Running Costs Force East Dunbartonshire Taxi Drivers to Increase Fares
East Dunbartonshire taxi drivers are claiming that higher running costs are the underlying reason for demanding higher fares for journeys.
The East Dunbartonshire Taxi Owners Association wants fares to be increased by 6.5 percent. This means that a three mile journey would cost £5.61 rather than the previous £5.25.
Fares are set by the local council, and have not been reviewed since 2007. Drivers say that fuel prices mean that profits are getting smaller, and local councillors have agreed to carry out a consultation before making a final decision.
Similar complaints are being heard by Edinburgh taxi drivers after it was announced that they would be expected to pay £1 to drop off passengers outside the airport for just 15 minutes. This charge would rise to £2 for a 30 minute drop off, increasing journey costs for local taxi drivers as well as locals who get family and friends to drive them to the airport.