The utopia you recall never existed, Paul. Folk didn't flag taxis down a whole lot before roof signs were introduced in the 70s. Phoning for a cab was the norm - not that taxi use was normal - back then. As a taxi culture developed through the 80s/90s taxi and hackney bases sprung up in the suburbs developing radio work in line with increased street work. However, there has been a huge shift to app ordering in recent times, particularly in the suburbs. Ten years ago I could easily work the suburbs without any app or radio, that's not an option now. I'd have to work the city to make ends meet without accepting app work. Now that mytaxi allows us charge full fare - and riders are happy to pay it - I don't see any great issue, although I would prefer not to be as dependent on a commercial dispatch firm as I am.
TTnH has supported and promoted various apps over the years. Initially it was in Hail0's corner but various factors such as withdrawal of PUC saw it switch allegiance to cab:app, which it still promotes. Hence I don't see it agreeing with your suggested boycott of all firms. Furthermore, removing the pick up service would discommode our customers and would strengthen the case for rideshare and such like. In an ideal world, NTA would provide the eHail infrastructure. The unions should have listened to me 5 years ago and supported that objective instead of seeking to line their own pockets by supporting commercial firms. However, there are still some active proponents of the co-op model e.g. Whistle and Eircab who may provide drivers with a non-commercial option going forward. Similarly, other commercial players such as Flag may bring much needed competition to the PPJ dispatch market
