Taxi fares in Glasgow  are set to rise again – just months after a 10 per cent increase was introduced .

Licensing chiefs have proposed the change following a review by Dr James Cooper, of Taxi Research Partners, who backed a 1.71 per cent hike.

It means the flag fall – or fixed start fee – would increase by 10p, from £3.30 to £3.40.

This would be the maximum fare for a journey not exceeding 932 yards or two minutes 59 seconds, down from the current distance and time of 939 yards and three minutes.

Passengers are currently charged 20p for every additional 167 yards or 34 seconds. Dr Cooper has recommended the time remains the same but the distance is dropped to 164 yards.

A 10.32 per cent rise came into effect on February 25 this year, with the initial fee jumping from £3 to £3.30.

“While this review was commenced shortly after the coming into effect of the previous increase to the taxi fare scales, it was necessary to do so in line with the committee’s commitment to undertaking annual reviews at the end of February each year,” a report to Glasgow City Council’s licensing chiefs revealed.

Glasgow Taxis and Unite the Union Glasgow Cab Section both suggested the flag fall should remain the same.

However, Dr Cooper said the increase was justified as costs have gone up. His report revealed, in the period of review between August 2018 and February 2019, there had been a rise in the maintenance costs for taxi vehicles, radio dues and driver earnings.

“This is a maximum fare. Companies can reduce and discount their tariff,” he added.

The expert has also recommended a bottom up review of the taxi tariff as “the fundamentals of taxi operation have changed rapidly over recent years and market changes have impacted on the costs and revenue experienced by taxis operating in the city”.

February’s increase came amid falling passenger numbers, with use of the city’s taxi ranks halving since 2006. It was implemented due to the rising cost of vehicle purchase and maintenance.


Dr Cooper’s report states: “It is concluded that the costs of production for taxi trips in Glasgow have increased in the period from 2018 to 2019.

“The change in operating costs experienced by the taxi industry has increased by 1.71 per cent.

“We would therefore recommend that an increase is applied to the tariff to reflect this change in costs.

“We do caution, however, that any increase be made being aware of the impacts of large changes on the wider use of taxis, and the potential for that increase to result in a loss of trade from the traditional taxi to other types of vehicle for hire.”

The licensing committee has instructed the Council’s Director of Governance and Solicitor to the Council, Carole Forrest, to give notice of the intention to bring in the increase.

She will report back to the committee any representations received in relation to the notice.

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-taxi-fares-increase-again-16463184
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 GLASGOW

Uber ride-sharing rival Ola refused licence to operate in Glasgow

Glasgow's Licensing and Regulatory Committee have refused a booking office licence application from Ola UK Private Hire Ltd.

Confirming the outcome via their Facebook page, Unite the Union Glasgow Cab Section, said: 'Objections from Unite Cab Section, GTL and GGPHA were noted and considered. Ola will now either have to wait 12 months to reapply or appeal to the Sheriff Court.'

Src=TaxiPoint  
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 LEEDS

A fire engine attending a call to Leeds General Infirmary struggled to get into the car park - because of an unattended taxi.

The moment fire fighters had to squeeze through at a snail's pace was caught on camera by a woman stood outside the hospital's A&E department.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/footage-shows-moment-fire-fighters-struggle-to-get-through-hospital-car-park-due-to-unattended-parked-taxi-1-9833669
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