Council Approves Proposal for 10% Rise in Argyll and Bute Taxi Fares

Argyll and Bute Council is taking a step toward a potential 10% increase in taxi fares after councillors voted in favour of the proposal. This decision, which follows a consultation with local taxi operators, now moves to a further stage of public advertisement and consultation before being implemented, potentially starting in April 2024.

Low Response Rate in Consultation

The consultation with taxi operators across Argyll and Bute yielded a response rate of less than 10%. However, among the operators who did respond, the majority were in support of the proposed fare increase. Despite the low participation, most councillors agreed that a 10% rise in taxi fares would be beneficial given the rising cost of living and the relatively low rates in the area compared to other regions.

Councillors' Views on the Fare Increase

Initially, some councillors expressed concerns about the low response rate from taxi drivers. Councillor Jan Brown (SNP, Mid Argyll) noted her disappointment over the small number of participants, suggesting that taxi operators may not feel the need for a fare increase. She even considered an alternative approach, proposing that the council publish a notice stating that fares would remain the same to see if this would generate more feedback.

Councillor Graham Hardie (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh Central) also voiced concerns, arguing that the low level of responses indicated that taxi operators were satisfied with the current fare structure. He suggested that a fare increase was unnecessary, as a higher demand for change would likely have been reflected in a larger number of responses.

Arguments for the 10 Per Cent Increase

Despite these concerns, several councillors supported the fare increase based on the responses they received. Councillor Audrey Forrest (SNP, Dunoon) emphasized that the one response from the Cowal region might represent multiple taxi operators, suggesting that the operator who responded could be speaking on behalf of several vehicles. She pointed out that taxi fares in Argyll and Bute are cheaper than those in other areas, making a modest increase more reasonable. With the cost of living continuing to rise, she felt it was important to align the fare structure with the increasing financial pressures on taxi drivers.

Councillor John Armour (SNP, South Kintyre) further supported the idea of a fare rise, acknowledging that taxi operators had detailed how their operational costs had increased since the last fare adjustment. He recognized the challenges taxi drivers face, particularly in working through public holidays, and felt the proposed increase was a fair response to these concerns.

Council’s Final Decision

The proposal for a 10% increase in taxi fares was approved by the council’s planning, protective services, and licensing committee on December 18, 2024. The decision was unanimous, with all members agreeing that a fare increase was warranted. Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn), who chaired the meeting, acknowledged the disappointing response rate but suggested that the small number of replies did not necessarily mean taxi operators were satisfied with the current rates. He and other councillors felt the increase would reflect the views of those who had responded and address the financial challenges faced by taxi operators.

The proposed fare increase will be advertised to the public for further consultation, with the final decision set to be made in March 2024. If approved, the new rates would come into effect on April 22, 2024.

Current Taxi Fare Structure

At present, Argyll and Bute’s taxi fare structure consists of three tariffs:

• Tariff One (7am to 10pm): £3.45 for the first 860 yards, with an additional 23p for every 176 yards.
• Tariff Two (10pm to 7am): £4.14 for the first section, with an additional 23p for every 150 yards.
• Tariff Three (Public Holidays): £4.83 for the first part of the journey, with an additional 23p for every 120 yards.

The 10% rise would apply across all these tariffs.

Next Steps and Final Decision

The next steps include advertising the proposed fare increase and holding further consultations with the public and stakeholders. The council will review the feedback and make a final decision in March 2024. If the proposal is approved, the new fares will take effect in April 2024, ensuring that the updated rates reflect both the financial realities for taxi operators and the community's needs.