Taxi Driver Online

Haven't crunched the numbers here, but some kind of percentage uplift is certainly a bit fairer than a crude fixed surcharge applying irrespective of distance etc, and which is borne disproportionately by those taking short trips

But, as per usual, that in turn means it gets a tad complicated, and thus a recipe for conflict and confusion


ISLE OF WIGHT TAXI PASSENGERS FACE FUEL SURCHARGE FEE UNDER NEW FARE PLANS

https://www.islandecho.co.uk/isle-of-wi ... are-plans/

Taxi passengers on the Isle of Wight could soon face an additional charge of up to £5 per journey under new fuel surcharge proposals being considered by the Isle of Wight Council.

The plans, due to be discussed by the Council’s Licensing Committee next Friday (16th October), would allow Hackney Carriage drivers to add an extra charge to the metered fare when fuel prices reach certain levels.

The additional cost would depend on both the price of fuel and the total fare, with the highest proposed surcharge of £5 applying to journeys costing £50 or more when average fuel prices reach £2.50 per litre.

The changes could come into effect from 1st December, subject to approval and public consultation.

The Council has received a request from the taxi trade to introduce a fuel surcharge following fluctuations in fuel prices since the existing fare structure was approved in 2022.

According to a report prepared for councillors, some taxi operators are experiencing financial hardship as a result of increased fuel costs.

Rather than increasing existing mileage rates, the Council is proposing a variable surcharge which could be applied during periods of higher fuel prices.

For example, at an average fuel price of £2 per litre, a passenger paying between £5.01 and £10 would face an additional 40p charge, whilst someone making a journey costing between £20.01 and £25 would pay an extra 90p.

For journeys costing £50 or more, the surcharge would be £2.50 at the same fuel price, rising to £5 if fuel reached £2.50 per litre.

Fully electric taxis would be exempt from the additional charge.

Under the plans, the Council’s Licensing Team would determine when a surcharge could be applied and notify taxi proprietors accordingly.

Drivers would be required to record each occasion on which the surcharge is added, whilst council officers would undertake random compliance checks.

Officers have warned that failing to address rising operating costs could place further financial pressure on taxi drivers and potentially reduce the availability of taxis, particularly during less profitable periods or in certain locations.

However, the report also acknowledges that higher fares could have a financial impact on passengers, with the Council seeking to balance affordability against maintaining a viable taxi service.

Councillors are being asked to approve the proposals for a statutory public consultation lasting at least 14 days, with any objections considered before the revised fares could be introduced.

Thanks for clearing that up


What could possibly go wrong

I mean, the council will successfully be able to communicate any small variation and ensure all recipients are aware? Don't think so, somehow




I suspect calculating it accurately would be the first hurdle, never mind actually recording it in some shape or form. I mean, I doubt if the meters will be changing, and it will be some kind of manual calculation

Or back of a fag packet

Which indeed sounds like Fife Council's own licensing councillors and 'experts'




So would that be the 'you're 10p out with one run so we'll suspend you' sort of compliance.

Or 'we won't bother with compliance checks at all because it might mean getting out when it's cold and we're normally watching the News at Ten (is it still on? ) or eating in some fancy restaurant, but we have to look like we're taking it seriously.'

Not that I'm cynical or anything but, I mean, how many councils can't even manage to work out and communicate the most basic of stuff

How annoying is it when people use excessive smilies?

I mean, when other people use them excessively

That's going to help out on the ranks.

But do those who set the fares not realise that when fuel goes up, so does electricity?

Buffoons, the lot of them.

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IDFIMH