TIME WE GAVE CABBIES FARE PRAISE FOR THEIR VITAL CONTRIBUTION

The tourists are here. The city streets are thronging with performers doing all they can to sell tickets for Fringe shows that they have scrimped, scraped and planned to bring to Edinburgh for months, if not years.

Edinburgh residents and tourists rush to plays, comedy shows, operas and concerts in myriad venues and locations at a time when the population of the city doubles.

Many of those who work in the Festival put in extra long hours supporting and sustaining it. Our tourism industry now provides one in ten jobs in the city, more vital than ever as woes still prevail over much of our economy.

Few people think about the many unsung heroes that keep the city moving at a time of unparalleled activity, fewer still will notice the key role played in transporting artists, residents, visitors, shoppers, and so on, day and night during these exceptional weeks.

Taxi drivers are seldom credited as a vital part of our tourism industry, but with over 24 million taxi journeys each year – a large part of these in the Festival – taxis are an important part of what keeps Edinburgh moving. With nearly 5000 people working directly in the taxi trade, it’s all hands on deck to make sure residents and visitors to the city get a first-class service.

The results of these efforts are not always fully appreciated, but are worth highlighting.

95 per cent of all pre-booked orders arrive within five minutes, thanks to the GPRS network management system maintained by the “big three” companies: City Cabs, Central Radio Taxis and Computer Cabs.

All drivers have passed “the knowledge” and rigorous Disclosure Scotland safety checks, something you won’t get if you book a private hire car.

The city has a complaint rate of a 0.03 per cent, a figure that compares well with any other service.

Taxi drivers also operate as city ambassadors, answering questions and advising visitors

However, fares haven’t been reviewed since 2008 despite the record fuel prices, a position that puts real pressure on drivers’ incomes, and the Capital ranks 280th in the UK league of fares – lower than Midlothian and East Lothian – yet boasts the best-maintained fleet.

Drivers work hard to help make the Festival a success for Edinburgh. Our drivers and their families often rush off for a well-earned rest after the Festival, but not before they’ve worked their socks off.

So spare a thought for the drivers working all hours to deliver a valuable if not valued service. Edinburgh simply wouldn’t work without them.

Edinburgh’s Licensed Taxi Partnership has been formed to help support and improve the vital taxi service provided to residents and visitors.

As you travel about the city, negotiating roadworks and other obstacles, remember the service that helps keep Edinburgh moving.

There is much for the city to be proud of during this, the greatest arts event on the planet. A wide range of people work together to deliver a world-class product that ensures Edinburgh is recognised as a beautiful and vibrant city around the globe. Lots of people help make that happen. Including the driver sitting in front of you, making sure you get to where you need to be at a fair price.

People may not always realise it, but our taxi drivers are part of what makes Edinburgh and its festivals such a resounding success.

Bill Purnell is chairman of the Edinburgh Licensed Taxi Partnership