Are we not repeating past mistakes?
Prioritising radio work for corporates, allowed PH and non PH touting to be turned a blind eye to by the authorities, as all they wanted was the streets emptied after closing time. A practise that alienated the very customer base we did the KOL for.
Of course we are all running a 'micro business' and if you decide to offer free waiting time and give someone else a significant slice of your takings that's entirely your affair. But maybe you should think about your place in the race to the bottom, because as someone once said:
"There is nothing in this world, someone else cannot do a little less well or a little cheaper".
The meter and the ability to ply for hire are there to protect both the public and your livelihood. Once the trade starts muddying the waters, it give succour to our opposition who campaign daily to chisel away at these rights for the sweatshop they run.
The law commission and the deregulation fanatics are also on the case.
We don't want to try and defend a position we have effectively undermined, by not offering to service the very people who rely on it.
Still it's only my opinion and we must not let long term interest ever overrule short term gain, after all it is the cab trade! (Irony)
I'm Spartacus.