Black Taxis might once again be a familiar sight on the streets of Derry thanks to a local taxi firm.
Derry Taxis have recently acquired a black taxi cab, which it is currently using to give tours of the city.
However, the firm is looking into the possibility of establishing a black taxi route from the Skeoge area into the city centre.
“We still hold the permits for some of the routes are currently investigating the feasibility of a new route,” explained Phil Thompson of Derry Taxis.
“We were thinking of would probably start in the Benview Estate and go to Clon Elagh, Glenabbey, Fernabbey, Cornshell Fields and then the shanty shops.”
Mr Thompson said the service would operate on a ‘shared fare’ basis as the black taxis in Derry did in the past.
“People go through the enjoyment of getting allocated a new house but then they realise they are faced with a £7 fare to go into the city centre,” he explained.
“We see this as something that would complement a bus service.
“The bus isn’t suitable for everyone. If you are on a bus with three children and you can’t get sitting together it’s very difficult.
“A shared fare would be a great help to a lot of people in the community too.”
Derry Taxi’s black hack has already made an impression on visitors to the city.
“We had it parked in Foyle Street there on a Sunday and a number of tourists who came out of the bus station stopped to take pictures,” said Mr Thompson.
The firm is now offering black taxi tours of the city to show all the sites from the comfort of a black cab.
“We work in partnership with Destined and we are always looking for opportunities for sustainable employment and tourism is a growing industry,” Mr Thompson continued.
“We are offering a training to drivers that are interested in taking people on the tour.
“In addition to the off the shelf standard tour we need people that are confident in nature that could take people on bespoke tours.
“People might approach us who are interested in World War I or World War II and we could show them the military infrastructure.
“Or if they were interested in the Christian history of the city we could show them the former monastic settlements at Long Tower or St Augustine’s.”
For more information contact Derry Taxis on 02871260247.
Picture: The launch of the new Black cab at Derry Taxis with Phil Thompson on left, Brian Lyttle (driver) and members of Destined.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.
