Companies run into operational problems, clients are dissatisfied.
Within Taxi and Healthcare transport, staff is needed throughout the Netherlands. Problems still arise every day because of insufficient taxi staff. In order to draw the attention of suitable candidates to vacancies, the Mobility Fund launched an appealing online marketing campaign in September with the slogan 'rut? Become a driver!'. A campaign that has not gone unnoticed and could even count on within the House of Representatives thanks to its slogan attention.
Finding staff is difficult, but also keeping staff motivated. In the last issue of The Taxi newspaper Henk van Gelderen falls straight to the point. “The staff shortage in the sector has never been greater,” said the director of Social Fund Mobility. Diane Begeman, owner of Taxi Steen in Ommen, also has her reservations about the LWT for student transport, patient transport and transport for the elderly and disabled.
"Anyone who wants to become a driver generally wants to get started right away. And that is precisely the problem."
Applying for the inspection and the VOG can easily take a week or two. Then you send them to Kiwa. You will then be sent a temporary pass. You will soon be four weeks further, and only then can the driver enter the car or van. By that time, Begemans experience, some aspiring drivers have dropped out. “This has happened to us three times in the past eight months. Such a shame. If people are enthusiastic, you shouldn't keep them waiting," says Begeman.
“I would like to say to clients: look around you. There are shortages everywhere. Waiting times are increasing, also at municipalities, the CBR does not fulfill its obligations, there are problems at Schiphol, just give us some air. We are really dealing with force majeure. Think about solutions with us. For example, track temporary driving. Of course it is annoying if seniors are picked up an hour later than usual, but then we can take them to day care.”
Working as a taxi driver as a taxi driver is only allowed if you have a driver card (previously called a driver card). You can request this from Kiwa Register. To apply for this, you must have a driving license B, a Certificate of Good Conduct for taxi drivers, a recognized taxi driver diploma and a taxi medical certificate.
Before you can apply for the full taxi driver card, you must obtain the taxi driver diploma from the CBR, among others. If you have obtained this diploma and meet the other conditions, you can apply for the driver card. But beware, before you have the driver's diploma in your pocket, you must first take two exams. An exam Taxi competence theory and an exam Taxi competence practice complete.
The Taxi newspaper
In the Taxikrant you can read the latest news about the taxi industry. For example, about changes in the collective labor agreement for taxi transport and activities of the Social Fund for Mobility. Employees of taxi companies speak for themselves in the newspaper and share their experiences. De Taxikrant is published twice a year. All employees in the taxi industry receive the newspaper at home.
