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New taxi firm eases the ride for the deaf
DEAF passengers are in for a smoother ride following the launch of a new taxi company in South Tyneside.
Same Day Taxis allows deaf people and the hard of hearing to text their booking, making life easier for both the customer and the firm.
Company partner Graham Hall said the new service will also make booking a taxi more secure for lone females.
Launched two months ago, the South Shields-based taxi firm wants to reach out to deaf customers across the borough.
Mr Hall, 32, said: "We thought of this concept to help deaf and hard-of-hearing customers with speech problems, thus giving them more independence, rather than having to wait for someone to phone them a taxi.
"I thought of the idea after picking up a customer who couldn't speak, who just handed me a piece of paper.
"Then I thought, 'How would he order a taxi from home?' Solution – text a taxi!"
Mr Hall, whose firm has six taxi drivers, added: "I would like to let all customers with hearing and speech problems know about this service.
"It would also benefit the general public, as it would be safer to get your taxi in this way, rather than standing in a pub, shouting your address down the phone for everyone to hear, especially women, as you just don't know who is listening to your conversation."
Same Day Taxis has contacted deaf societies to publicise its special facility, which includes a text reply confirming each booking.
A self-employed taxi driver for seven years, Mr Hall is one of several partners behind Same Day Taxis, which is registered with South Tyneside Council.
The text number for Same Day Taxis is (07544) 546 969, while the standard telephone number is (08456) 437 037.
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Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
