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For-Hire Driver Training . Charles Johnson President Total Contract Solutions, Inc. Regulatory, Training and Contracting Consultants 888.827.8271 www.totalcontractsolutions.com. Regulatory Alternatives for For-Hire Training and Testing. 1. Hands-Off Approach / Problems
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For-Hire Driver Training Charles Johnson President Total Contract Solutions, Inc. Regulatory, Training and Contracting Consultants 888.827.8271 www.totalcontractsolutions.com
Regulatory Alternatives forFor-Hire Training and Testing 1. Hands-Off Approach / Problems • Problems with independent contractor • Problems in medallion markets • Problems with smaller companies and open entry markets • Increased complexity / specialization of training • Need to involve stake-holders (Police, Hotel Motel, etc.) • Consistency • Specialty jurisdictions (e.g., Airports) • Driver Security
Alternatives to hands-off • More detailed regulations but still rely on companies or associations to provide • Company proposes, such as in franchise or permit award via RFPs • Require training programs be approved • Regulatory authority provides training • Regulatory authority outsources
Considerations • Current state • Industry structure • Training of existing drivers? • For-Modes to be included taxicabs, limousines / sedan services, special needs transportation vehicles, contract vehicles, touring companies (vehicle / walking), pedicabs, horse-drawn carriages . . . • Modules to be included • Stakeholders to be included government, regulators, police, drivers, companies, visitors and convention bureaus, hotel / motel groups, disabled groups, transit, general customer . . .
Case Study: Charlotte, NC • Fragmented / Nearly Open Entry Market • Large Scale Problems with Service • Driver Qualifications • Large Number of Existing Drivers • High Rates of Driver Ordinance Violations Due to Ignorance of Requirements • New Ordinance Requirements and Ongoing Changes • Robbery and Murder of Drivers • High Turnover
RFP Process • Ordinance to Attend Approved Training Program • Modules and Length Decisions • RFP for Training Program Design and Delivery • Involvement of Community College • Proposals Received • Contract Executed with One Firm, One-Year with Year Option • Minimum / Maximum Class Size Issues • (Especially with driver security, disabled training, etc.)
Modules • Vehicle for Hire Ordinance • Airport Procedures • Map Reading and Routing, Navigational Tools • Knowing and Appreciating the Area • Customer Service Skills • Assisting Customers With Disabilities • Safe and Defensive Driving / Vehicle Inspection • Business Management • Driver Security and Crime / Public Safety • Review, Course Evaluation and Testing
Other Potential Modules • English as a Second Language • Additional Driving Safety • Anti-Terrorism • Vehicle Specific Training • More Advanced Disability Assistance • Limousine / Chauffer Training • First Aid
More on Considerations • Testing and test cut-offs • Driver acceptance / legitimacy • Control • Mixing Modes / Module Methods • Company Specific Training and Additional Training Availability Made Explicit • Delivery Approaches / Professionalism / Instructors • Stakeholders • Evaluation • Continuous Updating
Driver Security Module Excerpts © Total Contract Solutions, Inc. www.totalcontractsolutions.com 888.827.8271
Overview • Crime prevention examples • Single most important safety feature? • Taxicab drivers 60 more times likely • Murdered • Assaulted • Attractions • Alone • Carrying cash • All areas, day and night
Recognizing “problem” fares • Most prevalent profile • Young males • Untraceable pickup address • Vague destination • Standing in the shadows? • How are they dressed? • Known gang “colors”?
30-40 Street Gangs • Kings • Colors • bandana (do rags) • Run with the Queens (female gang) • Same colors • Crips • Colors • Bloods • Colors • Ages • Locations
Local Gangs • MS-13 • SUR-13 • Los Homies • 42nd Street Little Criminals (42LC) • Destroy Everything In-Sight (DEI)
Street Gang Identifiers • Matching items • Caps, bandanas, shoe laces • Belts . . . • Hats, jewelry, clothes all left or right • Specific sports logo apparel • Shirts & pants • Also popular with non gang bangers • Often “tag” their turf
Setting the Stage • Planning ahead • Minimum change stickers • Don’t display . . . • Theatrical manifest • Having a good day? • Nice watch!
Evaluation • Scan the area • Loitering • Make eye contact • Up to no good? • Got a feeling?
Escalating Duress Codes • Convey seriousness of the situation • Lower level – prevention • Higher level – help • If responding • Be visible • Stay out of it • Report in
Developing Duress Codes • Dispatcher first like of defense • Need detailed procedure • Know your part • Help available • Practice (drivers and dispatchers)
Dealing with a problem • Calling the dispatcher • Importance of Duress Codes / Procedures • Stop the car • Give it up • Look for an opening to escape • Avoid remote destinations • Vehicle maneuvers
Cabs on Patrol • Report Crimes in Progress • Report suspicious situations • Report traffic collisions • Locate sponsors • Post stickers • Participate
Security Cameras • Digital, no film • Continuous loop • Only downloaded at driver’s request • Several available • Photos encrypted • Download software to PD only • Cost / Where
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) • Locates vehicle via satellite triangulation • Several systems available • Dispatch Systems • DDS • Others • Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) • Onstar
Safety shields • Discourages assault from rear seat – not around window • Reduces communication w/customer • Increases likelihood of rider injury • Mandated in several cities • Several Manufacturers • Taxicabpartitions.com
Dangerous Questions • Having a good day? • Got change for a fifty? • Ever been robbed? • Develop stock answers • Plan ahead • Don’t let your guard down
How, why and where to keep your money • Don’t keep large amounts of cash • Make night deposits/ATM deposits • Never expose your money • Keep large bills separate • Don’t carry credit/debit cards unless used • Carry only ID necessary
Unease • Trust your instincts • Listen to your subconscious • Try to determine source of unease • Use low level duress codes • Stay alert
The value of eye contact • Pay attention to customers • Read body language • Do they avoid eye contact?
The perils of crack & crack runs • Usually round trips • Destination suspicious area • Wait around the corner • Hey, there’s my brother • What crack has done for the industry • Cheap, Short Lasting, Addictive
What OSHA Recommends • GPS for all vehicles • Caller ID on all calls • Cameras or shields • Protocol with police • Safety training for drivers • Silent alarms • Use of credit/debit cards
N.C. Concealed Weapon Law • Must obtain a permit • Only where allowed • Must display the permit and proper ID • List of unauthorized carry sites • Contact local Sheriff • Reciprocity
Handguns In Vehicles • Must have a permit • May carry if not concealed • No convicted felons • Unlawful • Glove compartment • Under seat • In console
What can be considered a “weapon”? • Device designed to inflict serious injury • Knife over 3 ½ inches • Firearm • Explosives • Tire tool • Article not normally found in car