Silver Top Back On Line With Upgraded Communications

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

Silver Top back online with upgraded communications

Silver Top Taxis are taking bookings again after fire gutted its
Collingwood communications centre. Technicians worked through the
night to fit out a temporary facility in Mulgrave, restoring services at 6:30
this morning.

The accident forced the early launch of Silver Top's new satellite
dispatch technology, originally slated to be rolled out later this year. The
new system matches pickup addresses with car locations, dispatching
jobs to the nearest taxis.

"The system has been used successfully in other states, but this is a
first for the Victorian taxi industry" said Silver Top's Kevin M. Gange.

"It means faster service for taxi users, and better conditions for drivers".

Before the fire, Silver Top had installed the new dispatch equipment in
1350 of its 2000-strong fleet. The next task will be fitting the remaining
cars as quickly as possible.

"Our drivers and operators are very important to us, and we are working
hard to minimise the inconvenience caused by this unfortunate
accident" said Kevin.

The Collingwood centre housed many irreplaceable relics in the Silver
Top Taxi Museum, collected by the Gange family over 150 years of
involvement with taxis in Victoria. The collection included a horse-drawn
Hansom cab, which Kevin believes can be rebuilt from the surviving
frame.

Staff members are upbeat about Silver Top's future.

"The last 24 hours have proven that Silver Top can take anything fate
throws at us. We're excited by our rebuilding plans, and we are
committed to constantly improving taxi service in Victoria".

-ends-

Contact:
Kevin M. Gange
0418 549 991

SOURCE: Silver Top Taxi