‘Business class’ taxis rejected

Press, 27 April 1989, Page 17

‘Business class’ taxis rejected

By

CULLEN SMITH

Airline-style “business class” taxis are unlikely to be seen in Christchurch after deregulation of the industry.

An American idea suggested for New Zealand during a visit by the International Taxicab Association president, Mr Joe Chernow, the businessclass scheme has drawn a luke-warm response from both city taxi companies. Mr Chernow, in New Zealand to warn taxi company executives about the American deregulation experience, suggested business people using rental cars could be attracted back to taxis with leather upholstery, car telephones and even “inflight” magazines. A high demand for a quality service at fares about 10 per cent above normal was discovered by his own 1350-car business in Houston, he said.

Mr Chernow hoped to affiliate with any busi-ness-class taxi operators in New Zealand and Australia so travelling business people could book ahead for top service. His business runs regular yellow cabs, but puts its drivers into “midnight blue” Lincolns with “power everything” for the business market.

Drivers are supplied with suits, shirts and ties so they conform to high

dress standards. But the manager of Blue Star Taxis, Mr Kevin Murphy, doubts the scheme would be a success in New Zealand.

“I don’t think we’ve got the population that warrants it at this stage. It’s totally different in a place like Houston, Texas,” he said.

Blue Star had no plans to introduce such a scheme.

The general manager of Gold Band Taxis, Mr Bernie Hall, also doubted the viability of a businessclass scheme in New Zealand.

But he said his company would take advantage of any opportunities after deregulation. A 10 per cent fare surcharge was not possible under the present system of Ministry of Transport control, and Mr Hall said most taxi operators were waiting to find out what deregulation would mean. Both company spokesmen said they were concerned that deregulation would bring a lowering of standards in the industry, as it had in American cities where controls were lifted.