Tag Archive: London Taxi

1. Increasing Commuting/Travel Data

   September 30, 2020 10:50 am Comments Off on Increasing Commuting/Travel Data

   

   According to new data presented by The Guardian in the above graph, road traffic levels across outer London areas are now far higher than this time last year. The difference in traffic congestion compared with 2019 aligns with Sherbet’s recent Intelligent Telematics data which captures commuting and travel taxi movements and Sherbet Ride journey trends.

   

   Sherbet owns our inventory, so we can offer a unique and effective advertising ROI with the right geography layering and up-to-date insight data. We track and report every taxi as it delivers a campaign through Intelligent Telematic journey data, digital photo recording, and GPS tracking. In particular, we’ve recently observed that our Geofence mapping journey movement data within key outer London hotspot areas such as Wandsworth, Putney, Clapham, Chelsea, Harrow, Hounslow, Walthamstow, and Ilford is increasing significantly across the last few weeks. This indicates that people are moving around the capital differently within the current climate. Taxis go where people go – the demand + geography reflect the demographic movements within our new norm.

   The numbers of coverage across these outer London areas of focus are constantly increasing every day. Additionally, they mirror the Sherbet app journeys we are currently running including regular school runs, hospital appointments, film companies transporting crew and talent, business and corporate accounts journeys, airport transfers, and secure courier services.

   

   A recent YouGov data (shared every 2 weeks) which analyses differentials in terms of behavioural changes and trends indicate that city workers and ABC1 audiences living in outer London areas favors taxi as a mode of transport, often noticing advertisments on taxis and they agree that OOH has helped them to become aware of new products and services.

   Similarly, our customer statistics from Sherbet Ride indicate currently, the public prefers to choose Black Taxis over other forms of transport as they are a safer and cleaner way to travel with its purpose-built partition screen separating the driver from the passengers. This trend is very likely to continue making it a perfect opportunity for brands to reconnect and reach their audiences through the taxi advertising medium. Sherbet Media can tailor any campaign to particular needs, budgets, and areas based on journey data delivering transparent ROI and added assurance in this current climate.

   Source: The Guardian, Sherbet Intelligent Telematics, Sherbet Ride Database, YouGov Data

   Get in touch with our team sales@sherbetlondon.com to find out more about how we can help with maximising the innovative, creative potential of campaigns by using bespoke techniques and technologies.

   Download the Android & iOS Sherbet Ride App to Book an Electric Taxi 

   www.sherbetride.com

2. Sherbet Putney Garage Business As Usual

   September 14, 2020 10:02 am 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”.

   Call us on 020 7736 8818 to book in your taxi at our Sherbet Putney Bridge site.

3. Shared Booking Platforms Threaten the Long Term Future of Black Taxis

   August 25, 2020 10:53 am 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.

4. Dior pop up at Harrods

   August 5, 2020 3:27 pm Comments Off on Dior pop up at Harrods

   Our premium Electric Taxis boast soft velvet embroidered with distinctive pattern and Dior Oblique motifs to celebrate Dior AW20 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri, exclusively available at the Harrods pop-up store this August.

   Making a worldwide debut at Harrods, brand-new velvet iterations of the label’s emblematic handbags will be available to shop, from the Saddle to the Lady D-Lite and the iconic Dior Book Tote, with select pieces available for personalisation using the ABCDior service.

   ‘Dior are extremely happy with the speed, quality and execution of the campaign delivery by Sherbet, Drivers were great and the cabs look excellent’

      

   Get in Touch for Taxi Advertising 

   Download the Android & iOS Sherbet Ride App to Hire an Electric Taxi with us!

   www.sherbetride.com

5. Effective CO2 Data Reporting For Your Business

   July 16, 2020 9:06 am Comments Off on Effective CO2 Data Reporting For Your Business

   We are living in a connected and data-driven world. However, when it comes to corporate travel, making sure that your business has adequate carbon and sustainability reporting tools can be often costly and time-consuming. Sherbet Ride can help you save time and reduce costs by effectively showcasing carbon emission data captured from your corporate travel.

   Here’s How We Make It Easy For You

   Our fleet of Sherbet Electric Taxi utilizes the latest technology which enables us to offer the highest level of carbon emissions offset for your business.

   Each electric taxi emits only 29g/km of CO2 versus 222g/km in standard diesel model. All taxis are tracked across our entire network by Intelligent Telematics systems and each journey is monitored by a dedicated account manager who proactively supports you to optimise your service. Our systems automatically register information including

   • Total monthly carbon emissions savings
   • Total miles driven
   • Total no of journeys
   • Total spend

   This information is collected and analysed to showcase our clients’ full report of all trips made with their CO2 emissions in tailored monthly statements. The data can be illustrated in graphs or heatmaps showing the CO2 savings per passenger with consolidated MI reports giving you full visibility of spend across all booking channels.

   

   Why Report?

   The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 has required all UK quoted companies to report on their carbon emissions as part of their annual Directors’ Report from 1^st of October 2013 (for all UK incorporated companies listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, a European Economic Area market or whose shares are dealing on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ). However, the government strongly encourages all other companies to report likewise. What is more, according to the PwC Global 500 Report 2013 Carbon Disclosure Project, “Approximately 70% of Global 500 currently reports their business travel carbon footprint. 51% of companies selected reputation as a common opportunity”. This practice could also be a powerful tool for building your brand’s green credentials and reputation.

   Offsetting Travel Carbon Emissions

   Over the years, the practice of offsetting travel carbon emissions has become increasingly popular. More than ever, businesses are implementing new green travel initiatives to address the issues of climate change.

   The FCM Travel defines carbon offsetting as ‘neutralising a metric tonne of CO2 equivalent emitted in one place by avoiding the release of a CO2 elsewhere or absorbing CO2 that would have otherwise remained in the atmosphere.’ With corporate travel, companies are reducing the number of harmful emissions emitted into the atmosphere by diesel vehicles to limiting their impact on the environment.

   Switch to Green with Sherbet

   Sherbet Ride is committed to promoting sustainable travel and putting environmentally friendly practices at the front of our business. Does your business have an account with a taxi or private hire company in London? If so why not think about a switch to greener travel with a Sherbet Ride Corporate account. We contribute towards cleaner air in London without costing your business more. We can provide cleaner ground transportation in our new electric taxis at extremely competitive rates. Riding with Sherbet can actually help you with your business Corporate Social Responsibility through sustainable travel, making it easy to understand and offset your carbon footprint.

   Source: FCM Travel https://www.fcmtravel.com/en-de/resources/guides/carbon-footprint-for-travel

   For more information visit www.sherbetride.com

   Set up a Sherbet Ride Corporate Account 

   Or speak to our team 0203 948 3311

6. Why Electric Taxis are the Safest and Cleanest Form of Travel

   June 24, 2020 11:26 am Comments Off on Why Electric Taxis are the Safest and Cleanest Form of Travel

   Travelling Safely During These Unprecedented Times

   Most people are looking forward to travelling around London again, but what is the safest and cleanest form of transportation available? Are london taxis safe?

   The answer is – Yes, Electric Taxis are the safest and cleanest form of travel. Here’s why:

   

   Zero Contact Travel

   

   Are London taxis safe during covid? Yes – every licenced London Electric Taxi is purpose build with a secure safety partition screen to separate passenger and driver. The TXE has a Factory fitted Perspex screen and vinyl seats which does not attract germs. We also use the LEVC provided kit to completely seal any gaps. Passengers have their own space in a private compartment with a separately controlled air conditioning. What is more, a contactless or prepayment option enables you to travel cash-free.

   Sanitised and Vetted Before Every Journey

   All Sherbet Electric Taxis have their interior cleaned before every journey. Safety in travel is crucial, now more than ever, that’s why we had special training by a team from the NHS to ensure our taxis meet the government safety requirements for social distancing during these unprecedented times. As per current Govt legislation, all passengers are to wear face mask unless exempt.

   Green Transport

   Sherbet Ride is dedicated to fulfilling Corporate Social Responsibility through sustainable travel. All-electric licenced taxis are low emission capable vehicles and emit 29g/km of CO2 versus 222g/km in standard diesel taxi. They also use fast bus lanes and are congestion charge free.

   Expertly Driven by Knowledge Trained TfL Licenced London Taxi Driers

   Our electric taxis are proudly driven by the worlds most qualified drivers who have all taken the world-famous Knowledge Test and been CRB checked. ‘The Knowledge’ school which usually takes 4 years – a memorised map of London including 25,000 streets and thousands of iconic landmarks. Only fully TfL licenced and accessibility trained taxi drivers are able to operate on our circuit.

   To conclude, electric taxis help city travellers stay safe and protected with their purpose-built design – protective partition, contactless payment systems, and easy-clean surfaces. By choosing this safe and clean form of transportation, passengers can always stay socially distanced, in a personal and contactless space.

   Get in touch with our Ride team to discuss how we can help you and your team travel safely.

   We are ready when you are.

7. It’s time to Experimint! Our newest Go Vype Taxi Advertising Campaign

   June 17, 2020 2:13 pm Comments Off on It’s time to Experimint! Our newest Go Vype Taxi Advertising Campaign

   Once again, together with Mirabelle Communications, we are excited to be taking part in the newest out of home taxi advertising campaign showcasing British American Tabacco’s (BAT) Vype – new mint range on our taxis.

   The Vype ePod offers a quick and simple vaping experience. With the Menthol Ban now in place from the 20th of May, Vype has 5 new mint flavours now available in 6mg for the ePen 3 and ePod.

   The high volume campaign includes taxi supersides on premium environmentally-friendly electric taxis and standard iconic taxis with branded tip up seats.

       

   This product contains nicotine and is addictive. 18+ only. Read leaflet in pack.

   Get in Touch for Taxi Advertising 

   Download the Android & iOS Sherbet Ride App to Hire an Electric Taxi with us!

   www.sherbetride.com

8. SME News UK Enterprise Awards Winner

   June 16, 2020 12:56 pm Comments Off on SME News UK Enterprise Awards Winner

   We are proud to announce that Sherbet Electric Taxis are the winners of the prestigious 2020 SME News UK Enterprise Awards for:

   ‘Best Environmentally Friendly Taxi Company – London’ and

   ‘Excellence in Sustainable Business Transformation 2020’

   The SME annual UK Enterprise Awards are proudly encompassing a multitude of exciting and vibrant business industries from across the UK.

   Thanks to our brilliant team Sherbet London has demonstrated excellence, commitment, dedication even in the face of uncertainty.

   Sherbet Electric Taxis are reinventing the new normal, leading the way and investing in Clean Green Safe Connected Taxis in London.

   Speak to one of our team about our getting back to work programme 02039483311

9. Rent Electric Test Drives Restart After lockdown

   June 8, 2020 1:08 pm Comments Off on Rent Electric Test Drives Restart After lockdown

   Last week at our Dalston offices we restarted our popular rent electric test drives.

   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

10. Taxi Drivers – Is it time to return to work?

    May 22, 2020 2:01 pm 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.

    Take care and stay safe

    Michael Eades

    Interested in renting an electric taxi? – https://www.sherbetlondon.com/electric-taxi-information/

    Interested in renting a TX4? – https://www.sherbetlondon.com/rentals/

    Or give us a call 0203 948 3315