We will be seeking advice on the credit aspect for members.
Steve
Transport for London (TfL) carried out an extensive consultation with the public and the taxi trade at the end of 2015, where 86 per cent of respondents responded positively to card acceptance in taxis; this measure was approved by the TfL Board. After a great deal of engagement over the past year with the taxi trade and the card payment industry, the taxi card payment mandate was introduced on 31 October this year.
Under the London Cab Order 2016 and the Conditions of Fitness, all licenced London taxis must be equipped to accept card payments and all licenced drivers must take card payments if that is the preferred method of payment by the passenger.
Since 31 October this year, drivers must demonstrate that they have the ability to accept card and contactless payments using an approved card payment device, and provide printed receipts for those payments upon request. This could be a handheld device, mobile solution or device fitted in the passenger compartment of the taxi. The taxi must be displaying TfL’s card and contactless payment signage stickers in the correct position and the driver must provide written evidence from a card payment system provider that the taxi is booked in to have a device (or cradle for a handheld device) fitted in the passenger compartment of the taxi.
From the 1 January 2017, all taxis must have an approved card payment device fitted within the passenger compartment.
In respect of your comments regarding taxi drivers accepting credit, taxi drivers will have a contract with a card payment system provider which will enable the taxi drivers, acting as merchants, to process passenger card transactions in the payment of taxi fares. The card holders, i.e. the passengers, are provided credit by their banks/credit card issuers. Taxi drivers are not providing credit in this process, they are simply processing passenger credit/debit card transactions. The driver will be reimbursed by their card system provider under the terms of their particular contract with that provider.
Card payments in taxis will make travelling by taxi and paying the metered fare, a much easier, more attractive, and convenient option for passengers, providing more income for taxi drivers.
Finally, I would like to clarify, for the avoidance of doubt, that taxis and taxi drivers licensed by TfL and working at Heathrow are subject to the same regulations as all other taxis operating in London.
Regards
Silka
Silka Kennedy-Todd | Head of Taxi and Private Hire Stakeholder Relations
Phone: 020 | Internal extension:87206 | Mobile: | E-mail: s@tfl.gov.uk
From: steve.garelick@gmbdrivers.org [mailto:steve.garelick@gmbdrivers.org]
Sent: 02 November 2016 12:49
To: Chapman Helen (TPH); Nandha Anand (ST); Kennedy-Todd Silka; Blake Peter
Cc: simon.rush@gmbdrivers.org; wolfendale4et.com; Gary.Pearce@gmb.org.uk;
Subject: Drivers turned away by compliance officers at London Heathrow at ranks
I am disturbed to learn from members that there are drivers being turned away by compliance officers based on flawed information at London Heathrow feeder park and ranks.
TfL can legally force taxi drivers to take credit, they can force driver to have the machines fitted, by changing the taxis conditions of fitness, but barring drivers from working on what is essentially private land possibly through no fault of their own, by overzealous TfL staff, is fundamentally wrong.
Please advise what piece of primary legislation allows compliance officers to bully taxi drivers into taking credit.
As far as I understand The 1934 Cab Order, does not supersede primary legislation.
What gives TFL the right to force drivers to stop work, due to someone else’s bad administration, negligence or bad stock management.
An urgent solution is sought to this debacle.
Steve Garelick
Branch Secretary Professional Drivers G56
07565 456776
www.gmbdrivers.org
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Posted: 25th November 2016