As regular readers of my ramblings might suspect, I'd generally be sympathetic to the driver's argument here.
But 5 per cent maybe isn't the 'hike' that it's portrayed as here.
And his own preferred rise - which looks like 2.5% across the board, thus 20p on an £8 run - just wouldn't be worth implementing in terms of reprogramming and driving twenty miles to the council depot to get it tested etc etc, in my opinion at least.
Either freeze fares, or at least increase them by at least 5 per cent, or thereabouts.
On the other hand, maybe the HCD is right that fares have reached the 'tipping point'. Or at least non-tipping point
But I suspect that's more to do with card payments and the like, as opposed to fares per se
And I'd guess the pun wasn't intended
West Suffolk Council taxi fares to increase amid customer 'tipping point' warning
https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-e ... g-9473095/
Taxi fares across a district are set to increase amid warnings customers are reaching a 'tipping point'.
West Suffolk Council's licensing and regulatory committee agreed to put up fares yesterday evening by about five per cent across the board.
For the most common trip - a two-mile ride between 6am and midnight - the increase works out at an extra 35p, with customers to pay £8.35.
Meanwhile, for trips outside those hours, including on public and bank holidays, the authority agreed to a 50p hike, bringing a two-mile ride to £12.60.
Proposals from the trade, which included raises of up to 15 per cent, were also considered but not taken forward.
Jason Crooks, a driver who proposed hikes below the level proposed by the authority, told members some of the increases were 'huge'.
His proposal would see a two-mile trip cost customers £8.20, only 20p up on current levels.
"We're reaching the tipping point now, and it's just not sustainable to keep whopping up tariffs every year," Mr Crooks said.
The lower increase received some support, with Cllr Don Waldron, a driver by trade, comparing the increases to 'going up the creek without a paddle'.
Councillors pointed out, however, taxi drivers could still charge a smaller amount if they were concerned about turning customers away.
The increases, as originally proposed by the council, were approved eight votes to two.
