Taxi Driver Online

Birmingham taxi drivers fare rise call




Cabbies calling for increase in tariffs, claiming they are struggling to make ends meet with rising costs and the recession

Hundreds of Birmingham’s cabbies are pressing for an increase in fares for passengers – with drivers working an average 48-hour week for less than £20,000 a year.

Transport union RMT is fighting for a better deal for the city’s taxi drivers amid fears that many are struggling to keep their heads above water due to increased costs and the fallout from the economic downturn.

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union is calling for talks with Birmingham City Council over a range of issues, including tariffs, night rates and rising costs of running vehicles, with mandatory twice-yearly MOT tests.

Ken Usher, RMT Midlands Regional Organiser, said times were tough for many cabbies in the city.

“Our members are saying ‘times are hard, we need to get our money back from the cost of running our businesses.’

“We are trying to bring about improvements to drivers’ earning capacities which would enable them to support their families.

“It is like everything else at times of austerity, taxis can become a luxury. But they are the first ambassadors for the city that visitors come across.

“If you are stuck in traffic and not making any great distances at all, there is not an awful lot of money to be made.

“The drivers have not had a review since 2012, and before that, it was 2009. They have found things tough over the last few years.”

He said the rising costs of fuel and insurance had also eaten into drivers’ earning capacities.

Mr Usher said drivers could work up to 90 hours a week, with an average of 48 hours.

“A recent survey conducted by the city council showed that the average working week was 48 hours, but it can range from anything from zero hours to 90. They have to put the hours in.

“There are 1,300 licensed taxi drivers in Birmingham and we have over 800 members.”

The RMT is now looking to raise its concerns with the council at a formal meeting.

“The council has replied to our letter and they are asking for a bit more detail. We are hoping to have a meeting with them next week or the week after.”

source: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/mi ... se-8071444

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Haven't both of these been falling over the last year?

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Grandad,

Fuel has dropped but insurance for some has risen.

Well I guess the cost of fuel is relative to the amount of journeys you make, but, if those journeys haven't had an increase in some years then of course the cost of fuel plays a big part of rising costs. Especially if the last time you got an increase it fuel was still below £1

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

No fooling you sweetheart.

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IDFIMH

Aye if she get's any sharper...

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

Oh you're witty tonight aren't you

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

They last had an increase in 2012. The cost of diesel was well above the cost it is today.

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Grandad,

So the cost of living is falling,and the recesion is over,why the feck would they need a pay rise.

Spoken like a true capitalist Now why should they have a rise ........just not right - lets keep the financial jackboot on their necks

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Common sense........is just not that Common.

I think Mr Blackpool was being ironic.

The point being generall expressed is that we as a trade are entitled to try and raise our living standards, even, heaven forbid, above slave labour status.

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IDFIMH

I have no problem with them wanting an increase but by stating that fuel has increased in price in the last 2 years will see them looking like fools when the Council look at it. If you are going to make a case you first have to make sure that your facts are correct.

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Grandad,

weird how we dropped our prices ny 20% and id say have increased traffic by 50-75 %.

drop yer prices if you want to earn more money

But what happens when someone undercuts you? Do you decrease your fares further?

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IDFIMH

Drop them another 80%, then you'll be quids in

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