Blackburn taxi drivers apply for fare increaseTAXI drivers in Blackburn have put in a formal application for a fare increase just three months after their last one was turned down.
Proposals put forward by The Hackney Drivers Association, on behalf of Blackburn workers, will be discussed by Blackburn with Darwen’s licensing committee today, despite the committee having already refused an increase in February.
If the price rise is approved, the first since September 2011, the starting tariff for most journeys will go from £2.30 to £2.50, although the subsequent cost of 10p per 110 yards will stay the same.
Christmas and New Year journeys will start from £3.50, although they will also cost 10p per each subsequent 110 yards.
If a passenger soils the vehicle, the fee will rise from £25 to £30.
In a letter sent to the council, chairman of the association Charles Oakes said: “It would seem to us that the council has totally ignored the cost of living, with the average gas and electricity and water bills on the rise, along with every other cost relating to the taxi trade.
“Our view is that the roof over your head and utilities are not optional, they are necessities.”
Figures given by the association say that the cost of operating a taxi, including buying the car itself, comes to around £19,471 per year, up eight per cent since 2010.
Mr Oakes, whose organisation represents cab drivers across East Lancashire, also argued that taxi drivers should be in a position where they can pay into a pension scheme.
He said to the council: “We are dissatisfied with your decision on February 7, 2013. We strongly urge the council to rethink that decision.”
The council said it turned down the last application due to a ‘lack of information supplied by the trade’.
source:
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/ne ... _increase/
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