The complexities of passenger transport

by WestOne Cars | Friday, 30. October 2009 Comments (1)

The complexity of the private hire market is enough to make anyone confused. Travel management is far more complex than ‘who needs which' mode of transport.

Nowadays tightening budgets and a concern for the environment all play a role in the choice of supplier. Decisions are not only focussed on whether employee X is authorised to take an executive vehicle here, or book a return car from there; companies are now also having to consider whether it is appropriate in the current economic climate to be using private hire providers and whether a public transport policy is far more appropriate and frugal.

However, how many shareholders would be satisfied that a major contract was lost because a financier was late after being ‘stuck on the tube'? It is a decision which, as with most real-life situations, needs to be flexible and have professional support enabling decisions to be made using logic and not just rules or pre-set algorithms.

The reality is that today's businesses require the support of a private hire provider who is able to offer a range of cost effective and reliable solutions. They need to tick the environmental box but also provide travel management support, clarity over health and safety and also detailed management information.

Big isn't always best but in this case a provider who can provide standard vehicles for executive journeys, has access to an international network to support global travel and also raise the game for visiting dignitaries adds considerable value.

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Undervalued

Unfortunately the contribution of private hire is perceived to be at the 'dirty' end of the necessary evil scale.

Interestingly,users value the service but still labour under the impression that the service offered by black taxis is cheaper, more reliable and just as comfortable. Tell that to a corporate purchaser who has just received their Black Taxi account invoice.

If private hire wasn't with us most major professionalor financial institutions couldn't operate efficiently and they need providers that can do a lot more than just supply cars. The back office contribution plays a major part in helping to understand costs.

As always it is an holistic approach which is needed and any private hire company that wants to be up amongst the leaders will have to deliver on all fronts. Corporate clients are getting more demanding but the right attitude and response by a supplier willlead to a long term beneficialrelationship fpr both parties.

Confidentiality prevents me publishing my name

Posted: Transport professional | 23 Nov 2009 10:12:43