The challenge for policymakers is to find a balance between the benefits of procurement and the retention of valuable local carriers.
The taxi sector is at a crucial crossroads. Control centers have been in charge for years, but recent developments show that their effectiveness in solving transport problems leaves much to be desired. This begs the question: wouldn't choosing local transport companies be a better solution?
One of the biggest advantages of local transport companies is their deep connection with the region. They often have a better understanding of local needs, routes and challenges. This is in contrast to control centres, which often operate from a national perspective and can therefore miss the nuances of local transport needs. And please note, artificial intelligence (AI) is not the path we should take in the coming years, only common sense is the solution.
Local companies are also often more flexible and agile. They can respond more quickly to changes and have shorter decision-making lines. This flexibility allows them to provide personalized solutions that better meet the needs of the local community. In addition, local companies often have stronger bonds with their employees, which can lead to higher employee satisfaction and better service.
tenders
Another important aspect is the economic impact. By choosing local transport companies, the local economy and employment are supported. This can create a positive chain reaction, with the local community benefiting from better transport services while boosting the local economy.
"In the context of public tenders for transport services, I call on local administrators to give local taxi companies a fair chance. This call is based on recognizing the unique value that local companies provide, not only in terms of service, but also for the local economy and community."
Simplify procedures and lower the barriers that prevent small companies from competing. This can be done, among other things, by splitting the tender process into smaller contracts that are more feasible for local players. Set criteria that value local knowledge and involvement. Don't just look at the costs, but also at the added value that local companies can offer, such as knowledge of the local community and sustainability initiatives.
Involve local taxi companies in the preparation of tender documents. Their input can be crucial for formulating realistic and relevant requirements and expectations. Tenders are often seen as a way to reduce costs. By having companies bid against each other, the hope is to find the most cost-efficient provider. This can lead to lower prices for the client, which is especially important for public services where budgets are limited.
The problem, however, is that local carriers, who often have in-depth knowledge of local needs and conditions, can be sidelined by this process. They may not have the resources to compete in large-scale procurement processes or cannot compete with the economies of scale of larger companies.
performance
Looking at the performance of control centers, we see that they often struggle with complex bureaucratic structures and a lack of local knowledge. But there's more! In recent years, the taxi industry has gone through a tumultuous phase, marked by a series of failures and shortcomings. Transport companies, which have been winning tenders on a large scale, seem to be hiding behind the excuse of staff shortages to justify their failure to provide adequate services. This situation raises serious questions about procurement, about the effectiveness and integrity of these companies in the execution of their contractual obligations.
These companies, which often won tenders with grand promises and ambitious quotations, are now leaving a trail of disappointment among both clients and end users. The excuse of lack of staff is not only inadequate but also irrelevant in the context of procurement procedures. When entering into such agreements, it is expected that a company has sufficient resources and planning to meet the requirements. In addition, the aging of our labor market is not a new fact and was already known when the transport company registered for the tender.
What is even more worrying is the trend of some transport companies to present themselves as socially leading organisations. This self-promotion seems to be a smokescreen to hide their flaws. While they claim to be committed to serving vulnerable groups in society, they fail miserably in the basic principle of transportation – transporting passengers on time and reliably. This failure has direct consequences for people who rely on these services, such as patients who need to go to doctor's appointments or students who need to get to school on time.
It is time for these companies to be held accountable for their actions and face the consequences for not delivering on their promises.
The position of companies that have lost out in tenders is interesting. These organizations have not had the opportunity to put into practice their approach, which could potentially be more effective in terms of planning and personnel policy. The continuous overlooking of these potentially capable parties casts a shadow over the fairness and transparency of the tender process.
The move to local transport companies could be a welcome change in a sector that is clearly in need of innovation and improvement. The way things are going now, it doesn't work either. It is time to rethink the traditional approach and give local companies the opportunity to prove that they can make a valuable contribution to the local taxi industry.
