What is the 'Safe Taxi Scheme - Aberdeen'?
In the case of an emergency, if you are an RGU or University of Aberdeen student and have no money to get home, and are in a dangerous or unsafe situation, you can order a designated safe taxi from Rainbow City Taxis and use your student card as payment.
How do I use the scheme?
1. Call for a Safe Taxi on 01224 26 22 22 and order a taxi using the 'Safe Taxi' account, and tell the operator your university and your student number.
2. When your taxi arrives, hand over your student card to the driver. Remember to collect a receipt from the driver when you arrive at your destination.
3. Come to the RGU:Union Office in Garthdee, or the AUSA Office in Johnston Centre after you receive a confirmation e-mail to pay the fare and collect your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the scheme?
The scheme is only for fully matriculated and current Robert Gordon University and University of Aberdeen students who have a valid student number and ID card.
How does the taxi get paid?
RGU:Union and AUSA have set up an account with Rainbow City Taxis and we will pay all fares on the scheme. Students will then be responsible for repaying the outstanding debt to RGU:Union or AUSA n in order to get their student card back.
How long will it take for me to get my card back?
Rainbow City Taxis strive to return cards as soon as possible, but it depends on factors such as the date and time of booking, etc. Use over the weekend would mean the earliest students card could be returned to the relevant union would be the start of the week. Students will be notified by e-mail when the card is returned to the union.
How do I repay RGU:Union?
You must come to the RGU:Union Office (under RGU:Sport) in Garthdee or AUSA Office in Johnston Centre, with your taxi receipt and cash to get your student card returned. We currently are unable to accept any card payments, so only cash would be accepted.
Is there a limit to the fare?
There is a maximum fare of £25.00 for any journeys on the scheme. This is to protect us from any serious misuse of the scheme.
What happens if I am unable to repay the fare?
If you are in a situation of financial hardship, but needed to use the service in an emergency, this would be considered sympathetically by RGU:Union/AUSA and Rainbow City Taxis. Students would be referred to student support services and advice departments. However, any unpaid debts as a result of misusing the system, will be subject to investigation and could result in non-academic misconduct case.
What if I don't have my student card?
It may be possible in very extreme circumstances, if a student is deemed by the driver to be in serious danger or distress, for a student to use alternative ID, or a signed slip with their student ID number to confirm the booking.
Why is the scheme 'safe'?
RGU:Union/AUSA have chosen to partner with Rainbow City Taxis based on their reputation as a safe taxi firm in Aberdeen. Rainbow City Taxis operate GPS tracking in all of their vehicles, as well as ensuring that all of their drivers apply for a PVG check. They also operate a text system that verifies the booked taxi's colour, make and registration plate, ensuring that students only get in the designated taxi where there will be a clear record of the booking.