20 | Seven decades of reliable service Based in the suburb of Upper Vogeltown, New Plymouth Taxis provides a 24/7 service, and has built a trusted reputation for servicing the wider New Plymouth community for all its transport needs. New Plymouth Taxis T T Richard Loader “As well as providing normal commuter taxi services, we also look after the elderly folk who have Total Mobility cards, providing a door-to-door drop-off and pick-up service to meet their daily needs around the area, and enable them to be part of the community,” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Having built a solid reputation for customer service, New Plymouth Taxis is poised to celebrate 70 years of providing convenient transport for people in Taranaki. Founded in 1955 as a cooperative society, New Plymouth Taxis was the brainchild of some 10 taxi drivers, including one female driver, who came together to form the organisation. Over time, the number of female drivers and shareholders in the society has increased, with eight women currently involved. The model of independent ownership of shares and taxis, operating cooperatively, along with a strong focus on customer service, has helped the society navigate the challenges faced by the taxi industry. Office manager Sasha Morrow says that despite challenges, the cooperative model has ensured the society’s longevity and adaptability in a changing industry. “We still operate a fleet of 30 vehicles, and these days most of our owner/drivers have gone green, operating hybrid and carbon zero certified vehicles.” Based in the suburb of Upper Vogeltown, New Plymouth Taxis provides a 24/7 service, and has built a trusted reputation for servicing the wider New Plymouth community for all its transport needs. “As well as providing normal commuter taxi services, we also look after the elderly folk who have Total Mobility cards, providing a door-to-door drop-off and pick-up service to meet their daily needs around the area, and enable them to be part of the community,” says Sasha.. “The Total Mobility scheme is partly funded in partnership with local and central government. Our cars also accommodate guide dogs.” Complementing the Total Mobility service, New Plymouth Taxis also works with ACC, providing transport to approved clients to attend medical appointments. “We also provide regular transport services to local doctors and nurses, Air New Zealand staff, and a range of other organisations throughout Taranaki,” says Sasha. Beyond the local region, when a flight service at New Plymouth Airport has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, New Plymouth Taxis can also be requested to transport passengers to Auckland Airport to meet connecting flights. Some of the owner/drivers at New Plymouth Taxis have been integral to the cooperative for many years, contributing to its rich history and solid foundation. The longest-serving shareholder has been with the company for over 40 years, while others have dedicated 20 to 30 years of service, with some newer members accumulating up to 10 years. This blend of seasoned experience and the fresh energy brought by newer members plays a crucial role in maintaining the strong customer relationships for which the company is well-known. “Our success has been about our drivers maintaining very good customer relationships, with a lot of loyal customers. “Our customer service level is of a very high standard, with any enquiry dealt with immediately. We recently launched our website and clients can also do bookings through that channel. “We’ve also created an on-line booking app called YourRide, which is similar in operations to uber.” Giving back to the community is also important for New Plymouth Taxis, and the company provides donations and sponsorships for good initiatives. “To help celebrate our 70 years in business, we will be issuing discount taxi coupons to most of our suppliers, as well as retirement and frail care homes.” Aon is in the Business of Better Decisions. At Aon, we exist to shape decisions for the better. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, that means providing our clients with advice and solutions ďÒ¨ď ÌÕğÀ ďÒÀí ¶ç¨ĄÕďĦ ¨î¼ ¶õîŵ¼Àî¶À ďõ í¨äÀ µÀďďÀĄ ¼À¶ÕĈÕõîĈ ȶ ËĄõí µĔĈÕîÀĈĈ ¨î¼ āÀĄĈõî¨ç ÕîĈĔĄ¨î¶À ďÒĄõĔÌÒ ďõ ¶õíāçÀĥ Õî¼ĔĈďĄĦ ¨î¼ ĄÕĈä consulting. Aon is in the business of Better Decisions. Say hello to your local Aon team today. 0800 266 276 aon.co.nz
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