Like most businesses the Batemans Bay Taxi Service has taken a taken a big hit in 2020. The family business of over 20 years almost lost their depot in Gregory Street on New Year’s Eve.
Business owner Steven Hockey says “if it wasn’t for the gallant actions of family members and our driver Gail (below) that night, we would have lost the lot.”
However, Steven says “with the community in shock through the bushfires, we made the decision to keep the essential business going from 5am till late at night, especially to service the supermarket shoppers. For some people this is their only transport option.”
“I am so grateful to our drivers and support staff in the Bay that continued working at this time.”
Since then it has been difficult for the business to recruit drivers for the 8 vehicles in the fleet. After the fires, drivers had a lot to deal with for themselves.
With the onset of COVID and the short-lived cluster in Batemans Bay, attracting drivers back to work has been demanding.
Steven says “It’s understandable that, as we are all learning to live with the new socially distanced and sanitized conditions of 2020, people may be cautious, but our taxi are sanitized regularly and our drivers wear masks.”
Steven remains upbeat about the services that his traditional taxi service offers.
With the expected influx of holiday makers to the south coast this summer, there will be lots of opportunity for the drivers to make a good income.
The business provides special Fare subsidies for those eligible for TTSS; we are also contracted to the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), Education Department and NDIS.
Batemans Bay Taxis have five maxi-taxis that carry up to 11 passengers each which is perfect for getting to and from weddings, parties, and almost any place you need to move a group around in comfort and safety.
Steven says “These vehicles are purpose built with the latest lifting and anchoring systems to transport disabled and wheelchair bound citizens to the doctors, shopping or even to see friends, all our drivers are registered for working with children and have had police checks.”
Steven says “all our taxis have radios and cameras fitted for safety.”
“We have many repeat clients, who have regular medical trips by taxi”.
“They like to know the drivers and trust them to be on time. Our aim is to provide a pleasant experience when people use our taxi service.”
The business has been a proud support of several sporting clubs and charity organization annually and Steven says “we operate as part of the community.”
The business is still looking for drivers. No cost driver training is provided. Drivers with clean driving and no criminal history can be you earning a good income in about two weeks.
Applicants that currently hold a Public Passenger Vehicle drivers’ approval and or a bus drivers authority card will be strongly considered for the driving roles.
If you would like to know more regarding driving, email batemansbaytaxis@gmail.com or call 0429 422 286.
