 IN FOCUS |
by Matthew W. Daus, Esq. |
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DAUS VISITS EUROPE – WARNS OF “ROGUE” APP INVASION: DELIVERS KEYNOTE IN COLOGNE, GERMANY TO THE INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT UNION
I was honored to deliver a keynote speech before the 5th International Taxi Forum held in Cologne, Germany on November 10, 2012. My brief visit to Cologne discovered a quaint and hospitable city with small but efficient taxicabs, many of them being Mercedes. The local custom, as in several cities, is for passengers to sit in the front seat.
While most taxicab drivers spoke only German, they were able to otherwise communicate with hand motions and sparse English insisting every time on buckling up their passenger’s seat belt. While almost all taxicabs I encountered did provide for a credit card option some had primitive “knuckle buster” or handheld swipe models. This cumbersome process could use a make over. The taxicabs are allowed to operate in their very own taxicab lanes on the right side of the road and did not appear to share this privilege with other vehicles.
The Forum was organized by the IRU, the International Road Transport Union, a 54 year old group comprising a global network of national member associations representing the operators of buses, coaches, taxis and trucks, from large fleets to individual owner operators in 73 countries. The IRU functions in the taxi universe is similar to the Taxi, Limousine and Paratransit Association (TLPA) in the U.S., including advocating for the training/educating its members and drivers, and handling a wide array of media and government relations activities to support the industry.
Matthew W. Daus Delivers Keynote in Cologne, Germany to the International Road Transport Union.
Photo: Wim Faber
This well attended educational program was coupled with a full fledged taxi convention along the beautiful Rhine River, and included industry representatives, academics and regulators from:
Austria,
Belgium,
Denmark,
Finland,
France,
Germany,
Greece,
Hungary,
Israel,
Latvia,
Lithuania,
Malta,
the Netherlands,
Norway,
the Russian Federation,
Switzerland,
Turkey,
Ukraine, and
the United Kingdom.
The theme of this year’s IRU conference was “Taxi – Anytime, Anywhere”, and focused extensively on sustainable initiatives and technology. This slogan is not just a conference theme, but has become an organizational slogan expressing the need for taxicabs as an integral part of the public transport chain.
This long term effort is part of the European taxi industry’s commitment to place taxis high on the national, local and regional political agenda as the best alternative to personal motor vehicles and as an intermodal complement. This is, of course, music to my ears, and the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) looks forward to working with the IRU on mutual objectives for many years to come.
The conference was kicked off with cocktails and a buffet along the Rhine River with fantastic charcuterie, sausage, locally brewed German beer and a beautiful view of the main iconic cathedral in Cologne. The next day, a full conference program and trade show convention ensued.
There were many interesting presentations delivered including the results of a very successful ride sharing program by the regulator in Brussels, Belgium, as well as a post mortem transportation review of the Olympics in London, U.K. This review addressed issues surrounding the proper utilization of private vehicles for hire during the events.
One of the most interesting parts of the program included an IRU developed driver training program, somewhat similar to the TLPA’s driver training initiative developed in the U.S. However, the IRU’s curriculum also touches upon unique components such as an “Eco-friendly” component that teaches drivers how to save fuel and help the environment through better driving behavior and other ways.
I delivered a keynote address on smartphone apps and “the right regulatory mix” needed to achieve the goals of technological parity, advancement and accountability. Most European and Middle Eastern attendees seemed generally unaware of the impending onslaught of Apps that had occurred recently in North America. The general message conveyed was one of “regulator and industry beware” and to “be prepared” for what will be an inevitable App invasion.
Certain key infiltrations have taken place in Israel, Moscow and London, but not to the level of usage or competition that is occurring now in the U.S. and Canada. The audience appeared to take the “rogue app” threat very seriously and was very responsive and concerned.
We agreed to share the IATR’s model regulations with the IRU and its members who may seek to implement similar approaches and versions to ensure accountability and safety for apps. Many of these regulators and industry members will be joining the IATR for its annual European joint conference with the Taxi Research Network in Amsterdam on November 29, 2012. I am sure the discussion will be continued and expanded.
Photo: Wim Faber