New app will benefit drivers and customers

AN ANNAN taxi driver hopes the launch of a new app in South West Scotland will improve availability for customers and increase earnings for drivers.

Jamie Nixon has helped bring Carlisle based app Tap A Taxi into the area, becoming the platform’s head of operations.

The 38-year-old former Annan Academy pupil launched Nixon Travel 18 months ago.

He said: “It (Tap A Taxi) is a Carlisle based company which was started by a mother and daughter who couldn’t get a taxi.

“I started only doing airport transfers then I started doing taxis. People were saying they couldn’t get taxis over the phone.

“It’s the same across Dumfries and Galloway. All I hear is – at weekends and at night time, I can’t get a taxi.

“Folk have stopped going out places because they can’t get home. Something like this will definitely enable people to go and do things.

“This (app) is what this area needs. It just makes sense. People come here from all over. They get here and then realise it’s hard to get around.”

The app is free and straightforward for customers to use, while drivers pay a small subscription fee to use the platform.

Jamie’s already managed to get three companies in Annan signed up along with a couple in the Lochmaben and Lockerbie area.

He also added that a wheelchair friendly vehicle would be coming permanently to Annan, and this would be open for all drivers to use.

He added: “I have invited everybody to join this. A notification goes to everybody and whoever wants it can take it.

“The opportunity is better for drivers to earn money and for people to get to where they want to go.”