Transport for London (TfL) has announced an increase of 3.4% in taxi fares within London, to commence from 4 April. The increase has been made to ensure Cabbies are able to maintain a profit in the face of increased operating costs.The new rates will be as follows:
Tariff 1: £9.82 - £10.16 (Mon-Fri 0600-2000)
Tariff 2: £11.39 - £11.78 (Mon Fri 2000-2200 & Weekends 0600-2000)
Tariff 3: £13.37 - £13.83 (Nightly 2200-0600 & all day Bank Holidays)
Average all day: £10.86 - £11.22.
TfL calculates the tariffs using a "long-established, retrospective cost index based on national average earnings and taxi operating costs". TfL claim that operating costs have risen by 3.7%, while the cost of diesel has increased by 4.1%. In addition, a 40p metered addition has been prepared to be added to any fare if the cost of diesel rises to more than 147.1p/litre before the start of 2010.The annual taxi licence fee is to rise, from 1 April 2009, from £160 to £164, while the private hire licence fee rises from £109 to £114.
The last time we mentioned London's black cabs, they were appearing to be victims of spontaneously combustion. There has been no further mention of the cause, so we assume these were simply freak accidents. (GL)
