South Tyneside based firm boost trade and drivers after merger

 Redline Taxis is the new name hitting the borough’s roads after bosses at Dial-a-Cab took over the running of Richmond Taxi’s and Express.

 The merger became official on March 21.

It now means the company is South Tyneside’s biggest taxi provider with 310 cars in its fleet, as well as a range of mini-buses with wheelchair access.

The number of booking clerks has also been increases as bosses aim to deliver the “best service” to their customers.

The company has a number of self-employed and employed drivers on their books.

Manager Steven Pippin said: “Since the merger we have had a lot of positive feedback. We know a lot of customers are loyal to the taxi brand they have used for years and might be a bit wary of using someone new, but the only thing which has changed is the name.

“We still have the same drivers and we still aim to deliver the best service that they have become accustomed to.

“We know there was a lot of uncertainty with some of the drivers with some of them leaving, which is understandable, however, a lot have come back to us.”

Following the merger the firm has invested in a new telephone booking system.

They have also taken on more staff to cope with the influx of calls due to the number of contracts they have been awarded.

Mr Pippin added: “This is a big project and it is a huge leap in the number of jobs we are now dealing with. We can handle anywhere from between 30,000-45,000 jobs a week and we need to be able to accommodate that, which is 
why we need people who know the area and why we recruit local.

“Our aim is to be the best and safest taxi service in South Tyneside and this is something we are committed to striving towards.

“We would encourage any of our customers if they have any complaints, or if they think of anything we could be doing to make the service better to contact us.”

Redline Taxis can be contacted on 455 8888 or 483 7777.

The company also has its own mobile app and facebook page.