As a way of ensuring that the public are aware when they are using the services of a local taxi driver, Athlone Taxi Federation has launched what they are calling their ‘shop local’ initiative.
The campaign takes the form of stickers bearing the words ‘Athlone Taxi Federation’ and the town’s coat of arms, which will be affixed to the cars of members of the Athlone Taxi Federation.
The idea is the brainchild of the federation’s six-member working committee, set up recently when Derek Chambers took over the chairmanship of the organisation.
“The stickers are a way to distinguish those drivers who live and work in the town, from those who are just coming into town whenever they please. We can’t put signs on the taxi roof or anything like that, but we can put these in our windows,” said Mr Chambers.
“It is our own ‘shop local’ initiative, to support the local drivers and encourage people to be aware of non-local drivers.”
Since becoming chairperson of the Athlone Taxi Federation, Mr Chambers has been focusing on ensuring that membership of the federation is on a more official footing, and on ratifying a new constitution drafted by the working committee.
