 Left to Right: Stephen Long, WBTA; Carolyn Stewart, U105.8fm; Vincent McIvor, Europa General. Belfast’s and Ireland’s first ‘Taxi Driver of the Year’ competition was launched today by U105.8FM’s Carolyn Stewart. The well known Ulster presenter urged Belfast’s cabbies and taxi drivers to make sure their vehicles were in top shape to ensure they’re in the running for first prize. The winner will bag £1000 worth of fuel vouchers sponsored by local insurer Europa General. The prize for the runner-up is a 50% discount on a Europa General insurance premium. The competition, run by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, is also being sponsored by media partner U105.8FM. Local taxi and tour operator West Belfast Taxis have also given their endorsement. Speaking at the launch, Carolyn Stewart from U105.8FM said: “Everyone knows that taxi drivers are some of our city’s most colourful characters and we want them to take pride in the fact that they can be brilliant ambassadors for Belfast. This competition, the first of its kind in Ireland, is designed to recognise and reward those drivers who provide world class customer service and I would encourage taxi drivers across Belfast to make sure their taxis are in top nick for the competition.” Vincent McIvor, Europa General said: “Europa General is proud to sponsor this competition which will recognise the high standards we have all come to know and expect from Belfast’s taxi drivers. Transporting everyone from tourists to toddlers, taxi drivers play an important role in the everyday life of the city. As a firm with strong connections to the city, and to the taxi industry, we at Europa General are happy to support the competition and I look forward to meeting the winners.” Stephen Long, West Belfast Taxis said: “As one of the main public transport operators in the city, through our taxis and tours, we are delighted to support this competition and will be urging all our drivers to ensure their standards are top class. We encourage all taxi firms in Belfast to get involved and ensure their passengers can nominate their top taxi driver.” The Taxi Driver of the Year competition runs from October 6th until 12th December and the winner and runner-up will be announced on the 19th December. Passengers will be able to nominate their favourite driver by filling in a nomination available in taxis across the city. Forms are also available from BCCM offices. In conjunction with the competition U105 will run a ‘Tune into Win Competition for Taxi Drivers’ and a ‘Top Taxi Trivia Quiz’ with prizes for taxi drivers listening in. |
The award will be open to all private, public and black taxi drivers with the overall winner to be decided by the passengers. Each driver participating in the scheme will be provided with nomination forms which passengers can use to nominate them for a grand prize of £1000 worth of petrol, and with the runner-up receiving 50% off their taxi insurance courtesy of Europa General. 