Sidney Taxi has discontinued its operations until an unknown time. This is because of COVID-19. However, one of the 3 shareholders and directors has vowed that the business will not collapse.
“There is no way in hell we are going to let this company we have worked so hard for go under,” stated Malcolm Brailsford of Sidney Taxi Wednesday midday. He said this following the firm’s statement that it is now halting operations since the economics are not viable anymore.
Six years have passed since it was established. The suspension of operations affects thirty staff and 6 vehicles. He also said that boundaries are tight for beginners and if the market is not there, it doesn’t make meaning to continue.
Brailsford stated that the firm has been making efforts to run for the past ten days with decreased service after the business began to drop off around 14 days past.
“We are getting no more than two people a shift requiring a taxi and that is usually to the airport,” he stated.
The loss of market began about March 7 or 8, beginning with different care homes just about the place that has hired the firm to ferry residents. Due to the virus, they suspended their calls, Brailsford added.
Seniors, one of the crews most impacted by COVID-19 but also possibly in require of the most assistance comprise a big share of the firm’s client base.
Brailsford announced cabs earn between 150 and 200 everyday pick-ups, higher on the weekends.
“Our senior rate, Monday to Friday, is roughly 80 percent of the business,” said Brailsford.
He also said that seniors utilize taxicabs to help them with their shopping, medical tours, and other individual businesses. However, with the COVID-19 epidemic, they are staying at home so as to stay safe. Other factors comprised the reduction in airline trip and eatery business due to COVID-19.
The firm, in the beginning, made efforts to lessen service to two cars from six. However, the need did not even allow that.
“It’s just costing us more money to just sit there,” he said. “There is no demand for taxi drivers at this current time.”
He further stated that the employee understands the circumstances and completely backs the decision after a Sunday afternoon meeting. The meeting was hosted in a parking area to guarantee social distancing. Brailsford states that business will get back to normal the very time it is available.
The firm has been in service for 6 years and it this week celebrated its 5th anniversary serving out of Victoria International Airport.
“It’s a very sad [anniversary] because it took 18 months to get this company started because of the red tape. It took us forever to get permission to operate and I think you can tell in my voice it is very depressing. We have not lost the company. We have a lot of supporters.”