Glasgow taxi fares increase proposed as drivers call for higher night charges

Glasgow taxi fares could rise by over 3% while the soiling charge—paid when a car needs to be taken off the road for cleaning—is also set to go up.

An independent review of the city’s taxi fares has proposed a 3.32% increase, with the minimum charge flag fall set to rise from £4.40 to £4.50.

Some trade representatives want a higher night charge and extra charges when more than two people travel.

They also disagree with the review’s findings that insurance costs have decreased, saying drivers are reporting rises.

The changes were recommended after the review concluded that the “costs of operating a tax in Glasgow, the production costs, have increased.”

Under the proposals, the flag fall distance and time would change from 889 yards to 880 yards and 167 seconds to 165 seconds.

Each additional increment could change from a distance not exceeding 179 yards to a distance not exceeding 174 yards and the time changed from 38 seconds to 37 seconds.

However, the distance and time charge would remain at an increment of 30p. It is recommended the soiling charge is lifted from £46 to £47.

The additional charge for hires after 9pm and before 6am would remain at £1.50 and the extra charge for hires between 9pm on December 24 and 6am on December 27 and 9pm on December 31 and 6am on January 3 would stay at £2.70 if councillors accept the recommendations on Wednesday.

The review of the taxi fare scales has been carried out by Dr James Cooper. The last review proposed an increase of 9.72%, which came into effect in September last year.

Glasgow Taxi Owners Federation wants extra charges for additional passengers, beyond two, and an increased night charge of £2 rather than £1.50 to “encourage night working”.

It also disputes some of the figures used by Dr Cooper in his calculations, including for insurance, radio dispatch and vehicle purchases.

Dr Cooper’s report notes that “insurance costs have declined over the period of review” but this “follows a significant increase in the previous period”.

However, Unite the union Glasgow cab section has said it has surveyed members and “not one has reported a reduction” in insurance costs, with an average increase of around 8% instead.

The union also said radio dispatch costs have increased, and high new vehicle costs, plus the removal of some grants, are “creating financial barriers”.

It added: “The council list of approved vehicles needs to be reviewed, as the dependence on local suppliers is preventing competitiveness, as more cost-effective vehicles are now available across the UK”.

Unite called for clarity over previous charges to the night and Christmas/New Year charges, which it said has caused “confusion”.

It questioned whether the £2.70 extra Christmas/New Year rate is on top of the current £1.50 night rate.

A council report stated Glasgow Taxis believes the review is “in line with their thinking and are satisfied that it represents a true picture of the trade”.

All trade bodies will be able to address the licensing committee on Wednesday before making any decisions.