To review the fares for Hackney Carriages.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report asking the Sub-Committee to consider whether to approve and recommend an increase in hackney carriage fares.

The report noted that hackney carriage fares had last been reviewed by the Sub-Committee in August 2017 (Minute 5 of the meeting held on 2 August 2017 refers).  The Sub-Committee had approved a 20 pence increase to the flag drop for both day and evening tariffs.  The flag drop was the starting amount shown on the taxi meter when a passenger agreed to take a taxi.

The report advised that a fare rise had been requested by the Reading Taxi Association (RTA) by means of a decrease in the yardage for day time fares only.  It was proposed that, after the flag drop, yardage be decreased from 145 yards (0-2 miles) and 140 yards (over 2 miles) to either 133 yards or 134 yards for all day time distances.  This equated to an average increase of 3.50% (for decrease to 133 yards) and 3.99% (for decrease to 134 yards) for day time fares.

The current table of fares was attached to the report at Appendix I and a proposed table of fares (based on a decrease to 133 yards for all day time fares) was attached to the report at Appendix II.  A proposed table of fares (based on a decrease to 134 yards for all day time fares) and the email from the RTA requesting a fare increase was tabled at the meeting.  The National Fares Table was attached to the report at Appendix III.  The report advised that the Reading Cab Drivers Association (RCDA) had been consulted on the proposals made by the RTA and a copy of the RCDA’s response was attached to the report at Appendix IV.

Asif Rashid, Chair of the RTA, was present at the meeting and addressed the Sub Committee on the proposals and responded to questions.  Chris Avery, Chair of the RCDA, was also present at the meeting and addressed the Sub Committee and responded to questions.

Resolved –

That the Head of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services be recommended to approve an increase in hackney carriage fares by means of a decrease in yardage after the flag drop to 133 yards for all daytime fares, subject to no objections being received as a result of advertising the proposed increase in a local newspaper.