Problem Description of Taxi Company
Even though the job of the taxi tis seen to be simple in the theory of driver picking up the passengers, it has various challenges, which makes it difficult to operate. These challenges are the same across the globe, whether the companies are located in developed or developing countries. First of all, the owners of taxis want to maximize profits while using the minimum resources available. Therefore, they direct the pressure of profit-making towards their employees (drivers) who have to meet the daily target despite this job being unpredictable. That aspect of this job relying on the third part (clients) brings out the real challenge of working in the taxi company. Some of the other related problems which come with the nature of working in a taxi company include;
Unreliable Pay
It is known that taxi drivers do not earn regular pay since they are paid depending on the number of fares they get. It is an aspect that makes them strive to get as many tickets as possible, a concern that is beyond their control. In English speaking countries, the taxi driver has to spend between 30.0% – 60.0% of their time unoccupied as they wait for taxi rank for passengers (Husain, Mohamad, & Idris, 2019). It is a system where drivers wait for the phone call for passenger booking, and sometimes, they have to drive around looking for clients. It is an unreliable method of working as many taxis are seen in significant cities roaming around airports, the train stations, and nightlife pubs.
Safety
Over the years, taxi drivers have been victims of the crime frequently than the average person due to the nature of their work. The late-night working hours may attract people with evil motives and drag the employees (drivers) into serious problems (Geldenhuys, 2019). The issues of fare evasion, together with robbery, are common. In certain cities, drivers become the victims of violence and also car theft scenarios, and at some point, it reaches a point of being murdered.
Long working hours with Limited movement
It is noted that taxi driving is among selected few tasks which have long working hours. If drivers work for a long time without getting enough rest, they can develop fatigue, which will affect their health patterns. Also, having in the same sitting position for long hours together with their diet of fast-moving foods can have greater adverse effects on their health situations.
The remedies to the problems
Even though the taxi company is faced with a lot of challenges, which makes it challenging to run, it also records substantial profits if it is only appropriately managed. There are certain concerns which need to be focused while operating in a taxi company to help in solving these challenges.
What taxi company should do?
- On the issue of unpredictability, a company should research likely places of having a higher number of clients. It is a report which can quickly found through studying the population of an area and its travel history and then use logistics to determine whether the place is suitable for erecting taxi-related services
- About the safety of the employees, the company could use the technology of tracking the vehicle and also monitoring the nature of talks between the customers and employees (Chen, 2018). Also, it is advisable not to offer the services further away from city centers to improve drivers’ safety.
- About working hours, the company should have a schedule of work whereby drivers should be allocated 8 -12 hours per schedule. It is an aspect that will allow drivers to have enough rest, and the health challenges will be avoided.