Don't know why, but I was literally laughing out loud at this
Maybe because it's so cringe
Anyway, I'm sure a lot of drivers everywhere will be annoyed by this kind of thing. Especially when he's already declared that fares will be frozen through Christmas
](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
But this reads like all of his 1,000 drivers have agreed to it. Aye, right
Bradford taxi firm keeps fares frozen through Christmas
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/ ... christmas/
The taxi firm Local Cars Bradford said it will not increase prices over the Christmas period or into the new year, despite growing financial pressures.
Kaz Shehzad, owner of Local Cars Bradford, said the decision was made in partnership with drivers, who wanted to thank customers for their continued support, especially during difficult times.
Customer support during Covid
Mr Shehzad said: "The reason is when Covid happened in the past, when fuels has gone up, we did increase our prices over time.
"Since then we've had our loyal customers who have supported us through the COVID period, through the rough times and everything.
"Today where we stand, yes, the rates have gone up, but the drivers want to give it back to the community."
Customers have already begun asking whether fares would rise in response to the growing cost of fuel and other expenses.
No fare rises despite fuel price pressures
Mr Shehzad said: "We made that mutual decision with the drivers that we're not going to do it.
"We want to stick with our fairs, yes drivers may have to work a little bit extra just at that cost, but we don't want that cost up on our customers because they're facing it as well.
"We're facing it, but they're facing it with their bills."
The decision comes amid a national rise in fuel prices, driven by global geopolitical tensions and increases in wholesale oil prices.
From family business to 1,000 drivers
Despite these challenges, Mr Shehzad said the business has grown in recent years, helping to balance out higher expenses.
The company has purchased 13 companies last August and recently added another fleet of around 100 drivers covering Shipley and Bingley.
Mr Shehzad said: "This last month we purchased another fleet with a hundred drivers in the Shipley Bingley area.
"What we've done is we've just hit a milestone of thousand drivers now within Bradford."
He explained that the business, which began as a family operation, has expanded rapidly through acquisitions and partnerships with other firms.
'Every penny counts' for customers
Mr Shehzad said affordability is a key concern for customers at a time when many are struggling with the cost of living.
He said: "Nowadays it's like even to the last 20 pound, 50, 100 people are budgeting for that.
"At this time, we don't want to give even if it's a pound extra on a taxi.
"It's 100 quid a month for some people."
The company said the decision to freeze fares has been warmly received by customers.
Mr Shehzad said: "Really good, we've had messages from customers and everything.
"They appreciate everything we’ve done.
"The main aim of this is to keep the low, the cost low."
Images: Kaz Shehzad/Telegraph & Argus