Australia’s largest taxi company, 13cabs, is recruiting an army of Baby Boomers to help with a severe shortage of Drivers in Perth.

 

13cabs Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Overell, said demand for 13cabs in Western Australia was increasing because of disillusionment with rideshare companies over cancellations and surge pricing.

 

“Demand for our services is definitely there, which is a great position to be in. We are seeing increased demand for our 13cabs app where you can lock in a price guarantee and know the price of the trip before you ride,” he said.

 

Mr Overell said 13cabs research showed there was a big market for Baby Boomers seeking a part-time job, many of whom had lost their job or were looking for more flexibility since the COVID pandemic.

 

“As well, with Australia’s borders opening we are encouraging international students who hold a full driver’s licence to get behind the wheel of a cab,” he said.

 

Mr Overell said many of their new passengers were previously rideshare users, who were sick of being charged extra at peak times and having bookings cancelled repeatedly.

 

He said those passengers were also sick of not being able to call anyone to talk to an operator about their booking or to retrieve lost property.

 

“There is no doubt people are moving to 13cabs,” Mr Overell said.

 

13cabs is offering special induction sessions for Baby Boomers. The company is also holding a series of Open Days in Perth for people keen to become Drivers over the next few months.

 

13cabs has appointed Rohit Bhardwaj, Partner Growth Manager in Perth, as a mentor for new recruits.

 

Mr Rohit said new recruits were trained in all aspects of being a Driver, including navigation, customer service, running a small business, Passenger and Driver safety,.

 

Mr Overell said there were several reasons for the need for more professional 13cabs Drivers.

 

These included:

 

1. 13cabs services have grown to include food and grocery deliveries, on top of the increased passenger demand

 

2. Passenger disenchantment with foreign owned rideshare companies

 

3. Passengers wanting a company where they can talk to a real person

 

 

“We need Baby Boomers to service the growth in demand. “ he said.

 

Mr Overell said even though unemployment was at an all-time low, figures showed some age groups are underemployed - meaning although they have a job, they would like to work more hours.

 

“Both older workers and young people studying want to work more hours,” he said.