Source: Daily Record
SCOTLAND’S biggest council are giving work to a controversial taxi firm – despite trying to ban them.
Network Private Hire are cashing in on Glasgow City Council cutting more expensive black hackney cab school runs.
The firm, along with Glasgow Private Hire and Hampden Cars, have picked up thousands of new daily fares since the start of term.
In April, the council denied Network an operator’s licence after police claims of links to organised crime.
But as the Springburn firm are appealing the decision, they can continue trading.
Glasgow Taxis, the umbrella firm for the city’s driver-owned black cabs, have lost about 60 per cent of their schools and social work business from the council.
The council have cut the amount of school runs they fund from 2000 to 1400.
A spokesman said Network have increased their share from 50 to 136 runs a day and added: “Network have a contract to provide taxis for council business which pre-dates the licensing committee decision to refuse their booking office a licence.
“This decision is subject to appeal and, therefore, Network are legally entitled to continue trading while that appeal is pending.”
Network have also taken over a £2million Glasgow Taxis contract to take patients to and from city hospitals.
Strathclyde Police said they were disappointed by the decision.
Network claim they were targeted by police because of former business associates when the firm was under different ownership.
A spokesman said: “We are happy to work with the council who, along with other customers, want to deal with an efficient, cost-effective and honest organisation.”
