It is a fair fare, says cabbies' rep

THE Guernsey Taxi Owners' Federation said it had followed guideline procedures in its latest application to increase fares. It is proposing a 5.9% rise in tariffs, although some drivers said that they had not been consulted.

Some thought the timing was inappropriate with additional duty going on fuel next year to offset the abolition of road tax.

GTOF secretary Aaron Rabet said that the federation had worked closely with the Environment Department in submitting what was a fully substantiated meter increase request.

'This percentage represents the Policy and Research Unit's first-quarter RPI figure of 4.8% and increased price on fuel, motor insurance and vehicle maintenance.'

In order to offer the public a year-round 24/7 service, contemporary increases in operating costs had to be met by meter tariffs, he said.

The federation represented more than 60% of taxi plate owners and it had worked hard to build a relationship with Environment and its traffic section in order to provide an efficient and professional public transport service.

As a totally unfunded and privately owned industry, the increase in tariffs was the only in way in which taxi

operators could secure an annual pay increase, he said.

* Interested parties have until 17 May to make submissions to the Environment Department on the proposed increase.