Taxi Driver Online

Bath Chronicle

September 12, 2007 Wednesday

Above average taxi fare rise is 'not enough'

Taxi fare rises are set to beat both the local and national averages.

There is no national requirement to review fares for Hackney cabs annually but Bath and North East Somerset Council policy is to review them to "ensure a competitive and attractive service".

While anyone flagging down a taxi faces an instant charge of £2.20 already, this is set to rise by 20p.

The amount charged for minutes spent in the taxi and distance travelled will also rise.

A five-mile trip in daytime Bristol currently costs £11.80, including a £2.30 flagging charge. The same distance in Bath already costs £12, and is set to rise to £12.60.

The difference is greater for a ten-mile journey, which in Bristol currently costs £19 and £21.80 in Bath, which is proposed to rise to £22.60.

After midnight, charges for the traditional black cabs in Bath and north east Somerset are more in line with national and local charges, but those taking return journeys longer than ten miles, such as from Bath to Radstock, will still be out of pocket.

But with inflation at around three per cent, the increased fares - at a 2.09 per cent increase - are less than inflation and could potentially cause a loss of income for taxi drivers.

In consultation with drivers before finalising the proposal, one driver said there should be a rise of at least 7.5 per cent and an additional £1 charge for fares on Saturdays and Sundays.

Another stated that two per cent was not enough and he would have to make £1,000 just to cover the cost of altering the meter. She also proposed increasing the fouling charge from £60 to £100. This has been included on the proposal.

The plan is due to be considered by the Cllr Charles Gerrish, the council's cabinet executive for customer services. A decision is due to be made on or after Saturday.

Cllr Gerrish said the new increase did not totally follow inflation, although this was taken into account.

He added: "I think it's fair and balanced."
_________________________

Meters?

_________________
Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

Attractive maybe, competitive with whom?

_________________
IDFIMH

Damn, cost's about a tenner down here.

Bloody hell How much did his meter cost

_________________
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z07K29Fc15U