Taxi Driver Online

FARE PLAY BY TAXI DRIVERS




TAXI drivers in Stirling are bidding to have fares increased for the first time in six years.

Stirling Council’s regulatory functions panel meets this week to discuss the request.

Fares last rose in May 1999 and since then, the only change has been a charge to passengers who soil the cab, which was introduced in December 2002.

The drivers themselves only asked for an increase for the first time last April, when they requested a flat increase on the first half mile or flag charge from £1.20 to £2.

But that was rejected by the panel.

They then made another attempt last November, asking for an increase in the flat charge from £1.20 to £1.50 and to change the mileage from 12p per twelfth of a mile after the first half mile, to 15p per tenth of a mile after the first half mile.

The panel at that point deferred a decision and Stirling Taxi Association was asked to consider their proposals further.

In a report due before the panel this week, the association’s spokesperson, Robert Fowler, says: “We consider the proposal to be fair and modest, to cover the number of cost increases over the years which have affected the earnings of taxi drivers and operators.

“We have examples of increases in our fixed costs since May 1999, including the cost of vehicles, insurance, telephone and other utilities, and the minimum wage.

“These show rises of between 7.5 per cent and 50 per cent.

“The equivalent increase in variable costs for fuel and maintenance is of the order of 20 per cent for the last year alone.

“An increase of 4.2 per cent on mileage is less than half the cost of living increase over the last six years.

“The proposed increase can, therefore, be justified on these grounds alone.”

Mr Fowler said the drivers did not only have their own interests in mind, but also those of passengers.

“A survey by Stirling University has shown that the majority of taxi customers comprise the less well off members of the public and the elderly and disabled,” he said.

“These disadvantaged groups deserve to have a satisfactory fleet of taxis at their disposal.

“Legislation which came into force last October requires operators to provide an adequate proportion of disabled access vehicles.

“For single owner/drivers this has been interpreted as their vehicle having to have wheelchair access.

“For this, a more expensive vehicle both to buy and to operate is required.

“Most taxi drivers are self-employed and there is currently a shortage.

“They are among the lowest rewarded and also working in a high risk environment.

“With a decrease in unemployment and the increase in minimum wage levels, driving a taxi is becoming a less attractive occupation and it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit either full or part-time drivers.

“Taxis are expected to be available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, not only for the general public but also for the disadvantaged, for emergencies and to supplement other public transport at times and days when it is not available.

“If drivers are not able to earn enough, they will not turn out at times when their earnings are unlikely to reward them adequately.”

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

fares not increased since May 1999 thats last Century

One thing kind of strikes you, and its without the benefit of knowing the circumstances, why did it take the local TOA 6 years to decide they need a fare increase?

Captain cab

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Fare rises are a strange thing CC, membership dictates TOA or union branch or local association policy, for the past 6 years the view of the majority membership MUST have been to freeze fares.

But you knew that.

The problem is that some associations, TOA's or union branches are influenced by people who don't take to council the wishes of their majority, for fear of reprisals, looking foolish or loosing their radio.

B. Lucky

Hehe GA

I was gonna say, that fare increase in 1999 must have been a humdinger

Captain cab

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

1999 Rate

Flag..................£1.20 For first 1/2 mile (880 yards)

price thenafter...£0.12 per 1/12th (146.6 yards)

(charge at 1 mile ...£2.04)
(charge at 2 miles..£3.48)
(charge at 3 miles..£4.92)

Proposed fare Increase November 04

Flag...................£1.50 for first 1/2 mile (880 yards)

Price thenafter..£0.15p per 1/10th (176 yards)

(charge at 1 mile........£2.40)
(Charge at 2 miles......£3.90)
(charge at 3 miles.......£5.40)

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

They claim a rise of 4.2%.

This rise certainly isn't a "humdinger", maybe they'll be after another in 2006.

B. Lucky