Rising petrol prices are likely to spark taxi fares increase
Fares for taxis hailed at ranks or in the street in Bath are likely to rise by just over six per cent to help operators cope with petrol price increases.
The prices charged by Hackney Carriages – taxis which are not pre-booked – are examined by Bath and North East Somerset Council every year in consultation with owners.
Last year, the council decided there was no need to raise fares – or tariff rates, as they are known – so the increase now being suggested to B&NES cabinet member Councillor Charles Gerrish would be the first in two years.
Taxi operatorsare concerned about rising fuel costs and a report to Mr Gerrish from council licensing manager Andrew Jones says: "Since the end of March this year, there has been a sharp rise in the price of fuel which has led to a substantial increase in the running costs of Hackney Carriage vehicles."
The report also suggests that the surcharge for carrying more than two passengers be increased from 30p to 50p and that the charge for keeping a driver waiting be fixed at 30p a minute, replacing a more complicated system. A five-minute wait while a passenger calls at a shop would add £1.50 to the bill.
The 6.06 percentage rise has been arrived at using a national formula which looks at both the cost of motoring and the average earnings index.
The date when the new regime comes in has not yet been fixed and depends on whether there are objections or other comments once Mr Gerrish has agreed to publish an official notice outlining the changes.
They will not affect pre-booked, private hire taxis, whose operators can set their own rates.
The Bath Spa Taxi Owners' Association has backed the rise, although it had also wanted to be able to charge higher fares on Saturday afternoons and evenings, and charge more per person when carrying more than four people.
The existing set of charges was introduced in October 2008.
source:
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/environment/
Login
Register
FAQ
