We reported on this earlier this year;
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19018&hilit=walsallMore details have emerged including the Town for a Pound scheme !
Licensing chiefs back 20pc rise in cab faresFare increases for passengers in black cabs in Walsall are expected to come into force in June – unless objections scupper the proposals.
An increase of almost 20 per cent has been proposed by Walsall Hackney Carriage Association in a bid to cover rising costs.
It comes as taxi bosses expect a new Town for a Pound initiative which allows people to flag down a cab on its way back into the centre will be operating by a week on Monday.
Borough licensing chiefs have backed both proposals.
They are concerned drivers’ livelihoods are at risk due to rising operating costs.
A formal notice advertising the increase in black cab prices has now been advertised.
As long as no viable objections are submitted they are due to come into force in early June.
Legitimate complaints could see the changes on hold.
Cabbies have blamed increasing fuel prices and insurance for seeking the rise in passenger fares.
They insist there has not been an increase in daytime fares since 2005 and night time prices since summer 2008.
The cost of the first mile between 6am and 6pm is to rise from £3.60 to £4.30 and then from £1.50 to £1.60 for each mile afterwards.
Meter charges are also due to rise overnight from 13p to 15p for each 117 yards travelled after the first mile.
Mirza Khalid, chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association, said: “The increase is because of the rising costs.
“We haven’t had one since 2005 in the daytime.
He added that the Town for a Pound scheme would benefit drivers and passengers.
He said: “We are coming back empty so we normally get nothing coming back into the town.
“One pound is cheaper than a bus.”
The Town for a Pound initiative has already proved successful in Bradford.
It will help drivers to reduce dead mileage and stickers are being produced to put in cabs to highlight the offer.
Read more:
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012 ... z1uHLaVEMJ