
A Coventry software developer has created a new booking system aimed at helping the city’s struggling hackney carriage trade compete with ride-hailing apps and increasing numbers of private hire vehicles.
Max Parsons (pictured centre left below) developed the artificial intelligence-based booking tool specifically for black cabs after becoming concerned about the decline of the trade.
The system operates through WhatsApp and is intended to allow passengers to book directly with local black cab drivers.
Mr Parsons has established a community interest company, Black Cabs Unite, to operate the scheme. Although the project remains in its early stages, approximately 20 Coventry drivers are already trialling it.
Participating drivers have been provided with business cards featuring individual QR codes. Passengers can scan a driver’s code to access the booking system.
The longer-term plan is for customers to use the service to book a black cab directly at a fixed fare. Drivers would retain the full journey fare, while passengers would pay a separate booking fee to support the service.
Coventry’s hackney carriage fleet has fallen significantly during the past decade. The city currently has 397 licensed black cabs, compared with 855 in 2016.
Drivers say the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, ride-hailing apps and competition from private hire vehicles licensed outside Coventry have all contributed to the decline in available work.
Reza, who has driven a black cab in Coventry for more than 20 years and is participating in the trial, said business had become increasingly difficult as passengers searched for cheaper travel options.
Those behind Black Cabs Unite now hope the new system will make Coventry’s black cabs easier to book while encouraging passengers to support locally licensed drivers.
For further info visit: www.blackcabunite.co.uk

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