Taxi Driver training gives city tourism a boost

A group of York taxi drivers were praised by Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York, for their important contribution to tourism in the city at a special event at
York College. The taxi drivers were presented with certificates for successfully achieving the Level 2 Road Passenger Vehicle Driving (Taxi and Private Hire) qualification which is largely based around customer service skills.

Gillian said: “Everyone has a role to play in welcoming York’s seven million visitors to the city and none more so than York’s taxi drivers. The impact of a first impression is so important and we’re delighted to congratulate the taxi drivers in York for embracing these training programmes with open arms and ensuring York’s visitor welcome really is first class.”

Taxi driver Wayne Glaister commented: “ I have enjoyed the course and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of new knowledge that I have acquired. The course was informative and delivered in an interesting way that more than held my attention.”

Director of GAP Training Maggie Geraghty comments: “GAP Training has worked with York College to provide training to the taxi and private hire industry in York since 2008. The partnership has been extremely successful with over 200 York drivers achieving a recognised qualification. We are extremely proud of the part we have played in delivering this training to the City's taxi and private hire drivers who have benefited from the opportunity to polish their skills and ultimately, provide an enhanced service to both tourists and residents.”

Over the last three years nearly 400 taxi drivers in York and the wider region have undertaken this course of study.