Proposed Variation in Maximum Taxi Fares and Changes to Tariff Structure

NOTICE
Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure - Proposed Variation in Maximum Taxi Fares and Changes to Tariff Structure

Proposed variation in maximum taxi fares
Section 1 (1) of The Public Transport Ordinance, 1986 requires the Committee to notify the public of its intention to vary the maximum fares chargeable for the hire of a Taxi.

It is proposed that the maximum taxi fares are increased by 4.75% from Monday 25th November 2024.

Taxi fares were last increased by 7.67% on 27th November 2023. The increase will mean that for a 2-mile journey on Tariff 1 (normal hours, maximum of 4 passengers) the estimated fare would increase by 40p from £6.10 to £6.50 and for a 5-mile journey on Tariff 2 (evening hours / bank holidays, maximum of 4 passengers) the estimated fare would increase by £1.00 from £23.10 to £24.10. Other increases would depend on the tariff selected and the length of the journey. The minimum fare would remain at £4.50 for Tariff 1 and there would be no increase in the baggage charge of 20p per item.

The proposed 4.75% increase has been calculated using the ‘Halcrow Formula’. This is an industry accepted method of considering annual fare increases and takes into account the main costs associated with operating a taxi.

Proposed variation to tariff structure
Following consideration of a proposal put forward by the Guernsey Taxi Drivers Association, the following amendments to the taxi tariff structure are also being proposed by the Committee:

1) To start Tariffs 2, 4 and 6 at 7pm on a Friday, instead of 10pm (this would mirror a Saturday & Sunday)
2a) To apply Tariffs, 2, 4 and 6 throughout Saturday’s and/or:
2b) To apply Tariffs 2, 4 and 6 all day on a Sunday but remove the 60p surcharge
3) To start Tariffs 2, 4 and 6 at 6pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, instead of 7pm
4) To amend the tariff seating capacities from 1-4, 5-7 and 8 to 1-4, 5-6 and 7-8 (passengers).

The proposed changes are primarily being introduced to encourage more drivers to work at the times when there is greatest demand. In addition, having the same tariff structure from 7pm on a Friday evening until 7am on a Monday standardises weekend taxi tariffs, may make it easier for the public to understand and work out in advance what is the likely cost of their journey.

Consultation
Interested persons are invited to submit, in writing, any comments on the following proposals no later than 5pm on 1st November 2024. Responses should be e-mailed to passengertransport@gov.gg or posted to The Manager, Licensing and Operations, Edward T Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port, GY1 3WH.

For further information on the proposals please contact the Passenger Transport Office on Tel: 01481 221000 or visit https://gov.gg/psv