Taxi Driver Online

Evening Times (Glasgow)

August 29, 2007

Black cab fares to rise 3.6-per cent

TAXI fares in Glasgow are to rise 3.59-per cent after licensing bosses rejected moves for even bigger increases.

The new fares will come into force from October 1.

Cab drivers had called for an average increase of more than 5-per cent, and 10-per cent on shorter journeys.

But councillors believe the revised tariffs offer a fairer deal for passengers.

A request for a rise in the GBP2 'unsociable hours' surcharge, which starts at 12.30am at weekends, was also turned down.

Licensing bosses believe thousands of late-night revellers will continue to use taxis in the city centre despite the increase, which is the first in almost two years.

Bill McIntosh, secretary of Glasgow Taxis, said: "Costs for drivers have increased significantly in the past 18 months since the last fare assessment. It must be seen in that context."

John McKenzie, licensing committee chairman, said: "We want to make sure taxis are affordable.

"If we get the city centre clear as soon as possible at night we have less chance of trouble."

A city council spokeswoman added: "The committee was asked for increases to the tariffs by Glasgow Taxis. After the statutory consultation, only one objection was made."

By law, taxi drivers can object to the new fares by appealing to the traffic commissioner. If no objections are received, the prices start on October 1.

Private hire taxis have a different fare structure.
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