Taxi Driver Online

is starting in our LA for implimentation Aug 2012. So far 4 options have been muted-

1/ 20p on flag fall (from £1.80 to £2.00 for first half mile)

2/ 20p on flag and 20p on running mile

3/ zero on flag and 20p on running mile

4/ zero on flag and 5% on running mile

Given that the last 2 reviews were 3% on the running mile, what's your thoughts?

I am representing 18 drivers at the forum and they are advocating I go for option 1.

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My heart is heavy, but my consience clear,
I voted Yes, without any fear.

You haven't said how much you get for a Running Mile. Is 20p more than 5%? ~ More than likely.

I'd go for Option 2, as it appears to give you the most.

I assume that most of your runs are shortish, so go for a maximum rise of Flagfall.

Try to tag the mileage to the %age change in fuel prices, with an option for an automatic mileage increase, every time Fuel increases by more than 10%.

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Don't dream it ~ Be it.

We get £1.80 for first 880 yds and 10p for every 108 yds thereafter. I reckon it equates to approx £1.58 per mile. So 5% would be less than 20p for sure.

My big fear would be scaring punters back on to the buses if we go too high. A 20p hike is more than sufficent in today's climate, esp as most customers know we have been practically the same price for over 3 years now. The majority accept that a rise will come. Hopefully by next August they'll feel things are better for them too.

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My heart is heavy, but my consience clear,
I voted Yes, without any fear.

Unfortunatly that is the problem that will keep you working for less than your true worth. When the price of electricity goes up, does yours stay down? When the price of petrol goes up, does yours stay down? When the price of the weekly shop goes up, does yours stay down? Do you see the utility companys, BP or Tesco fearing that their price rises will scare the punters.
Don't forget that any increase on the metered fares is a maximum. If you think that any new price will "scare off" the punters you can always offer a discount at the quiet times.

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Grandad,

Serious Mathematical problem here ~ 5% of £1.58 is 7.9p.

Get the maximum increase, then you could always offer the punter a Discount on the Metered Price. No reason not to stick a 5% Discount Sign in the Window!

Personally I always charge the Metered Price (I tell them that that is how my wages are calculated) and then those that have been pleasant, on a long journey, get the offer of a slightly reduced Fare, usually Rounded Down a little. Gives them the feeling of having got a bargain for being Good Company.

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Don't dream it ~ Be it.

Your cheap,
I would have gone for a £2.50 start before 10 PM and £1.50 a mile after 10 PM £3.00 start and £1.50 a mile

Fares in Ayr since, I think, April this year.

Flag Down: £2.80 for the first 3/4 Mile. Rising to £3.80 between Midnight and 06:00. + £1.80 a mile thereafter

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Don't dream it ~ Be it.

The forum met this morning and the concensus was for a £2.00 flagfall and 6% on running mile.

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My heart is heavy, but my consience clear,
I voted Yes, without any fear.