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New taxis shine in Portsmouth
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By MartinW at 2007-12-13 21:40
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New taxis shine in Portsmouth
Eight new London cabs have been added to the fleet of a Portsmouth company – and are already proving a hit with drivers and passengers.
Fast Track – a vehicle leasing and servicing agent – has taken delivery of the eight TXII Bronze manuals to replace older vehicles in its 15-strong Hackney carriage fleet.
And boss Ian Thomson expects to order at least another seven from official LTI Vehicles dealer Smith and Humphrey, such has been the positive reaction from cabbies and customers in the area.
The fully-wheelchair-accessible, purpose-built TXII is the latest incarnation of the classic London taxi, built by LTI Vehicles at its Coventry headquarters.
It recently benefited from the introduction of a redesigned suspension system with coil springs on the rear axle for the first time and adjustments to the front dampers giving a smoother ride for all.
"The new TXIIs are a vast improvement on some of the older vehicles. I have always stuck with LTI Vehicles and this is the best yet," said Ian.
"It is the build quality and the ride that make these taxis so good. The new suspension gives it a much smoother ride than ever before. The drivers and passengers prefer them.
"I have looked at other vehicles but they are not as good for the job and I have never really been tempted."
Fast Track, based in Rodney Road, Southsea, is the area’s servicing agent for LTI Vehicles and has a fleet of 150 in total, most private hire vehicles.
Colin Case, sales manager of taxi dealership Smith and Humphrey, in Bexhill-on-Sea, said: "Ian placed an order for eight initially and is now looking at ordering seven more to upgrade the remaining Hackney carriages in his fleet.
"We are delighted they have been so well-received and can now be hailed on the streets around Portsmouth."
The TXII was initially launched in October 2003 with the redesigned suspension phased in from September 2005. Other features include a retractable wheelchair ramp, swivel chair for ease of access for the elderly, intercom, security screen and floor lighting.
For more information about LTI Vehicles, log-on to www.lti.co.uk
Picture caption: Smith and Humphrey Sales Manager Colin Case (left) hands over the keys for one of the new taxis to Ian Thomson, of Fast Track
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