AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

American Systems of OPERATING TAXICABS

24th December 1929
Page 58
Page 59
Page 58, 24th December 1929 — American Systems of OPERATING TAXICABS
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ACONSERVATIVE estimate of the number of taxicabs in use in. the United States would place the figure somewhere between 800,000 and 1,000,000. The city with the largest number of taxicabs is, of course, New York, which at the present time has about 20,000 vehicles, followed by Chicago with 8,000, Philadelphia 1,200, Boston 800 and St. Louis with 800 machines.

In several cities taxicab operation has been recognized as a public utility which is commensurate in importance with the tramways, motorbuses and local railways. In the majority of towns, however, taxicabs are still subject to local regulations, governing their operation.

Throughout the middle west—and, in fact, with the exception only of the eastern seaboard, the bulk of the revenue is obtained by what is known as telephone business. In this class of working, and particularly in the case of small towns, taxicab companies keep their vehicles, ready for calls, in the home garages.

In the medium-sized cities telephone service, coupled with taxicab ranks, is B40 the usual rule. In this form of operation cab stands are located at strategic points throughout the city, the approval of the local authorities usually being obtained. The third method is known as limited cruising, with telephone and cab stands. By this method taxicabs are, until they reach a stand that has fewer than the legal number of cabs, permitted to cruise through the streets.

In New York and Chicago unlimited cruising is the rule, but only in the former city is this condition extended to all parts, because the number of taxicabs is so great that, with the considerable traffic congestion now existent, the task of supplying adequate ranks would be almost impossible.

Cab Charges Vary in Different

States.

Taxicab charges vary throughout the country, depending upon the conditions obtaining in the particular communities. New York has the lowest rate in the country-7Y. for the first -I mile and 2Y. for each subsequent mile, making is. 3d. for the first mile, and 10d. for each additional mile, with a scattering of vehicles operating at what is known as the legal rate, this being is. Sd. for the first mile and ls. 3d. for each additional mile.

Throughout the country meter and flat rates evenly divide the honours. The highest meter rate is 2s. for the first mile and is. 8d. for each additional mile. Flat rates are usually 2s. per passenger within town limits. In many Places where rates are low, taxicabs are even competing with the trams and buses. Such a condition exists in places where rates are low, taxicabs operate, within the town limits, at 7Y. per trip per person—five persons to a cab. The local train fares are a little over half of those of the taxicabs, but the latter means for transport offers the convenience of depositing the passenger right at his door.

The systems upon which taxicabs are operated are virtually the same in all sections of the country. Fleet opera, tors are at the present time in the majority, individual owners being forced slowly, but none the less surely, to* the wall because of competition. Large concerns are usually double. shifted, two drivers handling each taxicab in 24 hours. The day shift starts at 4 a.m. from the garage and returns between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. At 4 p.m. the night men take over their vehicles and bring them in between 1.30 a.m. and 2 a.m.

Most taxicab-operating companies keep an adequate stock of replacement parts for their vehicles. An engine or gearbox breakdown is remedied by the removal of the damaged component and the installation of a new one. With a staff of trained mechanics this change is made within a short time, the damaged parts being repaired in due course.

In New York cabs operate on a mileage record of 200-300 each 24 hours. This necessitates increased vigilance in the maintenance department, in order that the cabs may be kept in good running condition. The average daily earnings of taxicabs in New York are about £5, and with efficient and economical operation the average net profit amounts to 16s. per day.

The Remuneration Received by Drivers.

Various methods of drivers' remuneration are in force in various sections of the country. In some places a straight salary of between £4 and £6 per week is paid for a 12-hour shift. In the large cities two methods are popular, one being a salary-bonus system and the other a straight commission of between 3n per cent. and 40 per cent, of the meter readings, in addition to gratuities. In New York the commission is 40 per cent.

Most taxicabs in use in the United States, apart from in the large cities, are converted private oars of the saloon type. In the more important centre vehicles built especially for taxicab work prevail, these usually having six

cylindered engines. During the past two years a definite trend toward luxurious, long-wheelbase, comfortable and smart-looking cabs has been noted in New York and other large cities, the most popular type of vehicle being the coupe de vile, with the driver's compartment open in clear weather.

Tyres are in most cases rented from tyre-hiring companies. The cost is 3s. per day-for a set of five tyres, this including the replacement of damaged ones and the repair of punctures, etc.

Whilst not effecting a large saving over directly purchased and maintained tyres, this method assures the taxicab companies a fixed tyre charge, on which operating costs can be accurately calculated.

One of the principal taxicab-operating concerns in New York is the Paramount Cab Corporation, which since its inauguration has put into practice the idea that taxicabs should provide comfort and convenience, as well as a very smart appearance similar to that of private cars, at the same time not being expensive, the fare charged being 10d. per mile.


comments powered by Disqus