Taxi Driver Online

TAXI fares could rise after a five-year freeze.

The Isle of Wight Council’s licensing committee is considering marginal increases of up to 20p a mile after midnight. Roger Coombes, of Alpha Taxis, a long standing campaigner for review, said: "An increase has been five years coming and seven years before that. What other transport operator hasn’t increased fares in that time?

"We recognise times are tough for everyone but this is too little, too late." Monday’s meeting will be told that under the current table, Island taxis — that 12 years ago were the dearest in the country — had slipped down the league table.

In a report to the committee, director of environment and neighbourhoods Stuart Love said: "Using the current table of fares, the cost of a five-mile journey during the day on the Island is £9.40. The highest in the country (Tunbridge Wells) is £13.40 and the lowest (Bolsover) is £5.80. The national average is £10.10 and the average for the southern area is £10.90.

"There is no real explanation as to why there is such a huge difference. The cost of living, including the average wage, would have a huge influence on the sustainability of each area’s fare."

If the committee decided to hold fares at existing levels there would be a risk to the livelihoods of the Island’s 180 cab licence holders, he said. The meeting will be told the tariff details the maximum fares proprietors can charge. Private hire was subject to different rates.

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IDFIMH

Well there is, it's that some drivers are happy to run around all the hours god sends for f*** all, and other aren't.

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IDFIMH

Has any other area had a fare rise this year

Dundee did not put in for one because of the financial climate.

We got a return of T3 for Xmas and New Year, and 2p on the running mile. (Equates to a 60p increase on a run to Edinburgh Airport). The increase was to offset the cost of getting the meters re-calibrated, as suggested by 2 of the trade's representatives on the taxi forum.

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My heart is heavy, but my consience clear,
I voted Yes, without any fear.

The IOW used to be the most expensive place on earth for a cab, imagine getting £9 for a five mile journey 12 years ago, obviously times caught them up and it's probably now time for an increase, they used to justify it because it's a seasonal place.