Taxis and minister end row - reforms to start this month

Tuesday 10 May 2016

A taxi dispute on Jersey has been averted following strike action last year by drivers annoyed by proposals to make fares more transparent, reset maximum prices and improve disabled access.

Taxi drivers went on strike in December after Transport Minister Eddie Noel announced the changes, which were also designed to allow more drivers into the business.

But after months of negotiations Deputy Noel has now revealed the States’ Department of Infrastructure plans which taxi representatives say are acceptable, meaning further industrial action will not take place. 

The plans, which are set to become law later this month, include an increase in wheelchair access on cabs from 10 percent of the fleet to 20 percent and the introduction of additional part-time ranks during busy periods. These ranks can in future be used by both taxis and private hire cabs, but drivers can only charge customers the rank tariff for the journey provided.

The changes fall some way short of what competition regulators CICRA have been pushing for, which was full deregulation in the market.

A Department of Infrastructure statement said: “At peak weekend times, availability and space at the public taxi ranks does not meet demand. To help relieve this situation part-time ranks will be made available at certain locations. Both taxis and private hire cabs will be able to pick up from any part-time rank but will only be able to charge the rank tariff for the journey provided.

“From public feedback it was clear there was insufficient wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) to meet customers’ needs. Following discussions with the industry, agreement has been reached for an initial increase of WAV to 20 percent of the fleet. The situation will be monitored to ensure this is sufficient for customer demand.” 

Deputy Noel said: “We are really pleased that following productive meetings with the industry, we are able to provide these improvements. We are still working with the industry and there will be more changes to follow to benefit the public.”

Taxi industry representatives said: “We are keen to provide a good service for the public and we hope these changes will be welcomed.”