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Over 140 EastCoast drivers, in groups of 20, have successfully undertaken a BTEC course run by Northumberland College in 'Transporting Passengers By Taxi And Private Hire'.
The course, the first of its kind in North Tyneside, consisted of six weeks of study followed by two exams, addressing such issues as passenger transport and disability awareness, taxi and private hire safety, carriage of luggage and goods, route planning, customer service, taxi trade regulations and legislation, and equal opportunities. This all coincided with EastCoast Taxis, in conjunction with Blueline Taxis of Wallsend, being awarded the taxi concession at the Port of Tyne Ferry Terminal at Royal Quays.
Above: A 'cherry picker', to allow photographers to capture the occasion from a height, was hired. Below: Martin Uren of Eden Photography demonstrated hitherto unseen nerves of steel as he put his life into the hands of a manlift operator in the autumnal North Shields high winds.
Paul Irwin, Managing Director of EastCoast, said: "I am very pleased that so many drivers made such an effort in gaining their BTEC awards and with a pass percentage that is very much above the national average. They have made us very proud.
"The tendering for the taxi concession at the Port of Tyne was a very tough and thorough process, and I am certain that the fact we were subsidising our drivers to attend this course was a deciding factor as the Port of Tyne Authority have very high standards and insisted that their new taxi operator also aspired to their level of customer service."
Commenting on the success of the EastCoast drivers and the decision of the Port of Tyne to bring in a new operator for the provision of taxi services at the International Ferry Terminal, Alan Fidler, Secretary of North Tyneside Taxi Organisation said: "Companies which demonstrate continuous investment in their resources, both in terms of staff training and modern technology, will contribute to and gain from the continuing regeneration of the North East, in which 'incoming' tourism will play an important role.
"The self-confidence gained by the drivers who undertook the course, in their own time, will increase their ability to deliver a professional and customer focused service which will in turn enhance the reputation of the North East and its tourism sector."
