TAXI CHARGES

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28160, 26 December 1956, Page 3

TAXI CHARGES

Sir,—l read this morning that in the increased taxi charges it costs more now to keep a taxi waiting. Being just a simple soul I would like to know if I am entitled to charge 6d for every five minutes the taxi driver keeps me waiting? My time is just as valuable as his, but this appears to be a very one sided affair with the poor old “General Public” always on the payout side.—Yours, etc., T.H.S. [“There has been no increase in the waiting time charges,” said the manager of the Blue Star Taxis. “Previously the charge was 6d for every five minutes up to 20 minutes, and thereafter Is for each five minutes, making a total of 10s an hour. The new rate is 6d for every three minutes, the total rate still being 10s an hour.”]

Sir, —Last evening a taxi driver attempted to charge me an extra sixpence because of a brief stop at.the Colombo street railway crossingf On objecting, I was lectured on his legal rights. The meter was placed so|that the customer could not possibly see it to check the charge. Furthermore, 'he neither attempted to open a door nor to help me with a case placed in the car by a friend. I hear ridiculous excuses about charges for two small cases. Surely we are entitled to the same amount of luggage as permitted by a bus service without extra charge. We are paying for the hire of a car with driver service, and surely are entitled to a reasonable use of it. My expenditure last week was £l2 for taxis. Would they prefer me to buy my own car? I am well able to, and hold a driving licence.—Yours, etc., 1956 NOT 1946. December 12. 1956.

[“The Transport Licensing Regulations prescribe that taxi meters shall be fitted and lighted so as to readily indicate to a passenger the correct charges as they accrue; also that the driver shall afford all reasonable assistance in loading and removing luggage of the hirer.” said the Traffic Superintendent of the Christchurch City Council (Mr G. P. Kellar) when this letter was referred to him. i “Luggage: when luggage can conI veniently be carried by the passenger inside the cab. no charge shall be ' made. For luggage carried outside i the cab or in the boot, the first case ■ or bag shall be free; thereafter a j charge of 6d shall be made for each

additional bag or case. Should the correspondent be able to give me the number of the cab in question and full details I will be pleased to make inquiries into the allegations.”]