The failure of enforcement creates a pull effect, exorbitant prices and problems.
The Taxi Allowed Organization policy in Eindhoven is a failure and in the meantime a source of frustration for both taxi drivers and passengers. The policy, which was intended to improve the quality and reliability of taxi services in Eindhoven, is failing due to lack of enforcement. The policy was introduced in 2017 with the aim of combating the proliferation of illegal taxis in Eindhoven and improving the quality of taxi services. But not enforcing one's own policy had the opposite effect.
the theory
Eindhoven taxi drivers must drive a taxi with a TTO roof light approved by the municipality of Eindhoven to which it is connected. Rates must be good and after the ride you as a passenger can always ask for a ride ticket. Drivers are obliged, at your request, to provide a printed proof of payment stating at least the fare, the structure of the fare, name and number of the driver and date and time of the fare. The voucher also states the telephone number and/or e-mail address to which any questions or complaints can be submitted.
practice
The Eindhoven taxi policy fails miserably and over the years the situation has only been made worse by lack of enforcement. The payment of the monthly contribution to the local umbrella organization Eindhoven Quality Taxi Foundation (SEK) was even suspended by some members. The funds were parked to put pressure on improving the quality of taxi transport. Eindhoven taxi drivers are also fed up. In addition, the failure of Eindhoven's TTO policy may also help alternative taxi services, such as Uber, which are subject to regulation and inspections, to reduce the illegal activities of "mustards". The question is whether taxi companies see this as the ultimate solution?
If you want to take a taxi at night, you should carefully consider this. In the night hours extortionate prices are the order of the day because then all the 'cowboys' come out. These are illegal taxi drivers who operate without a permit or license. Not only do they pose a threat to both legitimate taxi companies and passengers, but they offer no guarantee whatsoever for the quality and reliability of their services.
In addition, it is difficult for passengers to ensure the safety of these services, because "mustaches" are not subject to government regulation and inspections like legal taxi drivers. This can lead to risks for the passengers, such as the use of unsafe vehicles and the lack of insurance in case of accidents. The fact that the Eindhoven policy is failing causes a suction effect on taxis from out of town that offer their services in the night hours. Price agreements are allowed in advance, but the meter must be driven when requested by the customer.
evaluation
During the last evaluation of the taxi policy, Eindhoven scored downright badly in terms of service provided by taxi drivers. More than 46% of taxi drivers refuse rides or charge too high a price. We can no longer speak of start-up problems in the TTO policy, because a group of bad apples is still ruining the overall picture of the quality of the Eindhoven taxi sector.
"It is the task of the municipality, the police and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate to check and intervene if necessary."
Frequent taxi users give the quality a low mark. The Royal Transport of the Netherlands (KNV) is also aware of the abuses in Eindhoven. According to SEK board member Ton Hokken (KNV), it is the task of the municipality, the police and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate to monitor and intervene if necessary. The SEK can report the abuses, but it is up to the municipality, boas and police to ensure enforcement.
It is striking that the friendliness of the driver scores low. City and street knowledge scores reasonably well, perhaps due to the use of navigation systems, but the feeling of safety and the driving style of the driver are rated the least. Taxi users who travel with more than 1 person rate safety a lot higher, which is not surprising in itself. Clothing and language skills may be areas for improvement, but not the problem. Striking detail, two thirds of the drivers do not offer a ticket.
basic rules
All passengers have the freedom to take a taxi of their choice and are not obliged to explain why they choose a particular taxi. Drivers must respect that choice and not refuse short journeys. Drivers are obliged to take the passenger to the destination by the most convenient route for the passenger, either by the quickest or most economically advantageous route, unless the passenger expressly requests or instructs to use another route. If a driver chooses a different route due to traffic jams or other expected delays, he will only do so after express permission from the passenger.
The Eindhoven drivers accept cash payments, but must also accept the generally recognized forms of electronic payments. Defective payment terminals, no Internet or malfunctions are not the order of the day. Drivers are not permitted to charge a different fare than either agreed in advance with the passenger or the fare indicated by the taximeter.
In short, it is time for the municipality of Eindhoven to reconsider its policy and look for better solutions that serve the interests of both taxi drivers and passengers. In addition, you should not reduce the number of taxis in the hope of having fewer complaints, no, market forces will automatically provide the correct numbers that are necessary. All that needs to be done is enforcement of the policy. Something that is not only a problem in Eindhoven within the entry-level market
