LOCAL LOOPHOLE CLOSED: QUICK HOP TAXIS LAUNCHES WITH FOCUS ON PORTSMOUTH DRIVERS

A fresh taxi firm is hitting the streets of Portsmouth this April, promising a better deal for both cabbies and passengers.

The new operator, Quick Hop, is making a bold pledge to only use drivers licensed by Portsmouth City Council. This move specifically avoids using drivers licensed in Wolverhampton, a practice that has long sparked complaints from local residents and city officials.

The company is positioning itself as a community-focused alternative to tech giants, offering a low 15% commission rate compared to the 50% some other platforms take.

Marketing director, Mohammed Nurul Haque, believes this local touch is missing from the current market, stating: "In Portsmouth, we don’t have any local community-based companies."

He argued that "Larger PHV operators don’t understand the market, drivers and customers," whereas Quick Hop offers "full driver freedom" with no hidden fees.

Local leaders have been quick to back the project. The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, noted that "if this works" it will put more money in the pocket of local drivers and provide a "better service and lower fares for local residents."

He added: "That brings a great benefit and it’s great that there’s a local company in the market."

Beyond cheaper fares, which will be calculated by meters rather than unpredictable algorithms, the firm aims to fix the "unfair competition our taxi drivers face," according to Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Abdul Kadir.

With over 70 drivers already signed up and the app ready for download, Quick Hop is officially open for business.

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