Taxi drivers from Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute off the West Coast of Scotland, have grouped together in a bid to change the current taxi tariffs set by Argyll and Bute Council.
The Argyll and Bute Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee team (PPSL) will meet in Lochgilphead this week to discuss the possibility of introducing a small increase in fares. In March 2012, PPSL made the decision not to change the fare structure but undertook to review cab tariffs again in early 2013.
A report has been prepared to support the proposal and will be presented at the committee meeting this week. The report states that six Rothesay cab drivers were present at a recent consultation meeting to support the increase.
Everyone attending the consultation was in agreement that with the rising fuel, licensing, insurance and taxi maintenance costs, a small increase should be approved.
One cabbie said: “A small increase of 20p increase per flag fall would go a long way, as it’s unfair that taxi operators have to continually absorb fuel price increases.”
Varying Views
Although neighbouring districts including Dunoon, Oban and mid-Argyll are also in favour of the changes, other Argyllshire towns like Campbeltown and Helensburgh are not so keen on the proposal, fearing it could put customers off using local taxis.
Currently, the standard tariff is set at £2.70 for the first 860-yards and 20p for each subsequent two hundred yards thereafter. A decision will be made at the Council’s PPSL committee meeting next week