Taxi fares in Stirling are to rise by almost 14 per cent - and a new tariff introduced for larger vehicles carrying five or more passengers.
Stirling Council’s planning and regulation agreed last week to increase taxi fares and introduce the new tariff.
Members approved an approximate increase in distance based charges of taxi fares by 13.9 per cent over Tariff 1 (7am-11pm) and Tariff 2 (11pm-7am). They also agreed to a third tariff that applies to journeys carrying five or more passengers.
Under the new fares, the minimum fare for Tariff 1 will increase from £3 to £3.40 and Tariff 2 will increase from a minimum of £3.50 to £4. Tariff 3 will be applied as a 60 per cent increase over the Tariff 1 rate. The incremental distance on charges for journeys in excess of half a mile will be reduced to 86 yards from 18th of a mile.
This is the first increase in taxi fares by Stirling Council since December 2019 and the decision has been taken following Stirling’s Taxi Fare Review carried out by independent traffic consultants, Licensed Vehicles Survey and Assessment (LVSA).
The review took into account factors associated with the costs of operating a taxi, including vehicle price, licensing cost, servicing, fuel, insurance, vehicle excise duty and national earnings.
At last Tuesday’s panel meeting, officials said that consultation comments from the trade had been generally positive but added that some operators had indicated they didn’t feel the proposals went far enough.
Conservative councillor Rachel Nunn said she had “some sympathy” with comments made pointing out that expecting vehicles to achieve more than 60 miles per gallon within a city setting was unrealistic.
Panel members quizzed officers over concerns raised by some consultees that the new Tariff 3 could be abused and what protections were in place for consumers.
Councillor Neil Benny said: “It’s not a significant amount of money if you’re only going a couple of miles from the city centre to St Ninians but if you’re going to Kinlochard or somewhere it could be expensive.”
However, the officials said if this happened - for example if less than five people were charged according to Tariff 3 if in a larger vehicle - this would be a breach of conditions and would be investigated. They also said tariffs and conditions would be displayed.
Councillors also agreed to consult with the taxi trade over whether they would like a further review - which has a cost to the industry - in 12 months, given the uncertainty of the ongoing cost of living crisis, as opposed to the usual 18 month period.
Councillor Douglas Dodds said: “I think it’s important we consult with the taxi trade because it’s their livelihood and we need to listen to them. If they want to do it and they are paying for it we need to listen to them.”
Officials agreed to approach the trade for their thoughts on the suggestion and report back to the panel.
Last year proposed new fares agreed by councillors didn’t go ahead following an appeal to the Traffic Commissioner by a taxi operator.
Council officials said last week that while it was still open for the latest decision to go to appeal, given that procedure had been properly followed it was hoped this would not occur.
