Cambridge Taxi Drivers Seek Higher Fares

Waikato Independent, Volume XLV, Issue 6234, 4 May 1949, Page 5

Cambridge Taxi Drivers Seek Higher Fares

An application by six Cambridge taxicab operators for increased fares was heard in Hamilton on Monday by_ the Transport Charges {Committee, Messrs L. H. Atkinson (chairman), H. C. Campbell and D. L. M. Martin. The operators concerned were T. Worthing, J. R. James, L. C. Hooker. O. D. Tinkler, W. D. Taylor and R. H. Palmer.

The operators requested the right to charge from stand to passengers distillation, and to charge at the rate of 2s mile for each mile over 10 miles. They also requestel that a charge of 6d per bicycle be allowed. At present the drivers are charging 2s for the first mile and 9d for every additional half-mile, while no extra charge is made for distances in excess of 10 miles. No charge is made for bicycles. Evidence disclosing the type of work carried out in Cambridge was given by Mr Tinkler, and for the users, Mr F. O. R. Phillips said that there was no objection to the practice of charging from the stands. Mr Tinkler estimated th, extra revenue which would result if the application was granted at between £2 and £2 10s a month. He said, in answer to Mr Phillips, that only about 10 per cqnt of his work involved trips of over 10 miles. The average trip was about four miles.

After hearing evidence from other drivers the committee reserved its decision.