ACCESSIBILITY VIA THE INTERNET
You would have read in previous editions of Call Sign that we have been
working on a system that will enable our clients to order their cabs via the Web. I know
that for some considerable time the public have been able to order goods and services via
the Internet, but our system will be completely different. Their PC at home or in the
office will link directly into our main computer and they will have the same capability as
if they were actually working in Brunswick House. Whilst we have been testing the system,
I have been linking into our V6 despatching system from home, I can monitor the Fleet,
order Taxi’s and even send Terminal messages. Of course, the level of accessibility
that people will be given will vary. In recent times, the biggest problem that we have
encountered regarding the Call Centre has been our inability to take client’s calls
fast enough, soon we will be able to allow some of our clients to order their cabs
directly via the Web which in turn will alleviate some of the congestion in our Call
Centre. The idea was first muted by Allen Togwell and I was very pleased that the
remainder of the Board saw the potential in the new concept and gave it their full
backing. Since the conception, we have spoken to some
of our larger clients and they are all very keen to be the first to pioneer the new system. To the best of our knowledge Dial a Cab is the first company in the world to have produced a system that is capable of processing real time bookings via the Web, which in turn will help us maintain our leadership and keep ahead of the remainder.
SURPLUS
As I have pointed out in previous reports, Dial a Cab now possesses
considerable financial strength, which will go some way to lighten the burden that will be
placed upon us when we purchase our new terminals. I anticipate that this years
surplus will be an all time record and when combined with last years surplus, will
equal the total surplus that Dial a Cab had built up over the preceding forty three
years! For you the members, our staff and the Board of Management to equal forty three years profit in two years is a remarkable achievement by any standards, but it is imperative that we do not become complacent that this company moves from strength to strength to maintain the market leadership with new innovations and continuity in its management.
RUN-IN AND MINIMUM
Just a reminder that run-ins and minimum fares have both been increased. The run in has
been increased to £3.80 and the minimum fare to £8. The only exceptions are the accounts
that are under contract - namely Bankers Trust, Morgan Stanley and Westminster, whose
run-ins will remain unchanged. Whilst on the subject of contracts, I would like to remind
you that the Westminster account comes up for tender later this year, so it is imperative
that we maintain the coverage to all our clients and to ensure that we retain our market
share.
The increase in minimum fares and run-ins will go some way to maintain and
improve coverage in an endeavour to keep clients satisfied with our service.
Brian Rice
DOOR LOGO PRIZE DRAW - NOW £1000 !!!
Have you got your new door logos fitted yet? If not, you could be losing out on
serious money!
The prize for the June and July lucky draws has been increased to £1000.
Yes, one thousand quid could be yours if your name is first out of the hat in either of
the above two draws. But as the saying goes:-
"You have to be in it to win it". 
The old logos no longer count in the DAC prize draws and the new ones can be
fitted in minutes at Roman Way. If £1000 sounds handy to you, then
pop along to Roman Way now and you could be seriously richer!
Mr G. Fenton (E 01) was the winner of April’s new logo draw and he is
now £300 richer. Mr Fenton obviously makes winning prizes a hobby as he also won the
January draw! Don’t forget, next month the prize is £1000. No logo’s - no
prize…
