Make taxi fares increases reasonable

THE EDITOR: The recent upward adjustment in gas and diesel prices will inevitably cause a price increase on taxi fares. These varying prices however should be kept at a bare minimum based on the new price at the pump which is an increase by 15 percent or in  the case of diesel from $1.25 per litre to $1.50 per litre and for Super Leaded from $2.45 per litre to $2.70 per litre — a difference of 25?.

One can therefore expect to pay an extra $12.50 for 50 litres of diesel or Leaded Super. This amount of fuel would most probably easily cater for an average of six trips transporting an average of ten passengers on each trip. An increase in the fare by one dollar will therefore yield 60 fares times one dollar ie a total of $60 minus the extra increased cost of $12.50 realising a net profit of $47.50 per day. This is a conservative figure as short drops are not included. The price increase therefore of one dollar based on the 15 percent rise at the pump cannot be justified and a more judicious increase of say 25? per trip on the existing fare would be more acceptable by those who must pay to travel.

FIDEL GONZALEZ
St Joseph