28 | Auckland Co-op Taxis has long played an integral part in the city’s transport system. Auckland Co-operative Taxi Society Celebrating 80 years on the road T T Kim Newth REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT In Auckland, the white cars with the blue bubble logo and top-light are a friendly backdrop to city life. Auckland Co-op Taxis has long played an integral part in the city’s transport system, safely moving people where they need to go. The first time Auckland taxi companies began using a shared telephone system was during the Second World War, when joint control was seen as necessary to support the war effort. That emergency arrangement worked so well that it gave rise to the Auckland Co-operative Taxi Society Limited on 5 February 1947, bringing together Checker, Atta, Chess, Auto, Black and White, and Red Dot. “That history of independent operators working together remains central to our identity today,” says general manager, Shaun Williams. Today’s fleet of 700 white, late-model vehicles provides the scale and flexibility needed to serve a wide range of customers across Auckland, from individual passengers to businesses, hotels and organisations. Cars, vans and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available to accommodate different transport requirements. “However, size alone does not define good service. Customers also need well-presented vehicles, professional drivers and someone they can contact when plans change. Our 24/7 call centre and operational support are important parts of that offering,” says Shaun. As a responsible operator, Auckland Co-op Taxis has been moving away from petrol-only vehicles since 2008 in favour of more fuel-efficient models. However, safety for both passengers and drivers remains the fundamental priority. From driver vetting, licensing and training to daily vehicle checks, scheduled inspections and compliance oversight, safety is rigorously prioritised and maintained. Vehicle cameras, visible driver identification and access to Coop’s 24/7 call centre provide further support. Following the tragic murder of one of their drivers in 2010, Auckland Co-op Taxis spearheaded a campaign advocating for mandatory in-vehicle security cameras, a significant safety measure that was introduced in 2012. In addition, their vehicles are equipped with an onboard emergency alert switch that connects with their fleet operations team. “Our 80th anniversary is an opportunity to recognise both today’s drivers and the generations of drivers and staff who have helped build this organisation,” says Shaun. “Their contribution is at the heart of our history.” Auckland Co-op Taxis has longstanding relationships across the city’s business community, supporting corporate travel, hospitality, tourism, healthcare and regular staff transport. Services range from everyday business journeys to airport transfers, event transport, alternative transport during airline disruptions, train and ferry cancellations, ferry/ train cancellations??, moving patients to and from medical appointments, and scheduled staff movements. “Our reputation has been built over many years serving Auckland businesses,” Shaun says. “. For a business arranging travel for an employee, client or guest, the transport experience reflects on that business too. Clean, well-presented vehicles, courteous drivers and responsive account support help customers feel confident in choosing us.” ”In line with rising customer expectations, Auckland Co-op Taxis is continuing to hone its booking and payment capabilities with technology and billing partners, as well as continuing to improve fleet efficiency and driver support. “As we approach our 80th anniversary, we want to build on what has sustained the co-operative: drivers working together, strong customer relationships and a commitment to serving Auckland,” says Shaun. “The tools will continue to evolve, but the importance of a safe journey and a professional welcome remains.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=