Taxi operators in Cumbria have been wrestling with a dilemma shared by taxi operators across the UK.
Rising fuel costs, combined with a sluggish economy, can affect taxi sales income for cab operators as much as anyone else. But how should the cab industry respond?
Around the UK, opinion remains split as to whether taxi fare increases are the answer or whether price increases will just depress taxi sales income further, by pushing would-be taxi users onto buses and other forms of transport.
Cumbria Taxi Fare Freeze
Taxi fares in Allerdale, Cumbria, will not be going up following requests from local drivers. The council has agreed to hold fares at current levels. However, suggestions are that they will be forced to review the fare structure again if fuel costs continue to rise.
At a recent council meeting, the former Chairman of Workington Taxi Association, Steve Robinson, argued that any increase in taxi fares could price local firms out of business. He also said that any increase would affect the “little old ladies on Murray Road”.
Mr. Robinson went on to propose that increases could be applied by bringing the higher late-night tariff forward by an hour, starting at 11pm instead of midnight. He commented: “Then it would only affect the night-time drinkers. It would mean they would have to go easy on the stout and budget for a taxi home after a good night but it wouldn’t affect pensioners during the day.”
Fares Fair
Following the meeting, the local authority made the decision not to increase fares. Councillor Peter Bales stated that it would be fairer for everyone if the fares remained the same.
Sue McKenzie, of Sue’s Taxis, commented: “We’re delighted with the result and by doing it this way it means we can come back during the year and reassess the pricing.”