Aberdeen Airport bosses doubled the drop-off charge and taxi drivers in the city are being expected to absorb the cost.
Out of Pocket
Non-airport taxi drivers now have to pay a £2 surcharge for a 15 minute wait. The original £1 surcharge is passed onto customers but this can’t be increased until the next taxi fare structure review. Cabbies will continue to be out of pocket until 2017 unless councillors agree to an early revision.
Taxi Fare Report
“In the circumstances it’s suggested that the committee supports the trade and allows for the increased surcharge to be added.”
Cabbies are requesting that councillors allow for an amendment to the current fare structure in advance of the next review. A report will be presented at the upcoming licensing meeting.
The report states: “In the circumstances it’s suggested that the committee supports the trade and allows for the increased surcharge to be added.
“Passengers can be given the option of being dropped off at the long stay car park to avoid the charge.”
Airport Response
In response to the cabbies’ concerns, an Aberdeen Airport spokesman said: “We introduced a drop-off charge to ease congestion in a very restricted area.
“In particular, there’s a significant rise in construction traffic due to our ongoing £20 million terminal expansion project.
“The measures were taken to allow us to continue to provide a safe and secure environment for our passengers and staff.
“It’s also important to note that the money raised from this charge is used for attracting new routes and sustaining existing ones.
“Much of it is put towards our community fund, which supports numerous community projects in the local area every year.”
Aberdeen council’s licensing committee is due to meet on Tuesday 25th of October where the issue will be discussed.