Taxis in Tauranga now feature a distinctive blue bubble on their roof, signalling a more efficient and improved service for customers.
Tauranga Mount Taxis, which runs a fleet of 50 cars, has joined a nationwide alliance called Blue Bubble Taxis that sets a new professional standard.
Beth Reece, operations manager for Tauranga
Mount Taxis, said the alliance was the biggest development in the industry since it was deregulated 21 years ago.
"There are now too many companies around and customers have become confused over who the professional operators are," she said.
"Blue Bubble is an identification for quality service, and it allows seven of the industry's leading companies to market their services collectively without sacrificing their corporate independence and local fare structures."
All 1700 drivers in the alliance will carry the same logo and wear the same uniform.
Their cars can't be older than 10 years and the new ones joining the fleet must be low emission hybrids, running on diesel or LPG.
The cars will also have security cameras, and online eftpos and credit card facilities.
Early next year Tauranga Mount Taxis will be using the latest despatch system that tracks all cab movements.
The system also allocates the nearest car to the new job, speeding up service.
"Drivers will do less kilometres, more trips," said Sukhwinder Singh, chairman of Tauranga Mount Taxis.
"It is better service for the customers."
The Blue Bubble operation also allows a customer to take a cab in one city and then have another one booked and waiting on arrival at Tauranga Airport.
Mr Singh said his firm is looking to increase its fleet in the Western Bay next year.
Joining Tauranga in the alliance are Auckland Co-op, Wellington Combined, Blue Star in Christchurch, Dunedin Taxis, Hawke's Bay Combined, and Nelson City Taxis.
