Will This Trade Ever Learn From History, Or Will We Stand Another Three Card Trick?... By Jim Thomas.

Credit Cards, Misinformation And Fake Accounts:

It's the last day of the TfL consultation on credit card acceptance on Friday. Perhaps someone can explain to me how TfL are going to force me to give people credit ?

Personally (and at my discretion) I currently take all forms of credit cards using either iZettle Chip & Pin or the new Cab:App applications. I do this as a courtesy. They can have as many consultations as they like, but under current legislation, TfL can not make card acceptance mandatory. 

What they can do is add a fitted credit card reader to the conditions of fitness. Hand held machines would more than likely be deemed unauthorised. 

And it will be a waste of time putting a plastic bag over them because there will be a monthly rental fee that will be charged by Direct Debit whether you use the equipment or not. TfL intend to do away all customer surcharges, just watch the percentage rise when machines are mandatory. 

Again this doesn't smell right:

Remember the mantra, follow the money !

Remember the over priced Euro 4 conversions that you could only have done at a certified TfL garage !

Remember the expensive fitted printers from the meter companies which in truth the customers didn't like, didn't want !

So, is this another case of follow the money, or is there something more devious afloat here !

Many drivers are frightened by technology and I believe if one of our trade orgs (or union) were to set up some form of technology classes, when they are shown how simple it can be, more drivers would join Twitter and more would start taking cards voluntarily.

IS THIS ANOTHER CASE OF DIVIDE AND CONQUER:
First we had the engagement policy which divided the trade and kept us fighting amongst ourselves while the Olympic mess went down.

TfL flooded certain suburbs with new yellow badge drivers, scare stories were placed in trade media, ensuring the issue of ID cards which again distracted us and threw us into a brainwashed virtual state of civil war, while TfL escalated unlawful operator licenses and set about flooding the market with PH drivers, unnoticed.

How many drivers tweeted they had followed a yellow badge past dozens of touting minicabs to get an ID badge number and a photo for TfL's enforcement to ignore. 

Now TfL are seriously in trouble they've hurriedly slung the credit card debate on the table. 
Drivers who used to complain about yellow badges are now glory tweeting:

" 5 cabs refuse woman at Paddington with credit card, I took her and it was a roader, clever me"

This trade stands the three card trick every time.

DIRTY TRICKS

A covert attempt to rubbish the good name of the trade has been discovered. Social media accounts have been set up with some impersonating taxi drivers. They then start putting out disruptive and malicious statements. 

The Mayfair Mob uncovered a ringer Tuesday night who has been Posting disparaging tweets, designed to enflame. They have now instructed all their members to block this account, not to be confused with the original @Essex_Exile.

Previously, we though this new wave of abuse could be coming from a certain American connection but we've uncovered a young consultant with close links to TfL, who has allegedly been slagging off certain females on FaceBook. There could be many more examples. 

Don't fall for this underhanded black ops PR.

Regarding the CC consultation, be very careful what you wish for as you are being coached by people with vested interests.

Again, there are people who stand to make a lot of money on the backs of ordinary, hard working, rank and file licensed Taxi drivers.