Taxi Driver Online

How do you calculate your annual fare rise? Some years ago we had a chart (similar to London) that calculated the cost of tyres, insurance, vehicle replacements etc. It allowed for almost every expense related to running or driving a cab. However, the council in it's wisdom, said it was too complicated and ever since we have slid further and further down the PHM league.

I want the index returned and am pushing for a 18% increase this year.

So how does everyone else calculate their rates? I know PHV can set their own, and I object to councils restricting Hack increases, after all what business is it of theirs? We get no say in their allowances, or the council tax charges. Surely, it is the punter who will vote with his feet (or a**e) if it's too expensive.

I see your point, but the problem the cab trade has in many areas is they are led by fools who will stipulate silly fares, and there are many fools out there that will go along with them.

But for those drivers that don't like councils setting cab fares why not ask the council to stop doing it. There are at least half a dozen councils that don't have a set tariff, so go for it.

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IDFIMH

I posted this thread over two and a half years ago, and personally I think it's the best way to go.

http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=37

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IDFIMH

we have that in B&H and i think it works well.
without the formula the thick unions would try to outbid each other in the stupid stakes.

Thanks for that. Sussex do you have the actual figures for the last 3 years anywhere, or do your council store them on their website as minutes/reports as and when they go through committee?

If not does anyone else know where I can find someones formula for the last few years?

Thanks

It might be an idea to e-mail or ring Mr Roland at the National PH Association, he should have info for quite a few areas.

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IDFIMH

I do hear taxi rates in London are set to increase 3.5% as from April 1st.

Regards Eric

And running costs by about £2,000 from July 1st.

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IDFIMH

The have passed a suicidal 38% in the borders thats why i may be going PH if the traffic commissioner agrees to it

The formula Sussex gave me produced a need for a 23% increase. The licensing manager is not a happy bunny as he removed the previous formula and replaced it with a ridiculous inflation only rise over the last few years.

You can adjust it though.

Instead of saying you do 60% paid mileage, say you do 50%. That should get it down to a more realistic increase.

Now it can be asked why change it if leads to an average wage, but I think once you have got the formula agreed, then when fuel/insurance/running costs etc go up, then so do your rates.

In other words you can start where you want, even leave the fares as they are, but in time you will be able to get an annual increase in line with your increased costs.

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IDFIMH

I am happy to push for the 23% it produced, after all after negotiation we will probably only end up with half this year and half next year.

It is a simple formula though, I will let you know whether or not it gets approved as a method for annual increases.