It was an absolute pleasure loaning The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans (www.taxicharity.org/) two Sherbet London taxis over the weekend to drive ex-servicemen to the National Memorial Arboretum with 45 WWII veterans D-Day commemorations. Taxi Charity was established in 1948 and provides social events and commemorative trips for veterans from all conflicts to combat loneliness and isolation. A fantastic taxi trade charity – very well done all involved.
Since the Prime Minister unveiled the roadmap out of lockdown, we have seen an increase in enquiries and messages from London Taxi Drivers to find out when is the best time to come back to work.
Across social media we have seen the right questions being asked by cab drivers;
“How’s the street?”
“Is it worth coming back yet?”
“Are you earning?”
Inevitably and understandably many responses include “Not worth it yet”, “Only done £75 today”. However, the light at the end of the tunnel is definitely getting brighter as more positive responses such as “you put the work in & you will go home with money in your pocket”, “definitely improving”, “more good days than bad days now”, “came back 2 weeks ago and happy given the situation” are starting to surface.
Is now a good time to come back to work?
London is slowly coming back to life. Schools return on Monday 8th March, this means more people will be moving and want to be moved. The weather is getting better so more people will start to go outside. The CEO of Goldman Sachs has announced that Goldman staff will be returning to the offices, we are seeing bookings coming back for schools runs, taxi bookings from Corporate customers, enquiries from new corporate customers all wanting to know more about Sherbet Electric Taxi services as they are starting to plan for the new normal.
We have spent the last 12 months supporting taxi drivers who trust Sherbet with discounted rental rates. We are going to spend the next 12 months supporting taxi drivers who trust and put faith in Sherbet to provide them with a reliable taxi to earn money. We have Electric Taxis and Diesel Taxis available to rent.
If you’re thinking about coming back to work, pick up the phone & call us, 020 3948 3315, and let us show you how you can trust us to get you back to work.
Stay Safe and looking forward to welcoming you to the Sherbet Family.
Comments Off on Sherbet London Taxis is Fully Open Throughout Lockdown
Sherbet London Taxis Ltd is fully open throughout lockdown across all our sites to ensure that taxi drivers can continue working through support with discounted taxi rentals. Our LEVC Warranty approved Garage in Putney is open for all taxi owners & operators for servicing, warranty, repairs and bodyshop work. Londoners can continue booking Sherbet Electric Taxis to safely & securely travel around London and beyond in the full knowledge that they are in a safe environment thanks to the purpose built partition screen, cleaned and sanitized vehicles with emissions of only 29 g/km, driven by the world’s best taxi drivers.
Sherbet has invested and launched a new digital campaign to highlight the benefits of a London Taxi including a discount for customers to book and ride it out safely in London. Full details of our current live campaign & offers can be viewed here.
Sherbet are continuing to work on investing in the new LEVC Electric Taxis as part of our commitment to help the Mayor of London realise the Air Strategy for London, technology to make booking taxis and taxi rental easier for our new and existing customers and data as we transition from diesel to data. Sherbet has a vision for a greener, cleaner London and we are driving forward with our vision with our partners delivering a frontline service to London.
Comments Off on Sherbet Putney Garage Business As Usual
Sherbet thanks Wendy Sorrell
Sherbet Putney Garage Manager, Wendy Sorrell has now successfully completed her two year contract overseeing the Putney Garage under the Sherbet ownership. Wendy has now stepped back from her day to day operational role but will remain a shareholder of Sherbet London going forward.
Asher Moses, CEO of Sherbet commented
“Wendy has brought a wealth of experience to Sherbet following the acquisition back in October 2018 and has been an invaluable member of our team. We wish her all the best and are delighted that Wendy remains a part our business with her investment in Sherbet London”.
The Putney Garage will continue to operate as normal for full servicing and warranty works, under the management of Lee Drinkwater, our Fleet Director and Iqbal Chaudary, our Lead Mechanic, a key hire from Mercedes.
Asher Moses said,
“We want to see all our regular and new drivers. Please book an appointment and let us look after you and showcase our Sherbet standard of excellence”.
Comments Off on Shared Booking Platforms Threaten the Long Term Future of Black Taxis
Shared booking platforms threaten the long-term future of black cabs warns leading taxi industry figure.
Asher Moses, CEO of Sherbet London, has warned of the potential long-term damage to the black cab industry when both Black Cabs and Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) share the same booking apps. In recent weeks Freenow has linked up with Kapten, Gett has partnered with Ola, whilst Uber has purchased cab technology company Autocab.
Asher Moses, Chief Executive of Sherbet London, said:
“With a number of apps now promoting both Black Cabs and PHVs, customers are presented with a choice about how to make their journey. However, in the vast majority of cases, a private hire vehicle is presented as the cheaper option. I am concerned that customers will only consider the cost of their journey and not the benefits of using a Black Cab and this will result in journeys being diverted from Black Cabs to PHVs.
“In the long term this may well see a reduction in business for black cabs and a challenge to the viability of the business model for Black Cab owners. It is vital that we continue to support the iconic Black Cab industry in London, particularly. That is why at Sherbet we only allow the booking of Black Cabs via our app.”
Yellow Badge Cab driver, Allen Prosser agreed:
“Many cabbies I have spoken with disagree with both PHVs and Black Cabs being on the same app. The reality is people just choose based on price, which often benefits the PHV drivers, and don’t consider the improved, faster service that they can get from a Black Cab Driver who has completed the ‘Knowledge’
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant drop in business for the taxi trade, with some cabbies in London reporting that they are seeing earnings drop by up to 80%. With the ending of government support for self-employed workers and businesses in London being slow to return to full-time office-working, Black Cab drivers are facing difficult business conditions. There are concerns that a further loss of business, with customers being diverted from black cabs to PHVs, will only exacerbate the problem.
In this new post-Covid world there are changes, we now operate on an appointment-only schedule, we limit the number of drivers attending per day and we also follow government advice on social distancing.
Since the start of our rent electric test drives (now over a year ago) we have welcomed hundreds of drivers to our taxi centres at both Dalston and Putney.
The sessions provide drivers with an excellent opportunity to see/feel the electric taxi for themselves; no hard sell – just the information you need to make the decision if the move from diesel to electric is right for you.
On the day we offer full training on driving the taxi, a full test drive, demonstration of a wheelchair ramp, and advice on charging options.
The move to electric can be daunting but we are here to fully support you.
On the day, drivers also have the opportunity to meet the team at our inhouse work app ‘Sherbet Ride’. The team will discuss the best ways to work together to maximize work offerings and driver’s weekly takings.
As drivers plan to return to work after lockdown, we have seen an increased interest in renting electric taxis, we are also offering a return to work plans across our electric fleet, so help is there financially.
If you are considering coming back to work why not arrange a rent electric test drive, pop in and see how Sherbet can help you back to work.
To arrange an appointment or for further information please call the customer service team on 02039483315
Comments Off on Taxi Drivers – Is it time to return to work?
Over the last few weeks I have spoken to many drivers and read hundreds of social media posts all asking the same question ‘is there any work out there, is it worth me coming back?’
Since mid-March, we have seen work levels hit the floor, with Heathrow at a standstill and nobody on the streets, most drivers have decided to follow the governments’ advice and stay at home. Some drivers decided to carry and continued to work, approx. 20% of our fleet stayed on the road. These drivers did not find it easy and have relied more on app and account work from the likes of Sherbet Ride, Com Cab & Gett.
So, the question is it time to return? We have seen more of our fleet return over the last few weeks. Drivers seem keen to get back after possibly 8-10 weeks off. I think we all understand work levels will be low but we are seeing small glimmers of hope. I have seen credit card suppliers publishing transaction figures which are low but seem to be on the increase. Listening to the news the government has plans to open more businesses, we will see shops opening soon and hopefully bars and pubs. The weather is on our side so more people will be tempted to come out after weeks indoors. The trains and tubes are starting to look busier and I believe we will see more of our core customers (office workers) returning to the London offices over the coming weeks.
Customers will also think twice about using private hire, social distancing is still the government’s keywords, over the last few weeks our sales team at Sherbet Ride have seen an increased number of enquiries from big corporations who have made the decision to move away from private hire, and are no longer prepared to move staff around in the confined space of a car.
I think we would all agree to need to come back at some point, yes it will be hard to start with but slowly the work levels will increase. Many rental companies are also prepared to help. We have our own return to work rental plans with an agreed period of discounted rent.
It will always be hard to come back after such a long period off, but we all have to come back at some point. Taxis should be seen on the streets of London. Customers need to know we are back and ready to get London moving again.
Comments Off on Helping Drivers Back To Work Post Covid-19 Lockdown
Dear valued Sherbet Driver,
The last few months have been unprecedented for the London taxi trade. The national Covid-19 lockdown has seen many drivers to follow the government advice and stay at home. I personally made this decision almost 8 weeks ago when I closed all our sites to protect our teams and our drivers.
Following updated guidance from the Government, I feel it is now time to start thinking about the process of helping drivers return to work. I believe every driver has to make his/hers own decision on the right time to return, every drivers circumstances are different – but I want to make it clear the Sherbet team are here to help once you have decided to return to work.
Our team have been looking at way to help safeguard drivers:
A few weeks ago we were fortunate to be visited by a Training Professional from the NHS, she suggested ways to reduce risks to drivers. She also provided training to our staff on the correct procedure on cleaning the taxi, and the correct use of PPE. We are more than happy to pass on this knowledge.
You are more than welcome to make an appointment to attend Dalston for advice on cleaning and if required – let us help reduce the gaps between the two compartments.
We understand the last few months have been financially difficult for drivers:
Many drivers are not working and low work levels for drivers who have been, again we are here to help. Our team have been briefed and have many options to help drivers back to work.
Please do call us (020 3948 3315) and discuss your return to work plan.
We have seen an increased interested In Sherbet Ride:
Over the last few months our sales team have been working extremely hard dealing with an increased number of enquiries from companies who traditionally use private hire. Business are worried about using private hire and are now looking at the safety a black taxi brings. We are anticipating a surge on booking over the next few months.
We continue to be contacted by drivers who do not rent from us; so we also continue to help new drivers. We have electric and diesel taxis available to rent. For rent enquires please talk to our rent team, we are here to help all drivers.
I am sure the next few months will be challenging for all of us, but I have confidence in the trade. London will bounce back.
Comments Off on Sherbet London aims to harness future 5G tech in bid to maximise electric taxi service standard
A London electric taxi fleet are setting their sights to be one of the first in the industry to harness future 5G technology in a bid to maximise service excellence.
As part of that plan, Sherbet London have appointed a new Chief Technical Officer, Gilad Barner, to the London taxi company.
Sherbet London have one of the largest electric taxi fleets in the industry and are ranked as one of the fastest-growing businesses in the country. The taxi firm were recently confirmed as number 41 within the 23rd annual Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100.
Sherbet’s CEO, Asher Moses, said Gilad’s appointment reflects how seriously the firm are taking their goal to deliver technological and service excellence and drive a premium brand.
Moses suggests that regulators and taxi fleet operators who want electric taxis in their cities, currently don’t have the tech tools to effectively maximise the full potential. With 5G technology soon to be widely launched, Sherbet are building technology with this in mind.
“The taxi business has been reinvented, taking us from the horse and cart until now – with a future that is open for imagination and development. Sherbet is set to now take the iconic London taxi to a global level, integrating with smart cities and embracing the demand for clean, green, sustainable, and safe transport,” he said.
Moses added that Gilad’s support in developing the Sherbet brand will ensure it is able to dovetail into any country and any city, using a universal system that applies across all cultures, languages, and business models.
“I am very excited to have someone as talented, experienced, and passionate about the future of transport technology onboard with Sherbet. This is the start of a very significant time for our business – and the taxi industry in general.” Said Moses.
Comments Off on London’s first rapid electric vehicle charging hub powered by Engenie
We are proud to be one of the taxi hire partners who joined Engenie, one of the UK’s fastest-growing electric vehicle charging networks, at the event last week launching London’s first rapid EV charging hub at Stratford International Station car park.
The landmark EV hub is the first of five which will be opened in London over the next few years to serve the capital’s 30,000 EV drivers.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “London’s air quality is a serious public health crisis and we face a climate emergency which threatens our future. We need to help people move away from petrol and diesel cars, so we can clean up our air and tackle climate change. The overwhelming success of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone shows both Londoners and businesses alike are ready to play their part.
“I want to help people switch to public transport, walking and cycling and want all new cars and vans in London to be zero emission by 2030, not 2040 as the Government is proposing. Today’s announcement will help us to continue to work together with London boroughs and the private sector to deliver a major expansion in charging infrastructure and an electric vehicle revolution in the capital.”
This charging hub will be central to the Mayor of London’s EV infrastructure delivery plan, in which he pledged to open at least five rapid charging hubs over the coming years and install 300 rapid chargers by the end of 2020.
The hub will host six 50kW rapid chargers with connectors compatible with every EV on the market. The charge points are fully open access to all EV drivers, allowing them to pay for charging with a simple tap of a contactless card or smart phone, with no registration or membership required. TfL has contributed funding towards the project, which is hosted by landlord HS1 and delivered and operated by Engenie. Engenie will be subsidising the site, to ensure that there will be no parking fees for those using the chargers, for the foreseeable future.
“London is trailblazing the EV revolution and actively working to deliver cleaner air for its 9 million residents,”said Ian Johnston, CEO of Engenie. “This rapid charging hub is a significant step change in the crucial infrastructure needed to serve the accelerating number of electric vehicles across the city.”
London’s EV drivers will have access to the brand-new charging hub in Stratford from 28 December 2019. The rapid charge points at the hub are capable of providing up to 100 miles of charge in just 35 minutes.
Christina Calderato, TfL’s Head of Transport Strategy and Planning, said:“We know that a comprehensive network of charging points is essential if we are to persuade drivers to ditch polluting diesel vehicles and swap them for electric alternatives. Installing a 1,000 more residential charging points across the capital means more Londoners can plug their vehicle in while at home, even if they don’t have a driveway. For those that need to charge up in 20-30 minutes, London is one of the leading world cities for rapid charge points. The addition of the east hub in Stratford is the first super charging facility, allowing drivers easy access and convenient methods of payment.”
Almost 3,000 London taxis have switched to electric to navigate the introduction of ultra-low emission zones in the city. This hub will support this transport transition with accessible and convenient charging.
London’s EV revolution will continue next year, with new requirements being brought in for private-hire vehicles. As of 1 January 2020, all newly licensed private hire vehicles that are less than 18 months old will need to be plug-in hybrid, electric or hydrogen vehicles.
Sherbet London Taxis Ltd is fully open throughout lockdown across all our sites to ensure that taxi drivers can continue working through support with discounted taxi rentals. Our LEVC Warranty approved 
On the day we offer full training on driving the taxi, a full test drive, demonstration of a wheelchair ramp, and advice on charging options.
ers seem keen to get back after possibly 8-10 weeks off. I think we all understand work levels will be low but we are seeing small glimmers of hope. I have seen credit card suppliers publishing transaction figures which are low but seem to be on the increase. Listening to the news the government has plans to open more businesses, we will see shops opening soon and hopefully bars and pubs. The weather is on our side so more people will be tempted to come out after weeks indoors. The trains and tubes are starting to look busier and I believe we will see more of our core customers (office workers) returning to the London offices over the coming weeks.
