Councillors are set to consider changing the maximum charges for taking a taxi in North Yorkshire to ensure they are fair to customers and drivers.
North Yorkshire Council sets the limit for taxi fares and aims to strike a balance between setting a price that is reasonable to the public and the trade.
Fares are reviewed regularly to ensure drivers are fairly rewarded for their work, and that members of the public are not deterred from using taxis in their area.
Older people often rely on taxis to attend doctors and hospital appointments, and many people with disabilities use them to travel to school. Therefore, the impact of fares needs to be carefully considered.
The council’s executive members will be asked to consider whether to propose amended tariffs at a meeting on Tuesday (16th September).
Proposed new tariffs would then be consulted upon before a final decision is made.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for licensing, Cllr Richard Foster, said:
“When setting the maximum fares for taxis, we must be mindful of setting a price that is acceptable to the customer as well as the trade.
“If we set fares too high, customers may choose not to use them or use alternative providers. Similarly, if they are too low then the trade cannot afford to make a living and may leave the profession.
“Of course, the fares are also the maximum a driver can charge, and they can charge a lower fare should they wish to do so.”
A consultation took place for six weeks this summer and about 300 people responded.
When asked about the current maximum fare for a three-mile journey during the day, 97 per cent of residents, visitors or businesses, and 70 per cent of the trade felt that fares were currently much too high, somewhat high or about right.
Similarly, residents, visitors or businesses believed the same with the nighttime tariff (96 per cent) and the festive period tariff (92 per cent), with 75 per cent of the trade on both counts.
However, the council acknowledges that drivers should be compensated for providing this service, with many working unsociable hours, especially over the festive period.
There were also concerns that the cost of running a taxi has increased significantly over the years, as has the cost of living.
The fares are based on distance and waiting time, with an initial flag fall charge followed by charges per distance and per minute of waiting time.
They are also not applicable to private hire vehicles, meaning those vehicles booked in advance, as these are set by the operator rather than the licensing authority.
Passengers are urged to agree the fare before travelling.
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