Welcome to Dragon Taxis
Dragon Taxis was formed in 1986. Initially premises were set up in the Stow Hill Labour club, but nearly twenty years and two relocations later, their numbers have swelled more than forty-fold and they are now the largest fleet in the county.
The business is now located at Newport Railway Station and has secured an exclusive franchise for operating the taxi rank there. The company has gone from strength to strength over the years and the range of services provided has expanded. Dragon Taxis not only provide a dependable and punctual taxi service but also undertake parcel deliveries, and provide uniformed chauffeur driven vehicles upon request. Up to 16 seater vehicles are also available, ideal for journeys to and from the airport.
As the number of driver numbers has increased, it became clear that the standard system of radio communication by voice was becoming more and more inefficient. So the business invested in a computerised system that now dispatches 99.8% of the work via a data link to each car. This system, supplied by Auriga Communications of Markyate near Hemel Hempstead, has greatly improved the operation, which is now capable of processing over 900 jobs per hour. And the satellite location system has further increased efficiency by continuously pinpointing the position of each car.
The fleet is distinctive, each vehicle bearing the Dragon Taxis logo on the doors, and for those cars that are Hackney licensed, yellow roof signs. Drivers are actively encouraged to wear collar and tie and to keep their vehicles clean and tidy. All journeys are undertaken, long or short. In fact the longest journey so far in the company's history was to France - wait and return!
Tom Lavender, one of the partners at Dragon Taxis, says that the taxi trade is changing all the time. "We intend to meet the increasing demands of Newport's business community by providing a more efficient service".
It has taken a great deal of hard work for the business to reach its present position. The partners and the drivers are grateful for the continued support from several local businesses in attaining this position. In particular: Contact Communications, George Ford Motor Factors and Trew and Reece Motors have all provided services vital to the company's survival.
As the number of driver numbers has increased, it became clear that the standard system of radio communication by voice was becoming more and more inefficient. So the business invested in a computerised system that now dispatches 99.8% of the work via a data link to each car. This system, supplied by Auriga Communications of Markyate near Hemel Hempstead, has greatly improved the operation, which is now capable of processing over 900 jobs per hour. And the satellite location system has further increased efficiency by continuously pinpointing the position of each car.
The fleet is distinctive, each vehicle bearing the Dragon Taxis logo on the doors, and for those cars that are Hackney licensed, yellow roof signs. Drivers are actively encouraged to wear collar and tie and to keep their vehicles clean and tidy. All journeys are undertaken, long or short. In fact the longest journey so far in the company's history was to France - wait and return!
Tom Lavender, one of the partners at Dragon Taxis, says that the taxi trade is changing all the time. "We intend to meet the increasing demands of Newport's business community by providing a more efficient service".
It has taken a great deal of hard work for the business to reach its present position. The partners and the drivers are grateful for the continued support from several local businesses in attaining this position. In particular: Contact Communications, George Ford Motor Factors and Trew and Reece Motors have all provided services vital to the company's survival.
