Latest news with #Taxi
BBC News
23-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Taxi drivers 'fuming' as Uber comes to Tunbridge Wells
Taxi drivers in Tunbridge Wells have said they feel "betrayed" after the local council agreed to give Uber a one-year licence to operate in the town."This has really upset the apple cart," said taxi driver of 22 years Toni Conlon. "I'm frightened for my future. It's already very tough."Clayton Berry, owner of Cleggy's Taxi, added that "loads of cabbies are absolutely fuming," suggesting many smaller firms would not be able to compete with the "goliath". A spokesperson for TWBC said Uber applied for a licence in the same way as any other operator and went through the full licensing application process, which included an assessment against council policies. An Uber spokesperson said the ride-hailing service will offer "passengers safe, affordable and easy options to get where they need to go". "Improving local transport services will help the local economies, as well as providing new earning opportunities for local drivers," they added. Ms Conlon said she felt "betrayed" by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) as, according to her, they had always said they would not let Uber operate the area. Members of the public in Tunbridge Wells told the BBC the arrival of Uber would be a "good thing" as it would give people more travel options. In December TWBC increased the standard fares taxis were allowed to charge, making it one of the most expensive places in Kent to get a cab, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Uber's license will include Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood, Southborough and surrounding has not confirmed exactly when it will start operating in the area, though Uber has said it will soon start looking for drivers.
Mint
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Jafar Panahi named Asian Filmmaker of the Year at Busan International Film Festival
Washington DC [US], July 22 (ANI): Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been tapped for the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, according to Variety. This was followed by his recognition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Panahi accepted the Palme d'Or for "It Was Just an Accident," a film directly inspired by his time in prison at the prestigious event. Panahi's film is filled with equal parts absurdist humour and rage, following five characters who believe they have identified the prosecutor who tortured them during their own detention, but because they were all blindfolded in jail, no one is confident their captor is the same man, reported Variety. What makes his achievement remarkable is that he achieved it despite severe restrictions. The 65-year-old filmmaker has been banned from making movies by Iranian authorities and has faced multiple arrests, detentions and travel prohibitions. Yet he continues to craft films in secret and submit them to international festivals, reported Variety. "This recognition reminds me that cinema can still connect us beyond borders, languages, and limitations," Panahi said upon receiving the honour, adding, "I accept this award not only in my own name, but also on behalf of all those who, in silence, in exile, or under pressure, continue to create." His films consistently probe themes of individual freedom and resistance, often focusing on marginalised voices within Iranian society. Panahi, who is considered one of Iranian cinema's greatest auteurs, previously won prizes "The Circle," "Offside," "This is Not a Film," "Taxi" and "No Bears," winner of the Venice Film Festival's 2022 Special Jury Prize. "Taxi" won the Berlin Golden Bear in 2015, while his "Offside" won the Silver Bear in 2006, as per Variety. Arrested by Iranian authorities in July 2022 after signing an appeal against police violence, Panahi spent several months behind bars. He was released from prison in February 2023. The filmmaker's other major accolades include Locarno's Golden Leopard for "The Mirror" in 1997 and Cannes' screenplay prize for "3 Faces" in 2018, reported Variety. Busan's Asian Filmmaker of the Year honour goes to individuals or organisations that have significantly advanced Asian cinema and culture. Panahi will receive the award at the festival's opening ceremony on September 17. The 30th edition of Busan runs from September 17 to 26, with the Asian Contents and Film Market taking place from September 20 to 23, according to Variety. (ANI)
Geek Tyrant
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Watch Andy Kaufman's Hilarious Impression of Elvis Presley on Johnny Carson's ‘Tonight Show' in 1977 — GeekTyrant
Back in March 1977, comdian Andy Kaufman stepped onto The Tonight Show stage and delivered one of the most unexpected left turns in late-night TV. He kicked things off with a soft-spoken bit in the voice with a strange accent that would later become Latka on Taxi . What followed was a shockingly accurate impersonation, complete with swagger, iconic dance moves, and that unmistakable velvet voice. The whole thing is hilarious to watch! Kaufman was one hell of a crazy entertaininer.
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Squid Game' star Jo Yu-ri returns to singing this month
KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean artiste Jo Yu-ri is set to make her long-awaited return as a singer with the release of her third EP, 'Episode 25', on July 14. According to a recent statement from her agency, WakeOne Entertainment, this will be her first EP in nearly two years, following the success of 'Love All'. That EP, led by the track 'Taxi', topped a television music chart show. The title 'Episode 25' echoes the name of her concert held in April – her first since embarking on a solo career after the disbandment of the K-pop girl group IzOne. During the concert, she thrilled fans with a performance of IzOne's 'Panorama' and also unveiled unreleased solo tracks, 'Growls' and 'Purrs'. Beyond her music career, 23-year-old Jo recently attended the preview event for season 3 of Netflix's 'Squid Game' in New York. She plays a key role in the hit series as the character Kim Jun-hee, also known as Player 222, having survived the previous season's deadly games.
TECHx
01-07-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Dubai Conducts First Test Flight of Joby Aerial Taxi
Home » Smart Sectors » Mobility » Dubai Conducts First Test Flight of Joby Aerial Taxi Dubai has taken a major step toward introducing Aerial Taxi services. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Joby Aviation, announced the successful completion of the region's first Aerial Taxi test flight. The test was conducted at a dedicated desert site in Dubai. Joby Aviation is a leading developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, reported that the flight reflects the UAE's leadership in adopting transformative technologies. He noted that this milestone aligns with the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE's sustainable development goals. The aircraft demonstrated its performance in the local environment. Officials revealed that the test is part of daily operations preparing for the commercial launch of Aerial Taxi services. Key dignitaries present at the event included: H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the RTA Board H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General, GCAA H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Balqeizi, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority H.E. Ibrahim Hussain Ahli, Dubai Air Navigation Services The Joby Aerial Taxi is powered entirely by electricity. It features vertical take-off and landing, zero operating emissions, and low noise levels. The aircraft includes six rotors, four battery packs, and seats for four passengers plus a pilot. It can reach a top speed of 320 km/h and travel up to 160 km. The design is tailored for urban use, needing minimal space for take-off and landing at vertiports. Officials also reviewed test facilities developed with Shamal Holding. These include a vertiport, flight monitoring hangar, and advanced electric charging stations. JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, and Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA Public Transport Agency, presented the project timeline. It was revealed that commercial Aerial Taxi services are set to launch in 2026. Operations will begin near Dubai International Airport. H.E. Mattar Al Tayer stated that the trial reflects Dubai's push for innovative and sustainable public transport. He reported that the Aerial Taxi will offer premium, fast, and safe travel. A trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car. The system will integrate with existing transport modes like metro, e-scooters, and bicycles. JoeBen Bevirt added that Dubai is a launchpad for global aerial mobility and a key partner in making clean, quiet aviation part of everyday life. In early 2024, the RTA signed an agreement with the General Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Skyports Infrastructure, and Joby Aviation. This agreement positions Dubai as the first city globally to deploy Aerial Taxis through a complete VTOL infrastructure network. The company confirmed that the testing in Dubai follows two years of flight trials at Edwards Air Force Base in the United States. With more than 40,000 miles of test flights and multiple piloted transitions, Joby Aviation aims to make fast, clean, and accessible air travel a reality.
