Taxi fares set to increase
Taxi fares are going up in Dumfries and Galloway for the first time in four years
Taxi fares are set to be increased in Dumfries and Galloway for the first time in four years.
Councillors recently agreed to a 10 percent hike on mileage rates, and that the fare premium is increased to £2 for unsocial hours.
The fare for five or more passengers is to be set at the total tariff, plus another 50 percent.
These new fares and charges will take effect from June 1 this year.
The changes were implemented at Dumfries and Galloway Council’s recent enabling and customer services committee.
A report tabled at the meeting explained that a review of fares was now overdue.
Lochar Councillor Ivor Hyslop said: “Is that the last time that any increase was put in place – 2022?
“Because I’m sure taxi operators will have increased costs, increased living costs, etc.
“So, I think we should be looking at this possibly more frequently just to bring it in line with inflation pressure they may face.”
Sharon Davidson, council licensing manager, explained that taxi fares are usually reviewed every 18 months but they were delayed on this occasion due to outstanding questions around unmet demand and the provision of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
North West Dumfries Councillor Andy Ferguson asked if there could be a change to the rules that would allow for fares to be reviewed every year.
He said: “If the last increase was 2022, to actually just keep up with inflation, it’s going to have to be a lot more than we’re currently recommending.
“I’m looking for a mechanism that actually allows us to increase it on an annual basis using the inflation indicators, but obviously I’ll be guided by officers if we’re not legally able to do that.
“It’s something we need to think about in the longer term.”
Vlad Valiente, the council’s governance officer, explained that the 18-month review period had to stay in place at the moment, but a report could be brought back at a later date discussing in full the details of any changes.
Councillors were presented with two options: Option one – increase the current maximum fare structure and other charges, and option two – introduce a new fare in respect of vehicles carrying five or more passengers.
Abbey Councillor Davie Stitt proposed that both options were taken.
Dumfries and Galloway Council undertook a consultation with all taxi operators via email/letter on November 25 last year, seeking views by December 15 on if fares should remain as current, be reduced or increase.
Just 27 responses were received from 248 taxi drivers operating in the region.
Eighteen taxi driver were in favour of fares being increased, while nine stated they should remain at the current level.