Drivers apply for nine per cent rise in daytime fares in WorcesterDAYTIME taxi fares in Worcester could rise by nine per cent – after drivers said they were struggling to make a living.
The city’s 231 hackney carriage drivers want a nine per cent rise for daytime pickups, and a seven per cent increase for people seeking a lift from 11pm to 7am.
The bid comes after taxi owners said rising fuel and insurance costs had hit them hard.
But the attempt has already been criticised by a pensioners’ action group, which says that it could “punish” the elderly.
At the moment, customers pay £3.20 for the first 1,208 metres (about three quarters of a mile) from 7am to midnight, and £4.20 outside of that time.
The drivers say they want the day time starting price to rise to £3.50, or £4.50 from 11pm to 7am.
Lesley Borthwick, from Worcester Taxi Drivers Association said: “What you’ve got to look at is that insurance and fuel costs have been getting higher and higher, but it’s been two years since we had a rise.
“It is tough out there and I’m hoping it is approved.”
Mohammed Ali, a fellow member of the association, said: “Everything has gone up, including inflation but the prices haven’t.
“It’s not so much a big increase when you consider that this is the ‘flag down’ starting rate, it’s pennies.”
Under the current prices, 20p is added for every additional 201 metres on the clock during the day, or 143 metres at night.
Those extra, incremental rates would stay the same, offering some respite to taxi users who use cabs for longer journeys.
The rises are subject to a decision by Worcester City Council’s licensing committee, which is meeting at the Guildhall on Wednesday.
Brian Hunt, vice-chairman of Worcestershire Pensioners Action Group, said: “It will affect older folk more than other groups because they use taxis during the day for shorter trips.
“The austerity is already affecting pensioners and they’re being punished more than the revellers – older people use taxis for the dentists, shopping, doctors and it does seem slightly unfair.”
Councillor Lynn Denham, who represents the city centre Cathedral ward, said: “It doesn’t sound to me like it’s in line with inflation.
“Wages aren’t going up so the committee will have a difficult choice.”
A report on the changes says the attempt to alter the time tariffs, so the more expensive night time prices kick in from 11pm rather than midnight, is a bid to “increase business at quieter times”.
Under the current prices the Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day starting rates are £5.60, but that would be scrapped.
source:
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/107 ... Worcester/
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If said pensioners had not voted effing Tory maybe they would be able to afford a cab ??????????? and heating and food