Minicab firm slashes prices but not all drivers are happy


A minicab firm director says his company has had to slash its prices “due to the climate we live in.”

George Robinson, one of four directors at C Cabs, says the firm has made the decision to compete with its rivals.

Around 190 drivers for the company were called into a depot off Talbot Road on Monday to have their meters replaced.

As a result, the starting fare for a journey with the company will begin at £2 – that’s 60p lower than before.

Mr Robinson said: “All people are bothered about now is what’s on the start of the meter and what’s on the end of the meter. We’ve got to compete with our competitors.

“It’s the climate we live in now. It’s cheaper than it used to be and we’ve got to try to get people in.”

The move was voted in by the company’s shareholders following an extraordinary general meeting.

Mr Robinson admits the move could be risky, but hopes drivers will receive more work because of the lower prices.

He said: “What was a £5.20 job is now a £4 or £4.20 job so it’s a big saving, but we’re hoping to get more work to compensate for it.

“I’d imagine when it all kicks into play we’ll get a great response from the drivers.”

“All we can do is see how it progresses from here.”

But one C Cabs driver, who did not want to be named, said: “I’m not happy about it and from what I understand most of the drivers are against it. The town is struggling as it is and taxi drivers are not making a living.”

source: http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/ ... -1-5617400

Not just the start rate but the yardage aswell ! Plus leaflets through door for two pounds off fares,as ive said numerous times its a race to the bottom.

Yep, spoke to a night driver yesterday who's worked out that the 2AM-6AM jobs cost 32% - 39% less than the council fare. He's given up his drive and gone on a street cab, better to do a little work for a little money than lots of work for none.

What happens when the competition follow suit?

Do they knock another £1?

Drivers for both companies are at breaking point as is, any further reductions would completely wipe out their earnings. To give you an idea how bad it's got, a driver on the red company told me today that he'd earned £5.60 after fuel for an 8 hours shift, and that isn't a one-off bad day - that is now the norm for PH day drivers. Nights can't be much better as the night drivers have taken a massive cut to bring their fares down to 30p above the day level.

he s talking out of his arris mate where was he plotted preston?

Cheaper fares equals more money and work yes it does