03/02/2018
New private hire ‘taxi’ service for Eye…
After many years without a locally based ‘taxi’ service in the town, former Galloway bus driver and vintage omnibus enthusiast, Patrick Burnside (of Eye ‘Open Gardens’ vintage bus fame), is now providing what is hoped will be a welcome return to the town of a locally based pre-booked private hire car service.
Appropriately named the ‘Eye Roadcar’, re-kindling distant memories of the erstwhile Eastern Counties Roadcar Company of Ipswich, who first brought motorised public transport to the town in the late 1920s, when they established a two vehicle garage situated at No. 31, Castle Street (closed in March 1971 and demolished shortly thereafter).
I am a recent arrival to the town, having moved from Norwich a couple of years ago, attracted by the town’s special charm and friendliness.
My aim is to provide a courteous and reliable service to the people of Eye and its surrounding villages, operating on a ‘when required’ basis between the hours of 7am and 7pm daily, with emergency hospital/doctor/vet bookings being considered outside of these hours.
The service can also be pre-booked for the carriage of small and medium sized parcels by those requiring a super fast delivery.
Fares are based on a competitive flat rate of £1.50 per mile with a 25% discount for same day returns. Waiting time is £10 for the first hour, rising to £18 for the next hour and £25 for a maximum three hour wait.
Bookings can be made by ringing 01379 872984 or 07484 690516, both lines having a 24 hour voicemail and message leaving facility.
I am hoping this new venture will be well received by the residents of the town and its surrounding villages and am looking forward to a successful first year, providing a first class, friendly and reliable service.
Photo below shows the former Eastern Counties Roadcar Company and later Eastern Counties Omnibus Company outstation building in Castle Street as it was in the mid 1960s.