An old thread this, obviously, but the earlier articles are about the difficulty of aligning fares across the three former tariff areas. Can't be bothered combing through it all again, but looks like they've now got a common structure, or maybe it's been aligned for a while and I missed it
Taxi prices going up in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poolehttps://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/ ... rch-poole/TAXI fares are to be increased across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in response to increasing costs and issues with congestion.Members of BCP Council’s licensing committee unanimously approved a 1.4 per cent hike to Hackney carriage charges on Wednesday, alongside rises to other extras including luggage fees.
The decision was made despite councillors being told the area was already amongst the most expensive in the country with fares higher than those in Bristol.
The increases were requested by representatives of the conurbation’s taxi firms who warned there was a risk of drivers leaving the profession should they not be approved.
Speaking on their behalf at Wednesday's meeting, Poole Radio Cabs chairman Kevin Diffey, said the figures were based on increases to the minimum wage, the costs of running cars and inflation.
“Drivers are reporting that, getting around the area, they are spending an awful lot longer stationary – particularly at Cemetery Junction,” he said.
“This means they can’t do as many journeys in any given time as they have done in the past.
“[If the increase is not approved] what could happen is we lose drivers. It’s not a well-paid job and if it is overtaken by other jobs in the area there will be more competition.”
Mr Diffey said the 1.4 per cent increase would move the conurbation up to the 14th most expensive in the country – up from 19th.
The approved changes will see fares rise by between 5p and 10p per mile depending on the time of day the journey is made.
The ‘following waiting time’ for when charges are made while taxis are stuck in traffic has also been reduced from 45 to 40 seconds.
And luggage fees have been increased alongside the number of extras firms can charge for.
Committee member councillor David Kelsey said: “The taxi trade has always been very fair over the years, they always put forward a good case.
“It’s a good thing now that all three areas are going to be charging exactly the same so there’s no quibble over anything.”
The increases were then unanimously approved and will now be advertised for two weeks before being introduced.
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