A new app aimed to modernise Yorkshire’s taxi services and compete with large international firms has been launched.
Yorkshire Cabs went live on Monday (14 July), a local service that allows customers to book licensed drivers for trips, either in advance or instantly, whilst keeping profits in the region.
The app has been developed with both passengers and drivers in mind, making trips safer, easier, and more accessible for all.
The man behind the project is Geoff Trewitt, North Yorkshire Council’s authorised meter fitter for Hackney Carriages.
Geoff has long been passionate about keeping Yorkshire’s taxi trade alive and spent months working alongside local drivers to develop the idea.
How it works
Fully endorsed by North Yorkshire Council, Yorkshire Cabs operates through an alliance of licensed taxi drivers. There’s no limit on how many can sign up, allowing drivers to find new customers and earn extra income between their regular bookings.
Drivers can accept jobs through their phone without waiting at taxi ranks, while customers can pre-book or request rides on demand.
It also provides a fare prior to the completion of the job, so riders know what they’re paying beforehand.
The system accepts card or cash payments, making it more accessible for the older generation who may not use online banking.
The app was initially set for release on 31 January, but faced delays due to issues with a technology partner. After months of hard work, the Yorkshire Cabs was released on Monday.
Giving people choice
YorkMix spoke to local taxi driver and owner of G’s Taxi’s, Graham Watson, who helped develop the app alongside Geoff.
He believes one of the key benefits is that it keeps money circulating in the local economy.
“The thing with the outside apps that are coming into North Yorkshire to work, is they’re taking money from our economy.
“So they’re taking money from North Yorkshire and spending it where they live, in West Yorkshire, Wolverhampton, Kirklees, Wakefield, Bradford, etc.” he told YorkMix.
Graham explained that although North Yorkshire Council has issued Uber some licenses to run in the area, they have far stricter regulations than other councils.
“So they’re coming in from these other areas, which they are legally allowed to do, but it’s taking business away from the local cabbies,” he added.
Graham also warned that the local taxi industry needs to keep up with new technology to survive, particularly as other public transport services are also struggling.
“We’ve got to give people more choice, whether it’s getting them into into town, out of town, shopping, holidays, to airports.”
Since the pandemic, Graham has seen a sharp drop in trade. He also noted that with North Yorkshire Council issuing unlimited taxi licences, the same amount of work is now shared between more drivers.
“North Yorkshire Council don’t have caps on the amount of licences that are issued. That’s why it’s important to offer more options to divers and passengers,” Graham told YorkMix.
Launch week
Since the launch on Monday, Graham has successfully completed a few jobs in Selby, where he’s based, using the app.
There’s also been a few mishaps, including customers accidentally booking taxis while testing the system, “there’s going to be some fine tuning over the next next few weeks, and ongoing development to make it even better, easier, and more flexible,” Graham said.
He’s encouraging all licensed taxi drivers in the area to get on board with the app, and is keen to see what the future of the system will bring to the region.
‘It’s been brilliant, really, really brilliant. It’s been a long time coming,” he told YorkMix.
For more information on Yorkshire Cabs, click here to head to their website.
