24/09/2024
In the bustling landscape of Newcastle, few names resonate with the enduring legacy and community spirit quite like Blueline Taxis. Celebrating its impressive 60th anniversary just before the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic, this Wallsend-based, family-run company has not merely survived but thrived, emerging stronger and more adaptable than ever. Their journey through the last few years, marked by helping entire communities and supporting thousands of customers and drivers, is a testament to their unwavering commitment. As the industry grapples with the complexities of a post-pandemic, post-Brexit world and the pressing demands for a greener, carbon-free future, Blueline stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation, primed for an equally bright future.
The Genesis: From a Humble Home to a Taxi Empire
To truly understand Blueline's profound roots in Newcastle, one must journey back to its origins in Wallsend. The very first operational base for what would become one of Newcastle's oldest and most successful family firms was nestled at Wooley Street, NE6. This unassuming address, where the original houses have long since been rebuilt, holds immense significance. It was here, in 1958, that former prisoner of war Thomas Colin Shanks embarked on an extraordinary venture. After a period in London following the Second World War and a stint running a tobacconist in Newcastle's Northumberland Street (now the Marks and Spencer building), Colin jointly formed the original taxi firm NODA before setting out on his own.
The story of Blueline's inception is as charming as it is indicative of its future success. Colin Shanks, alongside his wife Audrey, meticulously saved their earnings from the tobacconist business. With their hard-earned savings, Colin purchased an Austin Morris. This car, distinguished by a thin blue line painted along its side, became his taxi, operated directly from their home on Wooley Street. People began to recognise it simply as the 'blue line taxi', and from this organic recognition, the business steadily grew. This humble beginning quickly led to expansion, prompting Colin to acquire offices in Wallsend to manage two cars. By the time of his sudden passing in 1990, Blueline had blossomed to a fleet of 60 to 70 cars, a remarkable testament to his vision and hard work. Today, the company’s finance director, Tom Shanks, Colin’s grandson, recounts with a chuckle his 'maiden voyage' to this foundational site, parking behind the bus stop and toilet block – a poignant reflection on the company’s humble yet powerful beginnings.
Blueline's Modern Hub: Innovation at Sycamore Street
The journey from Wooley Street leads us directly to the heart of Blueline's current operations: Sycamore Street, Wallsend. What began in the 1950s as a modest, one-door front and back office with a bench for two drivers, a telephone operator, and a small space for Colin Shanks, has transformed into a sprawling, modern headquarters. Blueline now owns most of the properties on this block, including a garage across the road where Colin's son and company partner, Paul, continues to indulge his passion for tinkering with vehicles, a skill his own son, Cody, has inherited as one of the firm’s senior mechanics. This expansion is a physical manifestation of the company's growth and its deep-seated family values.
Behind the sleek, darkened glass of the corner unit lies a sophisticated labyrinth of offices and rooms, home to over 20 dedicated staff, including the vital taxi support team and call centre operators. Perhaps nothing symbolises Blueline's progression more eloquently than the newly refurbished directors’ suite upstairs. Once a cramped cubbyhole buried under endless reams of paperwork, it has been meticulously transformed into an immaculate shrine, paying homage to Colin, Audrey, and the business they built. A commanding portrait of the couple on their wedding day dominates the room, surrounded by original company formation documents and a cherished, well-worn Newcastle Gosforth rugby shirt. Among these historical treasures, an unusual item stands out: a Mickey Mouse watch. Tom recounts the fascinating story behind it: in 1978, Walt Disney’s daughter Diane and her husband, Ron W Millee (a Disney vice-president), were driven across Northumberland and Scotland by Colin for several weeks. When Colin refused their attempted payment, they later sent him this unique watch from the States, a truly extraordinary and personal piece of company history.
Driving Forward: Technology, Engagement, and Adaptability
In today's fast-paced world, stagnation is not an option, and Blueline understands this implicitly. Downstairs in the busy call centre, where 12 operators work in close proximity, the energy is palpable. Ian Shanks, Colin’s son and a driving force behind the company’s modern era, is often the loudest voice, orchestrating the complex daily operations. The firm is constantly evolving, exemplified by its collaboration with London-based global tech firm E9 to implement a new, highly efficient app for drivers, designed to streamline operations for both drivers and customers. While new technologies inevitably bring 'teething problems', Blueline's commitment to innovation is unwavering.
A particularly forward-thinking initiative is the installation of digital screens in the back of 200 cars, showcasing adverts for local restaurants, hotels, and attractions. This concept, inspired by Tom Shanks’ experience on a flight from New York, aims to enhance customer engagement during journeys. The pandemic, surprisingly, aided this venture, as the widespread adoption of QR codes made their inclusion in adverts seamless. Ian, described by Tom as 'very old school' yet possessing an incredible 'knack and gut feeling of knowing what’s right', enthusiastically backed this technological leap. This blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation is a hallmark of Blueline’s success, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry.
The Heart of the Business: Family, Leadership, and Resilience
At its core, Blueline is defined by its strong family bonds and the shared dedication of its members. The relationship between Ian and his son Tom, the finance director, is a compelling example of this dynamic. While professional boundaries are respected—Tom rarely refers to Ian as 'dad' during working hours—their bond is forged in both closeness and productive conflict. Tom recalls a memorable instance early in his tenure when Ian firmly redirected him to use the downstairs bathroom like all other employees, despite Tom having used the directors’ bathroom throughout his childhood. This anecdote perfectly illustrates the strict yet fair ethos that permeates the company, ensuring that every employee, regardless of family ties, operates under the same standards. This approach, though sometimes challenging, has undeniably made them stronger.
Ian Shanks himself stepped into the leadership role at a mere 27 years old, following his father Colin's sudden passing in 1990. It was a monumental task for a young man who had once aspired to be a policeman or a farmer, leaving school at 15 with dyslexia and no formal qualifications. The immense pressure was compounded by the need to support his young family and keep the drivers employed. Ian vividly recalls overhearing two drivers outside the office questioning his ability to cope: “well that’s it, the company’s finished… there’s no way the young lad will cope, we’ve nee chance.” This moment, rather than discouraging him, served as the ultimate incentive. He committed to working 'bloody hard' to ensure the business's success, a promise he unequivocally delivered upon. Today, Blueline is divided equally among Ian, his brother Paul, and their sister Jane, a former mental health nurse who now leads the specialist transport department. The empire extends to over 60 properties and 21 limited companies, a testament to their collective dedication.
The next generation is fully integrated into the firm’s fabric: Ian’s son Tom is finance director, and his daughter Pippa is executive transport co-ordinator. Jane’s children, Ben and Jack, serve as operations director and head of drivers, respectively, while Paul’s son Cody is the senior mechanic. This multi-generational involvement ensures the continuity of the Blueline legacy, blending fresh perspectives with decades of accumulated wisdom.
The true spirit of Blueline shone brightest during the COVID-19 pandemic. While lockdowns naturally impacted journey numbers, the company's inherent adaptability and commitment to the community led them to pivot rapidly. Blueline played a crucial role in the North East COVID-19 vaccine rollout, coordinating transport for the entire region at its peak. Family members and staff were on-site at vaccine centres from early mornings, often in freezing conditions, guiding and supporting vulnerable individuals. The camaraderie among the team was palpable, and the opportunity to interact with elderly, isolated people who were immensely grateful for human contact and their vaccinations was deeply rewarding.
Beyond vaccine transport, the Blueline family collaborated with JR Holland to deliver groceries to homes, hospitals, and schools across the region. This period, though challenging, fostered immense creativity and quick thinking within the company. Ben Bell, operations director and Jane’s son, who helped guide the company through the early lockdowns, notes that while journey numbers might have decreased, the sheer volume of new projects and approaches kept them 'a bit busier than normal'. This period solidified their reputation not just as a taxi service, but as a vital community pillar.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Advocacy for a Greener Future
The taxi industry faces a complex array of challenges in the post-pandemic, post-Brexit era, from the rise of ride-sharing apps like Uber to the pressing need for carbon-free transport solutions. A significant hurdle is the severe shortage of drivers, exacerbated by many retiring during lockdowns and a reduction in drivers from Eastern Europe. Compounding this, taxi driver licences in the Newcastle area are notably more expensive than in other parts of the UK. Blueline is not merely reacting to these challenges; it is actively seeking to shape the future.
Tom Shanks, currently completing his PhD in management at Newcastle University, is a passionate advocate for the industry’s voice in shaping Newcastle’s and the wider North East’s transport future. He stresses the need for clear and constructive changes regarding green legislation for carbon-free cities, arguing that policies must consider true implications rather than being imposed without proper consultation. Blueline, through its extensive data and unparalleled engagement with the region’s populace, believes it holds invaluable insights that local and national governments should heed. The frustration of being dismissed as 'just a taxi operator' has fueled Tom’s academic pursuit, aiming to provide robust data that compels policymakers to listen. This proactive stance underscores Blueline’s commitment to not only adapting to the future but actively helping to build it.
Blueline's Evolution: A Comparative Glance
The journey of Blueline Taxis from a single car operated from a family home to a multi-faceted transport empire is truly remarkable. Here’s a quick look at how far they’ve come:
| Feature | Blueline 1958 | Blueline Today |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size | 1 Austin Morris | 200+ vehicles |
| Primary Base | Family Home (Wooley Street, NE6) | Dedicated HQ (Sycamore Street, Wallsend), Development Centre, multiple remote sites (Hartlepool, Consett, Stanley) |
| Technology | Basic telephone & paper logs | Advanced driver apps, digital in-car screens, sophisticated call centre operations |
| Leadership | Founder Colin Shanks | Multi-generational family leadership (Ian, Tom, Paul, Jane, Ben, Jack, Pippa, Cody) |
| Passenger Volume | Local Wallsend residents | Over 10 million passengers annually across the region |
| Services Offered | Standard taxi journeys | Standard taxi, corporate contracts (e.g., Emirates), vehicle rental, specialist transport, community support initiatives |
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueline Taxis
Blueline Taxis often receives queries regarding its services and operations. Here are some of the most common questions:
Q: Where is Blueline Taxis located in Newcastle?
A: Blueline Taxis' main headquarters is located on Sycamore Street in Wallsend, Newcastle. Their historical first base was at Wooley Street, NE6, also in Wallsend. They also have a Development Centre and other remote sites across the North East, including Hartlepool, Consett, and Stanley.
Q: How long has Blueline Taxis been operating?
A: Blueline Taxis was founded in 1958 by Colin Shanks, making it one of Newcastle's longest-standing and most experienced taxi companies, with over 60 years of service.
Q: Is Blueline Taxis a family-run business?
A: Absolutely. Blueline Taxis remains a proudly family-run business, with multiple generations of the Shanks family actively involved in its daily operations and strategic direction.
Q: What services does Blueline Taxis offer?
A: Beyond standard taxi services, Blueline offers corporate contracts, vehicle rental, and specialist transport services. They are also continually innovating with in-car digital screens for advertising and a new driver app.
Q: How is Blueline Taxis adapting to modern challenges and a greener future?
A: Blueline is proactively addressing challenges like driver shortages and engaging with local and national government to advocate for sensible, constructive green legislation. They are investing in technology, such as new apps and in-car digital advertising, and are exploring future initiatives like podcasts to engage with their diverse customer base.
Blueline Taxis is more than just a transport provider; it is an integral part of Newcastle’s fabric, a story of enduring family values, unwavering resilience, and continuous innovation. From a single car with a distinctive blue line to a vast, modern fleet, their journey reflects the spirit of the North East itself. As they navigate the complexities of the modern world, Blueline remains committed to its customers, its drivers, and the community it proudly serves, setting a benchmark for the industry and ensuring a vibrant future for decades to come.
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