Indeed, around a month ago you seemed to think that some drivers at Brighton station might be acting unscrupulously as regards out-of-area unregulated trips (see below), which I think in OFT terms might be deemed as due to competition and/or regulatory problems. But now you seem to just dismiss this by saying that out-of-area journeys can be charged at any rate, which seems to contradict your earlier stance. Or how much higher than £70 for the trip would the driver have to charge (as compared to the ‘going rate’ of £35) before you thought it a rip-off?



Dusty

Of course there is no conclusive evidence that a price-fixing cartel is operating, but this business about the little books seems a bit iffy – surely the Gatwick run is a frequent trip from Brighton, and the driver would know the fare from top of his head?


Dusty

Quote 2 posts from Dusty

Yes, many drivers are paying to work Mr Scanner, and it's a bit rich to complain about Medigen and £20k when plates in Brighton cost more than twice this 'to work'.

I'm not too keen on Medigen myself, but I really can't see the difference between them and the majority of taxi offices - but are charging drivers for work at sums approximating to the market rate.

But the difference between these freephones and the like is that any profits earned are market based, unlike the plate cartels.

Personally, I wouldn't pay for supermarket work at any price, but if anyone wants to then that's up to them.

Dusty

I wouldn't call this a cartel, and in view of your support for restricted numbers then I think your description of fare regulation as the 'only' cartel is a bit rich.

But leaving that issue aside, how would you improve the fare setting process?

Dusty
Hey Dusty!!!! Its actually not MY fault that plates have reached a high premium. So I have every right to complain about whatever I want. But you obviously feel that I have no right whatsoever.

Dont stereotype me. Try to remember that I have always agreed with issuing more plates each year even when I bought my own plate 20 years ago. Do I have to state this in every post I make. I dont believe in restricting plates............but I dont believe in suddenly issuing plates on mass.

Well I can now see that there is a lot of prejudice on this forum... so perhaps it is not worth the time using it.

I shall just continue working within my well organised city within my well organised Association and the well organised JTC.


Never mind...best of luck with it.
Scanners final post

Firstly it wasnt Brighton Station. It was at a rank.

It is not for ME to judge how others charge as they are individuals who can legally charge whatever they want. This is stated in the fare card that any journey ending outside the borough is to be agreed between the customer and driver.

So the driver does have the right to charge whatever he thinks he can get away with.. Do I actually agree with this... well yes and no. He has the right but personally I do not think that this should be abused.. and I stated that with regards to the Gatwick fare I would have charged £40 which is more than my office quotes and less than it would be on the meter.

SO you are trying to make out that I have said one thing in one post and said the oposite in the other post.

Quote 2 posts from Dusty

Yes, many drivers are paying to work Mr Scanner, and it's a bit rich to complain about Medigen and £20k when plates in Brighton cost more than twice this 'to work'.

I'm not too keen on Medigen myself, but I really can't see the difference between them and the majority of taxi offices - but are charging drivers for work at sums approximating to the market rate.

But the difference between these freephones and the like is that any profits earned are market based, unlike the plate cartels.

Personally, I wouldn't pay for supermarket work at any price, but if anyone wants to then that's up to them.

Dusty

I wouldn't call this a cartel, and in view of your support for restricted numbers then I think your description of fare regulation as the 'only' cartel is a bit rich.

But leaving that issue aside, how would you improve the fare setting process?

Dusty
Hey Dusty!!!! Its actually not MY fault that plates have reached a high premium. So I have every right to complain about whatever I want. But you obviously feel that I have no right whatsoever.

Dont stereotype me. Try to remember that I have always agreed with issuing more plates each year even when I bought my own plate 20 years ago. Do I have to state this in every post I make. I dont believe in restricting plates............but I dont believe in suddenly issuing plates on mass.

Well I can now see that there is a lot of prejudice on this forum... so perhaps it is not worth the time using it.

I shall just continue working within my well organised city within my well organised Association and the well organised JTC.


Never mind...best of luck with it.
Scanners final post

Of course there is no proof...just a lot of hot air fluffing around.

Well there are certainly competition problems evidenced by the disparity of prices being asked for a largely similar product.

And we certainly don't need evidence of two cartels operating - the plate one and the station one.

Dusty

Hey Dusty!!!! Its actually not MY fault that plates have reached a high premium. So I have every right to complain about whatever I want. But you obviously feel that I have no right whatsoever.

Dont stereotype me. Try to remember that I have always agreed with issuing more plates each year even when I bought my own plate 20 years ago. Do I have to state this in every post I make. I dont believe in restricting plates............but I dont believe in suddenly issuing plates on mass.

[Well I can now see that there is a lot of prejudice on this forum... so perhaps it is not worth the time using it.

With great respect I would very much doubt that it was a ph car as being in such close distance to the actual rank the ph car would not have made it ten yards!!! What with taxis coming and going all the time.