A retiree who was charged $50 for what he says is usually a
seven-minute ride to his house wants taxi companies to
abandon big surcharges for short trips.
David Richardson said he was stunned to be charged so much
for a taxi ride from Dunedin International Airport to his
home near Outram on Thursday.
He did not dispute the fare but thought City Taxis should not
have charged a $15 out-of-town surcharge for a trip so close
to the airport.
The charge recognised taxis sometimes travelled far from base
for their fares, but this taxi was still much closer to the
airport than the city.
"It could have returned to the airport for more fares, so it
would have been similar to a taxi working in town," Mr
Richardson said.
"Charging the surcharge on everyone, regardless of how close
they are to the airport, is unfair."
City Taxis spokesman Ron Gilkison said the surcharge was
clearly stated in the price schedule on the door of all
taxis.
It applied to fares south of Riccarton Rd to recognise the
cost of attending to fares out of the city.
"The taxi might only travel for 10 or so minutes from the
airport, but that taxi had to get there before it could carry
the passenger.
"It's about meeting the cost of the trip to get to the point
of making the fare - otherwise, we'd be in the ridiculous
situation of taxis travelling long distances for low fares
from short rides."
GreyPower Otago president Jo Millar urged companies with
similar surcharges to consider their effect on short-ride,
fixed-income passengers.
She was compiling a list of charges, including Gold Card
discount rates, and will advise retirees to choose their taxi
according to the tariff list on the taxi door.
"The companies are entitled to charge them, but customers are
entitled to take whatever taxi gives them the best value on
the rank."
Mr Gilkison said airport fares were also affected by the cost
of the service contracts taxis had with the airport company.
Drivers also had to pay $3 - rising to $3.50 next month - to
enter the taxi stand, he said.
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