Poll: Wolverhampton taxi drivers want 'fair fare' with base price raise
Over 100 private hire taxi drivers came together to make their case for a 'fair fare'.
The drivers, representing Wolverhampton taxi services Central Cars, ABC and Wednesfield Radio Cars, want the base fare price raised to £3.50.
They claim that the price of maintaining and servicing their cars has increased year after year while their fare rates have remained the same.
During a meeting at Dunstall Community Centre on Sunday, drivers got together to discuss how this change can come about.
Sonny Dhillon, a private hire driver and member of Unite the Union, said: "What we are asking for isn't unreasonable.
"For us drivers, if things carry on this way, we won't be able to provide a service that people can enjoy.
"We take pride in what we do, we look after our vehicles so passengers have a safe, comfortable journey and we work long hours.
"At the moment we are making less doing a 14 hour shift than we would from working a 10 hour shift 15 years ago.
"All our outgoings have gone up but our income hasn't."
The outgoings private hire drivers have to face include operator chargers, insurance, washing and cleaning of vehicles, road tax, council charges and general maintenance of their car.
The current base fare for the companies represented is £2.80, but the drivers believe a 'fair fare' of £3.50 would be a reasonable increase that would leave all parties better off.
Mr Dhillon, who gave a speech to the drivers, councillors and Unite members in attendance, said he understands the idea of increased taxi fares will be a hard sell to the public, but believes if the drivers show solidarity, they can get what they want.
He said: "We want to give customers the best service we possibly can and there are a lot of people who are dependant on us, so it is important that we are able to do this."
Brian Rickers, regional officer for Unite the Union, said: "Today is a starting point for these drivers and they have every right to speak their mind in this way.
"This has been bubbling under the surface for a while now and they have decided it is time to make a stand."
