Taxi fares frozen for second year running
CUSTOMERS are due to dodge a hike in taxi fares for the second year running following opposition to the increase by cab drivers.
In a survey taken out by Runnymede Borough Council of the taxi companies and drivers in the district only 27 per cent bothered to take part.
Of that number 26 drivers or (49 per cent) were in favour of an increase and 27 (51 per cent) were against.
The regulatory committee meeting took place after The Herald went to press but it is expected that the proposed fare increase of 5 per cent was rejected by councillors.
Keith O'Donnell of Knight and Day Taxis in Egham said: “In the current economic climate it would be detrimental to trade if prices did go up.
“We are experiencing massive fuel increases but customers who do not understand the economics of running a cab will not take this into account, they will just walk away and trade would suffer.”
Addlestone North Ward councillor, David Parr, Chairman of the regulatory committee said: “We are in a recession and taxi drivers are by and large struggling with the increase in fuel charges.
“However there is also a recession in cab fares so if taxi drivers put up their prices less people will use cabs and they would be less able to cope with fuel charges...it is a vicious circle.”
source:
http://www.surreyherald.co.uk/surrey-news/[/b]