TfL are under ‘no obligation’ to review taxi meter tariffs each year says London Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) are under ‘no obligation’ to change taxi fare tariffs each year said the London Mayor.
Historically, like all other public forms of transport, the tariff charged by cabbies in the capital has been reviewed and implemented annually. For many working in the industry the new tariff arrived in April.
The taximeter tariff is calculated using a ‘cost-index’ formula that takes into account inflation and the increasing or decreasing costs to run a black taxi in London.
Recently the taxi industry has complained about the continued late implementation of the taxi tariffs, which due to its delay has failed to keep up with annual inflation.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, however told cabbies not to expect an annual fare review going forwards, saying: “There is no obligation for Transport for London (TfL) to increase taxi fares or to do so at a certain time of year.”
Caroline Pidgeon, a Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, asked Khan via a written question: “I have received complaints from the taxi trade about the continued late implementation of the taxi tariff.
“Why has there been a delay to the implementation of the taxi tariff adjustments? How can you improve this process for future years?”
Sadiq Khan, London Mayor, replied: “Transport for London (TfL) has worked closely with taxi trade representatives to develop proposed changes to taxi fares and tariffs that strike a balance between the fair remuneration of taxi drivers and the need to ensure taxi fares remain affordable and attractive to passengers.
“Proposed changes to taxi fares and tariffs were subject to a public consultation and TfL carefully considered the outcome. TfL is looking to publish the outcome of the consultation before the end of the year.
“While fare and tariff changes have historically been implemented in April, there is no obligation for TfL to increase taxi fares or to do so at a certain time of year.”
Image credit: LEVC
