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| East Staffs fares 'set' for hikes after income collapse http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=36628 |
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| Author: | StuartW [ Sat Feb 13, 2021 7:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | East Staffs fares 'set' for hikes after income collapse |
Think the headline overeggs things a bit here, as will become clear. But that's why I've put the word 'set' in inverted commas. 'Set to rise' or whatever, usually suggests that it's more or less cut and dried. Taxi fares set to go up in Burton and Uttoxeter https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/ne ... up-4989842 Drivers say they are struggling to make a living and many have left the trade Passengers look set to have to pay more for their taxi journeys as cabbies struggle to make a living during the covid crisis. Fares are expected to go up across East Staffordshire after a plea from drivers to the borough council. It will mean passengers will have to fork out nearly 10 per cent more for journeys. A host of other charges will also be ramped up, with flat fees for travelling with pet dogs and journeys after midnight doubled. The cost of clearing up after passengers vomit in cabs will also be raised more than 10 per cent, with waiting fees rising 50 per cent. Abid Hussain, boss of Burton's Premier Taxis, based in Station Street, said it was the first time in years plans to hike fares had been proposed. He said: "The pandemic is having a serious effect on drivers in the area. We've got minimal income and the cost of insurance and maintenance on vehicles is through the roof. "When trade starts picking up again, a lot of companies will effectively be starting again from zero and will have to work hard to promote themselves again to get trade. "We have to think about making a living and we have to survive to make sure the service is still there for people. "I'm sure there will be some negative reaction to the idea, but people have to understand it would be the first time fares have been raised in years. "A lot of the drivers I know have already quit the industry and gone to work factory shifts." An East Staffordshire Borough Council spokesman said: "The council has received a proposal from the taxi trade to increase the current Hackney carriage tariff. "This proposal is now open for consultation. Comments on these proposals should be submitted to the council by Friday, February 12." How the new fares will work The old fares saw customers pay £2 for the first 192 metres, but that distance will be cut to 172.8 metres. From there, the current charge translates to £1.85 per mile, but that will go up by 21p. The new charges will see a five-mile journey cost £12.05, compared to the current cost of £11.05. On top of that, the amount passengers have to pay while cabs are waiting for them will go up. The current charge is 10p per 20 seconds, but the new charge will be 20p per 30 seconds. Cabbies will continue to charge time-and-a-half where there are four or more passengers. A 10p-per-item charge for luggage held in the boot of the cab, beyond the first item, will be scrapped. Those travelling with dogs - excluding assistance and guide dogs - will have to pay £2. The current charge is £1. The same increase will be in place for journeys between midnight and 5am, as well as all bank holiday journeys. Push chairs, wheelchairs and shopping bags will continue to be accommodated for free. Anyone who throws up in the cab and does not use the provided sick bag will have to pay £50 for cleaning services, where the current charge is £45. |
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| Author: | StuartW [ Sat Feb 13, 2021 7:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: East Staffs fares 'set' for hikes after income collapse |
Quote: A host of other charges will also be ramped up, with flat fees for travelling with pet dogs and journeys after midnight doubled. Not clear what the highlighted point here is all about. Somehow suspect there's no proposal to double fares after midnight. But looks like there may currently be a flat premium for after midnight, so maybe they're proposing just to double that. Which is bad enough in itself. Quote: Those travelling with dogs - excluding assistance and guide dogs - will have to pay £2. The current charge is £1.
The same increase will be in place for journeys between midnight and 5am, as well as all bank holiday journeys. |
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| Author: | edders23 [ Sat Feb 13, 2021 9:52 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: East Staffs fares 'set' for hikes after income collapse |
Not sure this is the right time for a fare increase with trade very weak usually a stimulus is required not a deterrent |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Sat Feb 13, 2021 7:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: East Staffs fares 'set' for hikes after income collapse |
edders23 wrote: Not sure this is the right time for a fare increase with trade very weak usually a stimulus is required not a deterrent Indeed. Councils need to hold off in respect of new vehicle and driver rules, and drivers need to hold off on proposed fare rises. 2022 is the year to look at these things, not 2021. |
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| Author: | wannabeeahack [ Sat Feb 13, 2021 8:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: East Staffs fares 'set' for hikes after income collapse |
Meter rates are MAXIMUM that can be charged, seeing how this will alienate the public (those who are still using taxis) a policy of charging the old rates might be wise changing the meters (where all new rates are higher than old ones) doesnt mean meters need doing immediately so long as the new rates are displayed according to our LO the tariff change costs £20 at pitts |
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| Author: | edders23 [ Sun Feb 14, 2021 6:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: East Staffs fares 'set' for hikes after income collapse |
doesn't work punters look at the price on the meter... ... how much ? |
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| Author: | StuartW [ Sun Feb 14, 2021 7:03 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: East Staffs fares 'set' for hikes after income collapse |
Wanna wrote: changing the meters (where all new rates are higher than old ones) doesnt mean meters need doing immediately so long as the new rates are displayed according to our LO I think the more common view from local authorities is that you can charge below meter but it must be set at the proper tariff. |
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