Think the headline overeggs things a bit here, as will become clear. But that's why I've put the word 'set' in inverted commas. 'Set to rise' or whatever, usually suggests that it's more or less cut and dried.
Taxi fares set to go up in Burton and Uttoxeterhttps://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/ne ... up-4989842Drivers say they are struggling to make a living and many have left the tradePassengers look set to have to pay more for their taxi journeys as cabbies struggle to make a living during the covid crisis.
Fares are expected to go up across East Staffordshire after a plea from drivers to the borough council.
It will mean passengers will have to fork out nearly 10 per cent more for journeys.
A host of other charges will also be ramped up, with flat fees for travelling with pet dogs and journeys after midnight doubled.
The cost of clearing up after passengers vomit in cabs will also be raised more than 10 per cent, with waiting fees rising 50 per cent.
Abid Hussain, boss of Burton's Premier Taxis, based in Station Street, said it was the first time in years plans to hike fares had been proposed.
He said: "The pandemic is having a serious effect on drivers in the area. We've got minimal income and the cost of insurance and maintenance on vehicles is through the roof.
"When trade starts picking up again, a lot of companies will effectively be starting again from zero and will have to work hard to promote themselves again to get trade.
"We have to think about making a living and we have to survive to make sure the service is still there for people.
"I'm sure there will be some negative reaction to the idea, but people have to understand it would be the first time fares have been raised in years.
"A lot of the drivers I know have already quit the industry and gone to work factory shifts."
An East Staffordshire Borough Council spokesman said: "The council has received a proposal from the taxi trade to increase the current Hackney carriage tariff.
"This proposal is now open for consultation. Comments on these proposals should be submitted to the council by Friday, February 12."
How the new fares will workThe old fares saw customers pay £2 for the first 192 metres, but that distance will be cut to 172.8 metres.
From there, the current charge translates to £1.85 per mile, but that will go up by 21p.
The new charges will see a five-mile journey cost £12.05, compared to the current cost of £11.05.
On top of that, the amount passengers have to pay while cabs are waiting for them will go up.
The current charge is 10p per 20 seconds, but the new charge will be 20p per 30 seconds.
Cabbies will continue to charge time-and-a-half where there are four or more passengers.
A 10p-per-item charge for luggage held in the boot of the cab, beyond the first item, will be scrapped.
Those travelling with dogs - excluding assistance and guide dogs - will have to pay £2. The current charge is £1.
The same increase will be in place for journeys between midnight and 5am, as well as all bank holiday journeys.
Push chairs, wheelchairs and shopping bags will continue to be accommodated for free.
Anyone who throws up in the cab and does not use the provided sick bag will have to pay £50 for cleaning services, where the current charge is £45.
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