DRIVER PROFILE NORTH WEST ‘PEOPLE PERSON’
JOINS THE INDUSTRY – WITH PLEASURE
Elaine Singleton is very busy these days. As a mum of four chil- dren “of whom she is extremely proud”, and grandmother of two “gorgeous” grand- sons, you’d think that would be enough to keep her occupied. But no, in addition to all that - plus being a keen
horsewoman
and owning a horse - Elaine is a private hire driver for Rammy Taxis in
Ramsbottom,
Greater Manchester. And as the only female driver on the fleet, Elaine makes a point of going the extra mile to ensure that teenage girls returning home after a night out feel safe and secure. But what did she do before joining this crazy trade of ours? Elaine was born in Sal-
ford, and gained a BAHons in Community Studies and a Post Graduate in Educa- tion. Her career path went in several diver- gent directions: she’s been a landlady of two pubs in Ramsbottom, the Royal Oak and the Eagle and Child. She has also worked as a care manager. But she came into driving as she can juggle her shifts with family life. She works both days and evenings, but even after a day shift Elaine says she will still fulfil night jobs if specifically asked. “If someone says their teenage daughter is attending a concert in Manchester, then I’ll come out especially to collect
them.” She
says she is in constant demand from women
driver goes that one step further.” The main attraction to Elaine about PHV driv- ing is the people: she meets lots on her trav- els, and enjoys the company of most of her passengers – unless they make the occasional sexist com- ment, such as “Do you realise
you’re
clients who want the reassurance of being driven by a female. “I’ve had loads of comments
from
teenage girls and oth- ers who say they feel much safer being in a taxi with me rather than a male driver. “What
about my job is to make people aware of
is important
the dangers of getting into a private hire car they haven’t booked in advance. I’ve heard some horrid stories, especially from young females. The fact that Rammy Cars employs a female driver is part of promoting that safe- ty. Although all our drivers are trustwor- thy, having a female
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woman?” or, “OMG, a woman taxi driver – someone give her directions!” Elaine says her least favourite job is airport runs, as she always feels jealous... her most favourite job is picking up a particular little girl and her mum, as “they think my taxi smells like cherry pie!” So far her most unusual fare was a four-piece
band, including all their kit
with full drums... they practiced lyrics all the way to the gig. She says she hasn’t had any really famous people as passengers yet,
“unless be
you
include fancy dress. But Johnny Depp wouldn’t
a
charged...!” Elaine’s private hire Skoda is a familiar sight in and around the area; “Alfie, my three-year old grand- son, loves to ride in Nana’s taxi, and they live quite local so he spends the day look- ing out for me going up and down his street so he can wave.” Elaine Singleton is well and truly a people person whose motto is “Live life and love; love life and live.” So she’s in the right busi- ness then!
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