The TRI Taxi Studies Group has presented a key investigation of Taxi Fares in South Lanarkshire.

South Lanarkshire Taxi Tariff Review

The Transport Research Institute Taxi Studies Group has completed a investigation of the Taxi Fares Review being enforced by South Lanarkshire in taxi zones including East Kilbride and Hamilton.

The purpose of a taxi tariff review is significant, is required within the meanings of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, and occasionally overlooked. Most specifically a review is intended to provide an appropriate increase in taxi fares reflecting the changes in operating costs and ensuring continuation of taxi services at an existing or improving level of quality into the future. Most local authorities have chosen to measure changes in the price of operating costs, fuel, vehicle cost etc., to calculate appropriate changes in the tariff. In the current operating conditions, with significant changes in the cost of fuel, annual changes in the cost of operating a taxi may reflect fuel price inflation, vehicle part inflation and cost of living above the rate of consumer price inflation.  Excessively high increases hurt the travelling public by charging more than appropriate, too small a change reduces the ability to supply and harms the passenger with a reducing level of service.

The current review, undertaken by South Lanarkshire does, however, appear to suggest a significantly higher rate of increase than the cost of fuel and vehicle alone. The current calculations completed by the council indicate a particularly high and very localised increase in the cost of operating a taxi, significantly above the rate of increase in neighbouring Glasgow, a city with a lower tariff than that in South Lanarkshire. The higher level of increase appears to be opposed within some areas of the taxi trade, seeking to ensure appropriate but not excessive fares ensuring a fare deal to their customers.

Following a recent discussion between the trade and the council, the Taxi Studies Group at Edinburgh Napier University is seeking to meet with the trade and council to revisit the review. The group will seek to establish, with the council, an appropriate method by which tariffs can be properly calculated, and ensure future reviews benefit both the travelling public and ensure a continued quality service in South Lanarkshire.

Link: TRI Taxi Studies Group 

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The council proposed South Lanarkshire increase is 25%.

Members of the taxi trade oppose this increase claiming it is excessive and not justified by the measured changes in cost.

The Taxi Studies Group (TSG) is a dedicated transport group investigating, reporting and advising on the use of taxis, taxi fares and taxi licenses. The group is integral to the Transport Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University.

The TSG has advised the Scottish Government, city councils including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast and English authorities on taxi numbers and taxi fares.

The TSG is independent of authority and trade and provides impartial analysis on taxi matters.

For further information on the TRI taxi studies group contact:

Dr James Cooper

Tel: 0131 208 1055

Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Skype: tri-james