ISLE OF MAN TAXI DRIVERS FACE PAY CUT AS FUEL COSTS EAT INTO FARE HIKES

Taxi drivers on the Isle of Man say they are struggling to make ends meet as skyrocketing fuel prices cancel out a recent increase in fares.

While new fares have boosted the cost of starting a journey and added surcharges for luggage, the Manx Taxi Federation warns that drivers are still losing money.

Under the changes, the "flag down" rate has risen 5% to £4, and passengers with large items like wheelchairs, prams, or luggage now face an 80p charge.

However, Federation Secretary Mike Birchall explained that these increases aren't enough to cover the cost of running a vehicle. "We are probably going to be taking 15 to 20% less than we were before the fuel prices went up, and that is with this fare increase," he said.

The federation had originally asked for a temporary fuel surcharge to help drivers cope, but the proposal was rejected. Instead, the regulator adjusted waiting time charges, allowing drivers to earn £18 per hour for standing still.

Mr. Birchall noted that while they tried not to pass all costs to the public, the maths simply isn't working for the trade. "By the time we take the extra fuel prices off we are actually going to be worse off," he warned.

While the cost per mile remains the same to keep the impact on the public "minimally" felt, Mr. Birchall admitted that those travelling with bulky items would be "hit a bit harder."

He added that the industry understands that customers are also being "hit hard by fuel, oil and no doubt food prices."

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