Fares rise to help struggling cabbies
TAXI fares for Nottingham's Hackney carriages are set to rise by almost seven per cent for some journeys.
The move comes as taxi drivers – facing rising diesel, insurance and MOT costs – claim they are on their "last legs".
Fares increasing: Taxi drivers say rising costs are hurting their profits.
The changes, which will come into effect from December 5, are the first time fares have gone up for two years.
Cab driver Tariq Mahmood, 31, who lives in The Park, said: "Petrol prices are going up, the MoT used to be about £150 for six months and now we're paying £172, plus the badge fare has gone up.
"If fares remain the same we can't cover our money."
Another cab driver, Mohammed Khan, of West Bridgford, said the planned extension of the tram and 24-hour buses would also take business. He added "We haven't got enough rank spaces."
"So we're driving around trying to get on to a rank and that's costing us in diesel.
"This trade is on its last legs and already a lot of people are selling up."
His colleague Tariq Ahmed, of Beeston, said profits had fallen by as much as half in the last three years.
Customers have mixed views about the proposals.
Joanna Thorpe, 36, of Chilwell, said: "I think if you want to get home, especially if you're on your own, I think you would just pay it."
But 23-year-old Jo Stevens, of West Bridgford, was less convinced.
"I would just use a different taxi company," she said.
Nottingham City Council agreed to put up fares after a request from the Hackney Carriage Association.
Councillor Jane Urquhart, council portfolio holder for transport and planning, said: "Everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment so it's reasonable for fares to go up to take into account increased costs for taxi drivers – but of course there's a risk that some people may be put off by increased fares.
"However, people coming in to Nottingham from far and wide and those who live here have a wide range of choices about how they travel."
source: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Fares-rise-help-struggling-cabbies/story-13778588-detail/story.html
