Online voices

STORY

A formal bid to increase cab fares in Sunderland has been backed by council licensing bosses.

Stacey Brown: All cabbies will be putting up fares, with the increase in cost of fuel and other expenses to run the cars.

Richard Godden: It’s set by local councils. It’s nothing to do with the drivers or companies they work for.

Joe Bellerby: Petrol and insurance has gone up. Believe it or not, councillors don't control this.

Louise Dalzell: We need more taxis in Sunderland, I'm willing to pay more for a taxi if I know I can get one without a three hour wait and spending an hour on the phone trying to find one! If people can't get taxis they won't go out or will stay local and the pubs in centre will be out of business!

Paul Scrafton:

Unfortunately the pandemic put paid to that once their income disappeared a lot couldn't afford furlough as it was only 80% of their "declared income" which means it wasn't worth them staying as a taxi driver so a lot got other jobs and haven't gone back.

Margaret Murray: It’s to be expected, they are having to buy fuel which is going through the roof they have to make a living.

Jackie Walton: Petrol prices and insurance have rocketed and they still need to earn a living.

David Parkin: I get that they need to make a living BUT Station is one of the most expensive firms to use.

Susan Stewart: Unfortunately this is what's happening across the board in all businesses.

Victoria Atkinson: I think that's fair, petrol had gone up 50% in the last year, costs are ridiculous.

Ralph Lane: Only right if it’s to keep the lads employed.

Robert Brown: With the price of fuel rising it is understandable.

Maurice Allen: How to kill off the taxi trade.