The new scheme, which started on 9 October, is based on a top up card system that will allow all licensed Hackney carriage drivers in Birmingham access to the station.  By allowing equal access for all drivers, the new scheme will provide a better service for passengers by increasing taxi provision at the station - but the passengers have to pay more.

Taxi drivers can register free of charge for the scheme which will provide a ‘top up card’ to access the station taxi rank.  Each time a taxi picks up a fare at the station, the card will be charged 20p.  This cost will be passed onto the passenger.
   
Peter Leppard, Network Rail Area General Manager said: “More passengers are using New Street than ever before and this scheme will ensure the taxi service at the station can continue to meet this demand.  The scheme complements Network Rail’s plans to transform New Street into a world class station for the city and any profit raised will be reinvested back into the station to improve facilities for passengers.”

Ron Pearson from the Transport and General Workers’ Union and a New Street taxi driver supports the scheme, saying: ” We have long sought free and open access for taxi drivers at the station, which will in turn lead to a more effective, constant and accountable service for the public. The City Council is trying to improve the city’s transport infrastructure for citizens and visitors and this move has the support of many taxi drivers.”

Councillor David Osborne, Chair of Birmingham City Council’s Licensing Committee, added: “By creating a well lit, easy to understand and congestion free environment we believe there will be great benefits for all passengers using the station. The scheme will also play a key role in our on-going plans to transform New Street Station into the modern transport hub which a major international city like Birmingham deserves for the future.”

Other key advantages of the new scheme will include:
• Upgraded lighting to benefit both passengers and taxi drivers
• New CCTV cameras to create a safer environment and reduce the risk of crime
• Hackney carriages contained within areas away from general traffic and pedestrians drop-off areas
• One way system in place on Queens Drive to minimise potential for traffic congestion and accidents.
• Traffic management schemes will ensure ease of access for residents living at the adjoining Stevenson Tower

All licensed Hackney carriage drivers are eligible to apply for an access card which is free of charge. Application forms are available from NCP parking attendants at the station. Previously, access to the New Street Station taxi rank was restricted to members of the Birmingham & Solihull Taxi Association, excluding several hundred other drivers in the city. The new scheme will allow all taxi drivers to pick up fares from the rank, regardless of Association membership.

Drivers can ‘top up’ their cards at pay machines located at the taxi rank in the short stay car park and NCP offices within the long stay car park.

The 20p charge to use the taxi rank will be passed onto passengers. This was agreed by Birmingham City Council’s licensing committee in 2005.