DROP-off fees at a major Scottish airport are set to rise to ‘record-high’ levels in weeks as new taxi mater rates are introduced.
Edinburgh City Council has agreed new maximum taxi meter rates which will see fares rise by 9.5 per cent from next month.
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The local authority has also increased the costs for people being picked up and dropped off at Edinburgh Airport, with the cap now rising to £6.
The changes are set to kick in from Monday, December 9, and will see the average three-mile trip in the city between 6am and 6pm during the week rise from £10.50 to £11.50.
While the average three-mile journey between 6pm and 6am on a weekday, or any time over the weekend, would cost £12.82 instead of £11.70.
The charges will be imposed unless the operator decides not to charge customers the new maximum fare allowed, according to The Scotsman.
The hike comes after taxi drivers warned that it could be the “final nail in the coffin” for the Hackney trade and drive the black cabs “off the road”.
Councillor Neil Ross also revealed that the increase “may seem like a lot”, but argued that multiple factors were taken into account such as higher costs to operators of maintaining and replacing vehicles.
The taxi is already expensive… in my opinion, it won’t be welcomed by the costumers which will damage the trade
Taxi driver
He said: “I appreciate that a 9.5 per cent increase may seem like a lot in these relatively low-inflation times.
“Nevertheless, given the task set out for us by the regulations around this, we ought and are reflecting increased costs for the trade and we’re also taking into account the increase and very substantial cost of replacement vehicles – particularly replacement electric vehicles, which is what we would like to see.
“As we know this is a maximum set of charges, and charges below that are perfectly legal.”
A council document stated that the new rates are “the maximum that may be charged”, adding that “a lower amount may be charged at the discretion of any person providing a taxi service.”
The report went on to say that this was “relevant to considering any representations to the effect that the proposed tariffs would result in operators providing a service which is too expensive for the market to sustain”.
According to The Scotsman, the local authority received 52 responses about the price hike as part of a consultation, with around 25 per cent of those backing the changes.
However, 69 per cent of people said they were against the proposals, with a small number of people suggesting an increase of less than 9.5 per cent.
Some of the comments from responders against the changes said it would be a “mistake”, with others calling it “taxi suicide for the trade”.
One taxi driver added: “The taxi is already expensive and is affecting the trade and also the competition from Uber who are offering ridiculous fares, so in my opinion, it won’t be welcomed by the costumers which will damage the trade.”
However, those who supported the price hikes said it would be “very well deserved due to high vehicle and insurance prices”.
The document said: “Having reviewed the responses the directorate is of the view that there is insufficient material therein to justify not implementing the increased fares as recommended.
“Therefore, it is recommended that the proposed taxi tariff is agreed and implemented without any further changes.”
Locals have taken to social media to share their frustrations after news of the price hikes was announced.
Scots airport introduces new non-refundable charge
THE drop off and pick up proce hikes comes months after Edinburgh Airport introduced a non-refundable charge for passengers in a major shake-up.
Back in June, we revealed a fleet of new luggage trolleys is being launched at Edinburgh Airport to improve the provision “for those who need them most”.
A £1 charge has now been introduced for usage – similar to those seen at other UK airports – which is payable by contactless at kiosks located at trolley bays.
Bays will be positioned in prominent areas including car parks, pick-up and drop-off areas, near tram and bus stops, and in the arrivals halls.
Trolleys will remain free to passengers with reduced mobility who have booked special assistance.
The trolleys are supplied by Wanzl, the world’s largest manufacturer of shopping trolleys and luggage trolleys.
A total of 14 payment kiosks and bays are in place for passengers to collect and return trolleys.
Changes were introduced on Monday, July 1 and the new trolleys were in place for the airport’s busy summer season.
Commenting on the situation on Facebook, one person said: “It’s already enough that’s why I airport bus it!”
Another added: “Uber will be busy”.
Someone else wrote: “Airports are out of order, just taking advantage”.
While a fourth posted: “Rip off”.
And a fifth chimed in: “Bus is the best option for airport”.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Others jumped in to defend taxi drivers, with one user saying: “The taxi trade don’t want it.”
A second shared: “It’s the airport charging for drop offs and pick ups. The drivers don’t make any money out of it.”
