LATE night revellers in Bridgnorth district are being hit by a 50 per cent hike in taxi fares in a bid to standardise charges throughout the county.
Under the new rules which came in on Wednesday, the minimum fee for a Hackney Carriage journey is £3 for a distance under a mile, and an extra 10p for each further 160 yards. Waiting time is 20p for every 30 seconds or £24 for an hour.
And journeys which start after 11pm, or at any time on Sundays and bank holidays, will be charged at time and a half.
“People going on a night out are going to have a shock,” said Bridgnorth taxi driver James Masson of A-Line Taxis, commenting on the changes this week. “We have all had to install meters because you can’t work out the fare without one, and the rates are set by the new Shropshire Council.
“It will not affect people travelling before 11pm too much some trips may even work out cheaper but it will be a big rise for people having a night out and travelling home late. This is the first time we have had guidelines. Personally, I don¹t think it’s a bad thing, as it takes the onus off the driver to come up with a figure.”
Hackney Carriage drivers in the town have mixed views. One operator, who did not wish to be named, said the higher fares could encourage people to drink and drive.
“An extra 50 per cent is a massive increase I don¹t think people will be prepared to pay it,” he said.
But Dave Gordon from TD Taxis said the new system would at least be fair. “It will stop people overcharging. But people do need to be aware of the new rate card. For some people, it will be fine, and they will save a bit but some people travelling later at night will face what may seem like an extortionate rise.”
Jason Gittoes, of AJ Taxis, said he was all in favour of a unified system of fares across the county. “The old system was open to exploitation,” he said.
Taxi drivers who feel the 50 per cent increase after 11pm is too much do have the option of giving a discount. However, most feel it would be confusing for customers to have a meter running and then charge a different price. They also say they need to recoup the cost of installing their meters, and cover daytime journeys which may be cheaper under the new fare structure.
Before the unitary authority came into being on Wednesday, each district and borough council decided its own fees and terms.
Councillor John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council member champion for public protection, said: “New standardised licence fees and conditions will ensure that we have a better and fairer system that is easier for all to understand, good value for drivers, and good news for customers. The changes will further safeguard the public by enhancing the quality of vehicle that is licensed.”