4.6 per cent isn't the biggest 'hike' we're likely to see, particularly with the likes of the cheese I buy going through the roof
Quite a good response to the consultation, though, but I'd guess it's the mass submission of the same thing originating from a single source
Scottish Borders taxi fares hike recommended to councillors
https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23 ... uncillors/
TAXI passengers in the Borders look set to experience a hike in fares.
Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) executive committee will meet next week to discuss plans for the 4.6 per cent increase.
Taxi operators have faced increased costs of fuel, insurance premiums and driver wages in recent months, according to a report from John Curry, the council’s director of infrastructure and environment.
In his report, Mr Curry said: “Whilst a fares increase may have an adverse impact on poverty, social isolation and affordability, not increasing fares at a time when operators are facing increased operating costs could worsen the problem.
“Operators may be unable to continue as a business. Increasing fares will enable operators to increase driver wages which in turn will encourage drivers back to driving taxis.
“Taxis are a key enabler across the region, particularly for people who do not reside close to or along major bus routes. Any reduction in the number of taxis that operate will have a knock-on effect to the wider transport including school transport.”
A consultation on the proposals was put out to operators and members of the public.
It received 68 responses – with 48 disagreeing with the 4.6 per cent rise and 20 in favour of it.
Mr Curry said: “Twenty-seven (40 per cent) responders indicated that they were concerned regarding the affordability of the proposed increase in taxi rates.
“Whilst this is a genuine concern this needs to be balanced against the potential loss of operators as a result of not being able to cover increasing operating costs.”
He added: “Two (three per cent) responders indicated that they wished a higher increase than the proposed 4.6 per cent increase to current rates to be applied.
“This is a valid point as operating costs continue to rise, however increasing costs further may prevent people from using taxis altogether.
“Two respondents wanted taxi fares to reflect the rural element and recognition that disabled people from the Borders have no choice other than to use taxis.
“The transport network review will consider how we make transport more accessible and affordable to all Borderers.”
Mr Curry recommended that the decision-making committee backs the 4.6 per cent rise, calculated using SBC’s “established formula”.
He said that it was worth noting that most local bus operators had “increased fares by up to 10 per cent on most single fares”.
SBC has an ongoing statutory duty to look at taxi fares within 18 months of a previous review.
However, due to “additional operational pressures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic”, the last review was held in September 2019 when a 3.7 per cent tariff increase was agreed.
