Series one, episode four of the Ground Transport Media podcasts features an expert panel discussing safety, technology, the post-pandemic environment, innovation, accessibility, national standards, collaboration and more.

Recorded in front of a live audience from Wembley Stadium at the 2022 Ground Transport Show, hosted by the brilliant John Curtis, this episode features the following people:

Dacian Keran – CEO – Safety as a Standard

SaaS training programmes are specifically developed in raising safety standards and awareness for all in the taxi private hire, hackney, and wider ground transportation industry. Individual and Corporate Membership routes have been designed with emphasis on subject matter that is paramount to raise the benchmark of safety standards for the industry. Pushing and working with industry figures (Fleets & Drivers) to establish one national standard across every platform of the industry.

Dave Nash – Business Development Director – The Open World Technology Group (TOWTG)

Over 30 years’ experience owning and operating businesses in the FM, Security, Transport and Ground Handling sectors. Working for airlines, security companies, FM providers, passenger transport and PRM suppliers across the UK. A commercially driven leader with a focus on the return on investment and achieving stakeholder value. Previous operational and commercial responsibility for portfolios of more than £60m across the UK. Focused on innovative solutions that deliver on the need to meet the objectives of the 2030 clean air government policy through the reduction in chemical usage and delivering improved interior air quality and wellbeing.

Gavin Johnston – Director – SafeKab

I’ve been in the industry for 30 years. I own Inverness taxis, which holds lots of major contracts including Inverness airport. Inverness enjoys a very busy tourist season. I’m also the major shareholder of Aberdeen taxis. We’ve operated there for 9 years. Most recently I’ve become a director in SafeKab, which has been a major turning point for operators in finding a new way to thrive. Recently got married to an amazing woman. I’ve got a daughter that works in the business, a son that works in America and 3 beautiful grandchildren. Trying to do my best for them.


Rachel Dale – Head of Operations – AAA Taxis & Females in the Fleet

Head of Operations for AAA, largest taxi and home to school transport company in Hertfordshire. Oversee all daily operations, run regular driving training courses, has launched ‘Females in the Fleets’ initiative to highlight the need for female drivers and the industry to do all they can to encourage women to consider driving as a career.

Will Irvine – Business Development Associate – what3words

Will is responsible for managing and creating partnerships for what3words across the ground transportation industry. what3words is the simplest way to talk about location, they’ve divided the entire world into 3x3m squares and given every single square a unique three word address. Working across private hire, mobility, chauffeur and coach travel they are enabling easier pick-ups and drop-offs for both passenger and driver.

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The Ground Transport Media team would like to sincerely thank all the panellists for their interesting and insightful contributions!