Taxi Driver Online

York Private hire firm's fares freeze


ONE of York’s biggest private hire firms had some good news today for passengers struggling with the credit crunch – a freeze on fares.

Streamline, which with its sister business Local has a total fleet of about 95 vehicles, said it appreciated how customers were struggling and was doing its bit to help them out.

Business manager Bob Gilbert said a meeting of shareholders on Monday had decided not to increase fares, at least for the time being.

“We just want to do our bit to help people through the credit crunch,” he said.

He said people were having to “nip and tuck” as they dealt with the economic crisis.

“If they can avoid getting a taxi or a kebab, they will.”

He said the fall in fuel prices in recent months had made the decision possible, and warned that if the price of petrol and diesel were to soar again in coming months, the firm would have to look again at its fare levels.

Streamline’s decision contrasts with the policies of train and bus companies, many of which have recently hiked their fares – in some cases by considerably more than the rate of inflation.

Mr Gilbert said January was the time when Streamline normally considered raising its fares, and this time last year, they had been increased by 7.3 per cent.

He said that, unlike the taxi (hackney carriage) businesses, private hire firms were entitled to set their own fares without the involvement of the local authority.

City of York Council said that this was usually the time of year when fees and charges were discussed.

“Any rise in the taxi fares are triggered by a letter from the trade seeking an increase – we then consult with a notice in The Press and it is usually implemented on April 1,” said a spokeswoman.

Stuart Robertson, spokesman for the York Taxi Association, was unavailable for comment.

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

How the f*** is that newsworthy?

_________________
IDFIMH

I dont know, do you think the OFT will accuse them of price fixing?

CC

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

Possibly, but how many pages would that rag need to list every service that's not changing their rates?

_________________
IDFIMH

I'm not sure.....but I like the comment about customers not buying as many kebabs....damn credit crunch.

CC

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

Clever marketing. Get in with a local reporter, then make a comment on everything local!!! Boosted my dad's pub in the '70s when all the national media arrived to cover a murder inquiry!!

Who did he kill?

CC

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

Harumph!!

Yes, I could have phrased that a little better!!

John Lennon was connected to the inquiry at one stage. It took them about 3 years to solve it, IIRC.

I think it was a coup, without a doubt. Bob Gilbert had two choices, go with the flow and alienate the public, or, buck the trend, get the public onside and take out the opposition.

I think the Bold Bob has grasped the nettle of opportunity . . . at the expense of his competitors ....

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