Taxi butler service launched in Inverness
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FESTIVE revellers are now able to get their car driven home for them so they don’t risk getting behind the wheel after a night out.
Inverness Taxis has launched a new “Butler Service” that will allow members of the public to hand over their keys and have their vehicle driven safely to their home.
And if the new Christmas service is a success, the firm could make it permanent.
The firm’s owner, Gavin Johnstone, said: “It’s something we have been thinking about for quite some time, especially with the new lower drink-driving limits in Scotland where it can be difficult to know if you’re safe to drive, even the morning after.
“We’ve called it the butler service because it’s totally tailored to the individual.
“If you get caught up and you feel you don’t want to risk taking the car home or go for it the next morning we can do it for you.
“You just give us your keys and we’ll send two drivers out – one to drive your car and the other to bring them back when it’s been delivered right to your front door.
“We will have it back to you by 6am the next morning.”
Mr Johnstone said the Inverness Taxis drivers who will be used to provide the service are fully insured for driving vehicles valued up to £50,000 and all are experienced and over 30 years of age.
“We’ve launched it here and also in Aberdeen over Christmas and if the take-up is great enough we’ll certainly continue it after that,” he said.
Mr Johnstone said the scheme is part and parcel of the company’s drive to provide the public with what they want – namely convenience.
And as part of this drive the company also recently joined the Urpal app that provides details of accommodation and events across Inverness and the Highlands.
“When people are paying for a service they want things to be as easy as possible for them, which is completely understandable,” he said.
“Through the app people can book taxis and pay for them online and also get quotes for journeys so they know what they’re paying up front.
“I think people like the transparent nature of that, especially when they’re going on a longer, less familiar journey.”
