Route Planning

Transporting Passengersby Taxi and Private Hire: 

Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire Unit 6 Topography and Route Planning

Unit Outcomes: 

Unit Outcomes Identify and select appropriate maps for route planning Interpret maps and use them to identify topographical features and appropriate routes Explain how to carry out detailed planning of routes and timings

Session titles: 

Session titles Maps Interpret maps Routes and timings

Session 1 - Maps: 

Session 1 - Maps Introduction Importance of maps Types of maps Sources of maps

Introduction: 

Introduction The passenger transport industry is one of the largest and most important employers of labour in the country. In this overcrowded island it carries passengers by road, rail and air. It is highly regulated and competitive, with customers eager for highly efficient services are reasonable and fair prices. A very important part of this service is delivering the customer to his or her destination by the most efficient and recognised route available. This requires the driver to have the topographical and route planning skills to undertake a safe and comfortable journey at a fair and reasonable price.

Importance of topographical knowledge: 

Importance of topographical knowledge A condition of licence for many drivers is local street knowledge involving the ability to read and understand maps. This is commonly termed the ‘knowledge test’ and may include – map reading ability route selection (local) route selection (long distance) general topography

Importance of topographical knowledge: 

Importance of topographical knowledge Good topographical knowledge has important benefits such as – accuracy – the customer’s expectations are met in terms of the fare charged reducing or avoiding complaints regarding overcharging and poor timekeeping by using circuitous routes knowing where you are and where you have to get to, which assists the controllers in maintaining good efficiency levels maintenance of a high quality service

Types of maps: 

Types of maps Map reading is an essential skill for passenger transport drivers. The selection of maps available for drivers is many and varied but most take their details from the Ordnance Survey. The types of maps required by drivers will reflect the type of work undertaken but taxi and private hire drivers will normally use – Town and city maps (e.g. A-Z) Tourist maps Road atlas Note - Tourist street maps generally lack some of the detail you would find in A–Z or AA maps

Types of maps: 

Types of maps Internet map found by typing in a post code

Types of maps: 

Types of maps

Types of maps: 

Types of maps Real time positioning updates using GPS technology Tracking vehicle movements is essential for controllers and dispatchers.

Types of maps: 

Types of maps The Road Atlas or route planner is usually kept for use by a driver who is hired to carry a passenger a considerable distance from his or her normal working environment.

Sources of maps: 

Sources of maps Maps are available from a wide range of outlets and the most commonly available are produced by – Ordnance Survey Geographers’ A-Z Map Company AA In addition, computer-based programs (e.g Autoroute) and internet sites (e.g. Multimap) provide search, map and route planning facilities.

Check your knowledge: 

Check your knowledge That completes Session 1 for this unit. Review the session and check your understanding before moving on to Session 2.

Session 2 – Interpret maps: 

Session 2 – Interpret maps Map symbols and topographical detail Pinpointing locations Scales and mileage charts

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail Most maps have symbols and topographical detail designed to assist the driver in route planning and determining a location. These symbols and topographical details will be found in the front of maps and given one of the following terms – Legend Key Reference

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail Ordnance Survey will usually show road details as –

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail Examples of modern colour grading of roads such as A-Z and the AA include – Blue – motorway Green – primary road Amber/red – A road Yellow – B road White – Other road White with red or blue arrows – one way street Grey brick or pink – pedestrian area

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail Examples of commonly used transport symbols

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail Examples of commonly used transport symbols

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail Examples of common logistical drop-off and pick-up points

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail Common symbols found on tourist maps

Map symbols andtopographical detail: 

Map symbols and topographical detail Examples of general features

Pinpointing locations: 

Pinpointing locations Drivers can narrow their search for a destination by using a gazetteer with a street index and map grid references. Grid references will be found in alphabetical order at the rear of the map booklet and will be either 2, 4 or 6 figure references. A-Z and the AA town maps are usually 2 figure references. Where more accurate positioning is required on larger maps, 4 and 6 figure references are used.

Pinpointing locations: 

Pinpointing locations To pinpoint a location on a map you must have a place name so you can search the alphabetical index. For example, to find Acorn Place – Street index Abbots Way Lin 36 D4 Able Av. Lin 37 E5 Acorn Av. Lin 42 C4 Acorn Pl. Lin 42 C3 Beech Rd. Lin 56 A2 Using the town map, the grid reference for Acorn Place is 42 C3 – 42 is the page number C3 is the grid reference

Pinpointing locations: 

Pinpointing locations Using 4 and 6 figure references gives greater accuracy in finding locations. 5 Acorn Place would be found more easily if the grid reference was C6 33. Within the red square (from the previous slide) you can pinpoint the address more accurately by using a 4 figure reference.

Pinpointing locations: 

Pinpointing locations Using this map, what is the name of the road with the grid reference d3?

Scales and mileage charts: 

Scales and mileage charts Most good maps have scales indicating the ratio of inches to miles or centimetres to kilometres which can be used to calculate mileage and the estimated timings of journeys. Examples of scales used are – Landranger tourist map 1:50 000 or 2cm to 1km A-Z Street atlas 1:15 841 or 4ins to 1 mile (6.3cm to 1km) AA Street by Street map 1:15 000 or 4.2in to 1 mile (6.6cm to 1Km)

Scales and mileage charts: 

Scales and mileage charts Scales can be calculated and a simple chart devised to inform drivers of the general distances involved when using the map.

Scales and mileage charts: 

Scales and mileage charts Road maps based on the Ordnance Survey will give drivers accurate mileage distances between junctions and intersections. In this example, the mileage between Place A and Place B is 24 miles.

Scales and mileage charts: 

Scales and mileage charts Distance charts are useful for drivers who are devising a route plan for undertaking medium to long distance travel hire. In this example, Birmingham to Bristol is 88 miles. Journey times will vary depending on volumes of traffic, weather and road conditions.

Check your knowledge: 

Check your knowledge That completes Session 2 for this unit. Review the session and check your understanding before moving on to Session 3.

Session 3 – Routes and timings: 

Session 3 – Routes and timings Communications Effective planning Timings

Communications: 

Communications The lone taxi driver (independent) who operates the streets and ranks, and has no external communication links, will require –

Communications: 

Communications Most companies will operate a closed circuit radio operation with dispatchers relaying addresses and directions to the drivers. This system is – This system requires trust and impartiality from controllers and dispatchers to ensure all drivers receive their fair share of the work.

Communications: 

Communications Private mobile radios (PMRs) are two-way radios fitted to taxi and private hire fleets. The power of the radio will determine range, with vehicle mounted types usually 25 Watts.

Communications: 

Communications CTCSS, or its digital equivalent DCS, is now a standard feature on most radios. This is sometimes called a ‘private line’ and works as follows – The CTCSS tone is carried along with your voice by a radio signal The receiving radio is tuned to the same frequency as the transmitter If the appropriate tone is present, the message is allowed through to be heard It offers up to 38 tones (38 drivers) on a single frequency.

Communications: 

Communications Radio use during driving is permitted but must comply with safety legislation regarding due care and attention. Microphones are exempt. Some radios will have a Vehicle Identification number which can be activated by pressing a button on the radio or microphone to alert the operator as to the whereabouts of the vehicle. This reduces call times and speeds up the booking process.

Communications: 

Communications Data heads are fitted to vehicles to convey messages to the driver through an LCD panel. The data head can perform a number of functions. The company or the driver can select the most appropriate data head for the business function. Drivers can operate between the radio and the data head.

Communications: 

Communications Using GPS and a modern data unit, vehicles can be located within 40ft. The driver is able to interrogate the data head for – position in queue position in the sub-area (town divided into sub areas) number of taxis operating in any area general messages jobs waiting to be dispatched

Communications: 

Communications GPS technology gives dispatchers the crucial knowledge necessary to respond quickly to customers’ requirements. Directing the nearest taxi or private hire vehicle to the customer is easier if the dispatcher knows exactly where the vehicles are.

Communications: 

Communications Private hire drivers may return to the operator’s office to await the next job. However, the driver can be contacted by the controller en route back to the office and directed to another job.

Communications: 

Communications A private hire operator or taxi company can invest in a fully integrated computed facility incorporating features such as – GPS (global positioning satellite) tracking facility computerised booking data and radio dispatch (data quieter than voice messaging) predictive plotting of vehicle speeds and movements auto-book and call-back facilities card payment system and printer

Communications: 

Communications Auto-book is a feature on modern computerised communication systems that allows customers to book a taxi or private hire vehicle without having to speak to an operator. This service is ideal for – regular customers such as pubs, clubs, hotels and corporate accounts freeing up operators at peak times responding to all customers who call

Communications: 

Communications Call-back facilities on modern computerised booking systems provide a personal service to the customer.

Communications: 

Communications The advantages of call-back facilities are that they – speed up operations by reducing waiting times offer a bespoke service for customers assist in reducing the number of ‘no jobs’ increase security for drivers (for example, high rise flats and high risk areas)

Communications: 

Communications Fully or part computerised systems offer large taxi and private hire companies an effective means of delivering a fast and efficient service. Some of the features are – Telephone number displayed on incoming calls Address details taken Job details immediately transferred to nearest taxi or private hire vehicle via the data head Call-back facility activated by driver Message relayed to customer that the vehicle has arrived and is waiting

Communications: 

Communications Modern technology facilitates efficient booking and payment systems.

Communications: 

Communications The taximeter can form an integral part of the computerised system with peripheral facilities for – card swipe acceptance of credit and debit cards full line authorisation in less than 15 seconds printing of receipts

Communications: 

Communications Taximeter and peripherals Note the ‘smart roof’ FOR HIRE sign and the memory storage key for tracking and downloading previous work.

Communications: 

Communications Electronic taximeters store the tariff structure electronically. This structure usually holds a number of tariffs for operational use, including – Tariff one – 6am to 11pm, day tariff Tariff two – 11pm to 6am, night tariff, bank holidays and perhaps Sunday Tariff three – Christmas and New Year holidays Tariff four plus – multi-seat vehicles etc Extras – e.g. luggage charges

Communications: 

Communications Electronic taximeters are usually calendar controlled by programming the tariffs, clock times and calendar dates into the memory chip of the taximeter. The electronic input of the tariff details etc is carried out by the taximeter company. All taximeters must be secure and tamperproof.

Communications: 

Communications Private hire drivers very often have their fares negotiated before the hiring period begins. Prices are usually set by the operator on their own company tariff sheet (displayed in the vehicle) or a scale of charges displayed in the vehicle or operator’s office. Private hire vehicles can also fit taximeters so passengers can view their fare as the journey progresses. If a taximeter is fitted, the fare displayed is the fare that must be charged.

Effective planning: 

Effective planning Local licensing conditions will inform the taxi driver as to the parameters of his or her operation. This will be the Local Licensing Boundary. Within the boundary the tariff sheet and meter will dictate the fare charge. The taxi driver must know the boundaries of operation and ignorance of those boundaries is not an excuse.

Effective planning: 

Effective planning Where a taxi driver is asked by a prospective customer to travel outside the county or district boundary, certain licence conditions apply – the customer has the right to ask for the taximeter to be switched on and the charge calculated from the meter the taxi driver and customer can negotiate a fare which is lower than the likely fare charged by the meter (the meter can then be switched off) the taxi driver has to return forthwith from the drop-off point the driver cannot ply for hire or loiter in anticipation of a return fare in another licensing area

Effective planning: 

Effective planning Roadworks and diversions are commonplace in all towns and cities. Delays and hold-ups for customers can increase The taxi/private hire legislation states that the passenger must be taken by the most direct route. That may mean the driver has to negotiate through roadworks and known traffic hold-ups.

Timings: 

Timings Conscientious drivers will take anticipated hold-ups into consideration. As a measure of good service, the driver will inform the customer of anticipated hold-ups and suggest an alternative route. If the customer agrees, the driver now has the authority to progress by an alternative route.

Timings: 

Timings The private hire operator does not have to quote or contract to take the most direct route. The fares are normally based on post code addresses with carefully timed distances to ensure that – they are competitive with other operators they give value for money they give a clear indication to the customer of the duration of the journey any contingencies (e.g. hold-ups) are brought into the equation before the journey starts

Timings: 

Timings Timings of journeys can alter drastically as a result of Therefore drivers should keep customers and base informed of changing conditions and timings. It is always good customer service to provide an estimate of possible journey time.

Timings: 

Timings The taximeter is a safeguard for the customer to ensure that overcharging does not take place. Where the normal times have been exceeded by a substantial margin, the taxi driver can (if he or she wishes) reduce the fare for the customer. This reduction in the fare is legal and would be designed as a goodwill gesture towards the customer.

Timings: 

Timings When timings go wrong, pressure can be exerted on the driver to make up for lost time, especially if another hire has been arranged. The consequences of speeding or driving without due care and attention can lead to – speeding fines high insurance costs loss of driver’s licence loss of livelihood

Timings: 

Timings Drivers should be able to calculate approximate timings of journeys by knowing average speed and distance to travel. For example, a journey of 30 miles at 30 mph will take 60 minutes. If the journey is extended to 40 miles at 30 mph, how long will the journey take? 40 x 60 = 1 hour 20 minutes 30

Timings: 

Timings If a vehicle travels at an average speed of 10mph, how long will it take to travel 5 miles? 10 miles in 60 minutes 1 mile in 6 minutes 5 miles in 30 minutes If the same vehicle’s speed is reduced to 6mph, how long will the journey take? 40 minutes 50 minutes 1 hour 10 minutes 2 hours

Timings: 

Timings In summary, modern technology has made the taxi and private hire industry a very important sector of passenger transportation. It is responsive, efficient and reliable, providing clean modern vehicles adapted for all passengers who require a safe and comfortable journey. Coupled with good customer service at fair and reasonable prices, taxis and private hire vehicles are still the first choice of transport for the majority of UK passengers.

Check your knowledge: 

Check your knowledge Review the session and check your understanding Complete the exercises provided and check their accuracy with the tutor Obtain feedback on your progress and develop an action plan for the next stage

Transporting Passengersby Taxi and Private Hire: 

Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire We hope you enjoyed your training sessions on Topography and Route Planning. We look forward to meeting you again for the next unit in this qualification.