Driving for Trident Taxis: Your Guide

For those looking to embark on a fulfilling career in the transport sector, becoming a self-employed public or private hire driver in the picturesque Argyll and Bute region is more accessible than you might imagine. Trident Taxis Limited, a well-established and award-winning family business, is actively seeking enthusiastic, friendly, and reliable individuals to join their expanding team. This isn't just about driving; it's about becoming part of a supportive culture that values its drivers and offers excellent prospects for growth.

What is Trident Taxis?

Trident Taxis is a prominent taxi and private hire company operating across Argyll and Bute, known for its commitment to providing an unrivalled service to both the public and its drivers. With a fleet of over 10 vehicles and a robust operational control room that functions 24/7, 365 days a year, they handle a significant volume of bookings, estimated at around 3,000 per week, translating to over 100,000 jobs annually within their local area and beyond. Their reach extends to important account work, including contracts with the NHS, Cameron House, Argyll and Bute Council, and the MOD, offering drivers consistent opportunities.

Becoming a Driver with Trident Taxis

The path to becoming a driver with Trident Taxis is designed to be straightforward. The minimum age requirement is 21, and you must have held a full driving licence for at least one year. Trident Taxis offers flexibility, allowing drivers to use their own vehicles or to lease vehicles from the company's own fleet for a weekly fee. The primary requirement is obtaining a Taxi or Private Hire Driver badge from Argyll and Bute Council, which is a remarkably affordable £113 for a three-year period, making it a cost-effective entry point compared to many other council areas.

Driver Requirements

To ensure a high standard of service, Trident Taxis has a few key requirements for its drivers:

• Good knowledge of the operational area: Familiarity with the local geography is essential for efficient service.
• Excellent customer service skills: Drivers are the face of the company, and a friendly, helpful attitude is paramount.
• Own satellite navigation system: Up-to-date GPS is crucial for timely arrivals and efficient route planning.
• Fluent English: While proficiency in other languages is a bonus, especially for catering to tourists, fluent English is a must.

Documentation for Registration

Should you be invited to join the team, you'll need to provide specific documentation. This can be done in person at their office or submitted via email. The necessary documents include:

• Full UK driving licence (both sides)
• PCO or taxi driver's licence (both sides)
• Vehicle Log Book (V5) page 2
• Vehicle PCO, PHC, or taxi licence
• Current MOT (if required, not more than 6 months old)
• Private Hire or Public Hire Insurance certificate
• Current Council test certificate

Benefits of Driving for Trident Taxis

Working with Trident Taxis means you're joining an award-winning family business with a strong reputation. You'll benefit from:

• Access to Account Work: Secure and regular income streams from contracts with major organisations.
• 24/7 Control Room Support: A dedicated team ensures smooth operations and assistance when needed.
• Flexible Working: Choose to use your own vehicle or lease one from the company.
• Supportive Culture: Be part of a team that values its drivers and offers great training and promotion prospects.
• Advance Bookings: Benefit from pre-planned journeys that aid in dispatch planning.
• Simple Payment Process: A straightforward self-billing system with prompt payments.

The Supply Partner Programme

Trident Taxis also extends an invitation to existing ground transport providers who uphold high service standards and aspire to grow their businesses. By joining their Supply Partner Programme, you gain access to:

• Global Customer Reach: Tap into a vast network of over one million daily hotel and flight bookers.
• Easy Self-Billing: A streamlined payment process for your convenience.
• Advance Bookings: Improve your dispatch planning with secured future jobs.
• Marketing Support: Trident Taxis actively drives traffic to its website and brings business directly to partners through targeted marketing and industry reach.

The partnership is built on a simple model: Trident Taxis finds the customers, you provide the high-quality vehicles and drivers, and together you ensure a great customer experience. Partners have access to a user-friendly extranet for managing bookings, checking journey details, and confirming driver information.

How the Booking System Works

Once a customer books a journey, the details are instantly sent to the driver via email or the dedicated driver app. With a free-sell agreement, relevant bookings are automatically assigned based on agreed advance notice periods. Drivers are expected to fulfil the journey promptly and professionally, aiming for top customer ratings. Completed journeys are added to a payable list, with invoices issued daily and payments made within a week for account jobs.

Joining as a Supply Partner

Professional companies committed to exceptional customer service and willing to adhere to Trident Taxis' Service Level Agreement are encouraged to apply. Interested parties can email [email protected] for discussions on how to grow their business with Trident Taxis. The company aims to respond within 72 hours (or 24-48 working hours).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the basic age and driving licence requirements to become a driver?
You must be at least 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for a minimum of one year.

Q2: Can I use my own vehicle?
Yes, owner drivers are welcome. You can either use your own vehicle by obtaining an operator's licence, or lease a vehicle from Trident Taxis' fleet.

Q3: What is the cost of the driver badge?
The Taxi or Private Hire Driver badge from Argyll and Bute Council costs £113 for a three-year period.

Q4: What kind of account work is available?
Account work includes contracts with the NHS, Cameron House, Argyll And Bute Council, and the MOD, among others.

Q5: How do drivers get paid?
Payments are processed through a simple self-billing system, with invoices issued daily for completed journeys and payments typically made within one week for account jobs.

Q6: How can I apply to become a driver?
You can apply by emailing your details and required documentation to [email protected] or by using their driver app for instant or pre-planned bookings.

Q7: What if I run a transport company? Can I partner with Trident Taxis?
Yes, Trident Taxis welcomes professional ground transport providers to join their Supply Partner Programme. Interested companies should email [email protected].

Conclusion

Trident Taxis Limited presents a compelling opportunity for individuals and businesses looking to thrive in the taxi and private hire industry in Argyll and Bute. With a supportive infrastructure, a steady stream of bookings, and a commitment to its drivers and partners, it's a chance to build a successful and rewarding career. If you're ready to drive your career forward, Trident Taxis is looking for you.