A Blackburn businessman is setting up an Uber-style app taxi and private hire vehicle firm creating eight new jobs. Usman Khan hopes his iRoam operation will provide the town with a “modern, tech-driven service” which provides a more streamlined way of accessing transportation.
His proposal is revealed in a planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council. He has asked the authority for approval to turn a vacant ground-floor office in Graphic House at 12 to 20 Tontine Street off Barbara Castle Way into a taxi booking hub.
In a statement submitted with the application, Mr Khan says the taxi service would operate primarily through an app-based platform for bookings. He says this offers a more “convenient and efficient service for the local community”.
He said: “We believe this model aligns with today’s consumer preferences and provides a more streamlined way of accessing transportation. Our premises will serve as a back-office operation, handling functions such as driver communications and administrative tasks.
“This will not be a traditional taxi base open to the public. Drivers will not wait at this location for rides, and the office will not be accessible for walk-in customers.
“Instead, drivers will only visit the office by appointment for necessary administrative matters or specific communications. The building is adjacent to a shared car park that is monitored 24/7 by security cameras. This car park is reserved for the tenants of the building, and public parking is not permitted.
“iRoam aims to bring significant benefits to Blackburn, both through the service we provide and our commitment to the local community. We plan to create eight new jobs – four full-time and four part-time – including opportunities for students from Blackburn College. This will help foster local employment and contribute to the area’s prosperity.”
He said the firms business model aimed to “improve the local taxi industry by introducing a new approach that prioritises reliability, value, and customer satisfaction”.
He added: “By leveraging technology, we hope to restore public confidence in the private hire sector and deliver a modern, trustworthy service to the people of Blackburn. We are fully committed to adhering to all local regulations and ensuring our operations are conducted with a focus on creating a positive impact for the community.
“We look forward to contributing to the continued success and development of Blackburn.”
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