi business, local community and, importantly, tourism. The chances are if you board a taxi in York in the future you may meet one of our successful candidates."


Cabby classes
The course is aimed at improving the skills of the passenger transport trade and includes topics such as: * Street knowledge and route planning * Customer care * Dealing with awkward and belligerent customers * Disability awareness * Health and safety * Taxi and private hire regulations * Customer care * Current legislation and codes of practice.