Taxi Driver Online

Cabbies are angry at proposed fare rise




Hackney Carriage drivers in Macclesfield say the council’s move to increase fares will put many out of business.


The group of protesting taxi drivers met Macclesfield MP David Rutley


An army of angry cabbies say they will fight Cheshire East Council’s proposals to increase their fares.

Hackney Carriage drivers in Macclesfield say the council’s move to charge £3.50 for a passenger’s first mile or less travelled in a cab – and an increased rate per mile from 9pm – will put many out of business.

They also claim this will adversely affect elderly and vulnerable people in the town who use the service to travel short distances.

Currently, passengers pay £2.70 for the first three quarters of a mile travelled in a taxi in Macclesfield, increasing after 11.30pm. The proposed higher fares could come into effect on Wednesday, June 4.

Sixty-year-old Robert Wood, of Roseway, Macclesfield, has driven taxis in the town for 34 years and is leading the campaign to fight the changes.

He said: “We do not want this fare increase. This is going to cripple taxi drivers and force many to stop working. Older and vulnerable people who rely on taxis will no longer be able to afford to do so, or will be paying well over the odds.

“Another of our main objections is that the council intends to remove waiting time charges from the taxi meters. This is bad for Macclesfield.”

The drivers are now gathering signatures for a petition against the increase, and will have forms available to do so in their cabs and at the Pumpkin Cafe at the train station.

Last week Macclesfield MP David Rutley met up with a number of the drivers.

He said: “They’re very concerned about the new proposed fare structure in the Macclesfield area. They felt that the changes were not in the best interests of the local customers, particularly those taking short trips.

“I have raised these issues with Coun Jones and Cheshire East Council and will continue to follow them up when the taxi drivers set out their concerns in writing.”

A spokesman for Cheshire East Council said the plans were under consultation.

She said: “This is a three-week consultation exercise and we would encourage as many people to respond as possible. Any responses will be considered carefully and the portfolio holder will make a final decision.

“The portfolio holder can amend the proposals following any objections or suggestions received. The proposals have come out of several meetings over a period of around two years between the council and trade representatives and were subject to a six-week consultation with the trade and public in 2013.

“The proposals represent a pay rise to tax drivers as there is no current proposal to increase the taxi driver licence fee.”

Objections should be made in writing to Kim Evans, licensing team leader, Cheshire East Council, Municipal Buildings, Crewe, CW1 2BJ, by June 4.

source: http://www.macclesfield-express.co.uk/n ... ld-7184162

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

that shows how stupid the council is ffs

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

What the council are so clearly stating is that taxi drivers are worth f*** all.

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IDFIMH

no doubt that opinion was gained by the contact or otherwise with them

Same old story they could have Union sponsored cllrs responsive to their aims, but as usual it appears that would be too intellectually challenging for them...........MUGS

Was there an election there last week ...............was this issue raised..............WHAT COMMITMENTS FROM PROSPECTIVE COUNCILLORS WERE OBTAINED......... .HOW MANY VOTED

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All posts by this contributor are made in a strictly personal capacity

I AM PROUD TO BE A CITIZEN NOBODY'S SUBJECT http://www.republic.org.u

F88K EM ALL WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

BOOZE BOOZE BOOZE

Why do driver claim that a rise in fare will put many out of business and also argue that no rise will put many out of business?
They can always offer a discount.
One could argue that the 1 mile fare may have come down. £2.70 for 3/4 mile would be £3.60 pro rata.

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Grandad,

They're not obliged to charge the full metered fare.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Idiots everywhere they will put me out of bussiness

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Driver @ TravelEasy.co.uk | taxi from Edinburgh airport

So. Drivers are protesting against an increase in fares.

And also protesting against a decrease (waiting time)

Is that right?

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Former taxi driver

You got it.

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Grandad,

Looking at half of them on that picture I bet 80% of them are in receipt of a state and or private pension and are doing it for pocket money.

If the drivers who are doing full time object to a fare increase they deserve to be put out of business.

If Macclesfield is a congested area the waiting time charges could soon rack up - if my calculations are correct they're currently on about £14.50p per hour. 5 mins delay on each job during the day? £1.20p

They'll get an extra 20p per job and 20p per mile

No wonder they're p*ssed off, they're better off stationary!

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

Hotels are expensive in Macclesfield, Mottram Hall is where the German Football team stayed during Euro 96, it's also home to Messrs Rooney, Ferdinand, Ferguson, and many more poor people.
Of course if waiting time is removed travellers can stay very cheaply in the back seat of a taxi, "Hello driver, I'd like you to go 200 yards down the road and wait there," 8 hours later with 3.60 on the meter "thanks driver take 4 pounds, where can I get a good breakfast around here"

Just keep the meter running mate, my wife will be out when the rain stops.

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Grandad,