As we look forward to celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this bank holiday, taxi drivers will be doing everything they can to help people get to and from events safely.
Whether people are going to an organised event, heading to a pub or restaurant, attending a street party or visiting family, they will all be looking forward to raising a glass to toast her majesty’s 70-year reign.
The official celebrations begin on Thursday with Trooping the Colour in London and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in the capital on Friday. On Saturday, there will be musical tributes with a concert at Buckingham Palace featuring some of the biggest names in the world. Sunday will see the celebrations draw to a close with the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
In London, Cardiff and Edinburgh, big outdoor screens will be set up in the city centres to help people follow the official ceremonies and celebrations.
And with the weather forecast looking favourable for the four-day celebrations, people are likely to be heading out in droves to make the most of socialising again.
In different areas, taxi drivers are helping passengers get into the jubilee spirit. In London, some of the electric black cab drivers will be offering free journeys in the capital’s inner city. The vehicles taking part have the words ‘celebrating 7,000 global sales’ emblazoned on them. On Thursday, as the Queen travels in her iconic golden horse-drawn carriage, some passengers in electric black cabs will find out at the end of their journey whether they have been given a free trip.
Whether or not taxi drivers in your area are offering incentives such as this, it is worth publicising your jubilee services on social media and in pubs and other venues that are likely to be busy over the bank holiday weekend.
And as rail passengers are being warned of disruption as there will be works on some lines, many passengers will turn to the trusted taxi as the best way to get around conveniently and comfortably this bank holiday weekend.
Many who will be using private hire taxis will want to book in advance as it is bound to be busy with people eager to make the most of the four-day weekend. We are so used to disruption at the moment that people will want to know they have a confirmed taxi booking so it doesn’t spoil their bank holiday.
While people are preparing to get into the party spirit, wherever you are in the country, private hire and public hire drivers will be charging bank holiday rates for journeys and it is worth reminding passengers of this at the time of booking or as soon as you pick them up. People will expect to pay more, especially as it means they can get where they want when they want. But it can easily slip people’s minds, especially if they have been enjoying a few drinks, so being upfront can help avoid any unpleasantness.
It’s also worth finding out about road closures and diversions for major jubilee celebrations in your area, as well as street parties. More than 70,000 Big Jubilee Lunches are planned over the weekend, with an expected 10 million people planning to sit down with their neighbours on Sunday to celebrate.
We hope it’s a busy jubilee weekend for your taxi business and hope everyone stays safe.
Information correct at time of publication. Information provided within this article may have changed over time. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by John Patons Insurance Services or any of its employees.