Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Fair City taxi firms ‘on their knees’ over no rise in tariffs
PERTH taxi firms are “on their knees” after not seeing a single rise in tariffs for the last decade.
Some have likened it to not having had a pay rise for 10 years, despite the rise in other costs.
And while firms do not wish to pass on additional costs to the public, they say they must in order to make ends meet.
The pandemic, coupled with rising fuel, insurance and licence costs, mean taxi firms are feeling the pinch.
But Perth and Kinross Council – which sets the tariffs – say a planned review in 2021 was delayed by the pandemic. It is set to take place this month.
Anddy Lothian of Ace Taxis said firms were asked to vote on whether there should be tariff increases – but the authority did not hike fares.
He said: “For the past 10 years, they have refused to up the tariffs.
“I am paying for 20 licences but I get one vote. I should have 20 votes.
“Fuel, insurance and staff wages have all gone up. We really need an increase – we are on our knees.”
Paul Hopkiss of Thistle Taxis likened the issue to a person not getting a pay rise in 10 years.
He said: “Expenses have gone up but our income has not – our income has been battered because of this. One thing is that many firms accept cards now and that will cost.
“I think
the
public
will accept it – they know this has been going on.”
Dereck Sweeny of A&B Taxis said: “We are definitely needing this increase.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesman said: “The planned taxi fare review was unfortunately delayed due during 2021 so that priority could be given to issuing licences and processing Covid grants to taxi drivers and operators, and so it is incorrect to say we refused to carry out a review.
“The review is due to begin this month. “Taxi operators are consulted in relation to any review of taxi fares. There is not a vote.
“Each taxi operator will be able to provide their view to the licensing department on an individual basis.”