Groningen Tests Taxi Stewards This Weekend
Municipality and taxi operators team up to keep drivers from refusing short trips among other changes, according to RTV Noord.
Starting this weekend, people taking a taxi in Groningen might notice something new: taxi stewards will be present at taxi ranks in the city. According to RTV Noord, the municipality of Groningen and local taxi operators have launched this pilot project to improve customer experience and ensure taxi regulations are followed.
The goal is to address ongoing issues in the sector. "The main problem is drivers refusing short trips," says taxi entrepreneur Ramo Goopal. "Passengers are sometimes directed to the taxis further back in line." He also mentions concerns about overcharging and drivers not always choosing the shortest route.
The taxi rank at the Grote Markt is one of the main locations where stewards will be active. Their job is to engage with both drivers and customers, ensure that meters are activated correctly, and that drivers follow the correct route.
While it's unclear whether the stewards have direct experience in the taxi industry, Goopal explains that they are part of a security firm that works closely with law enforcement and city enforcement officers.
The trial will begin on Saturday night and continue into Sunday morning. Goopal is optimistic: “I think it will have a positive effect. It will be a success when both the driver and the customer are satisfied—when a passenger can say they were properly taken from A to B.”