More switching to taxis after Shropshire bus price increase

Bosses at Go Carz said they had seen a marked increase in trade since the bus fare increase was announced as more people were turning to taxis.

Arriva increased fares by 10p on day tickets and single fares from January 7 - although the company said the cost of annual tickets would remain unaltered.

Cindy Wilday, Go Carz director, said: “People are telling us getting a taxi is in many cases cheaper than catching the bus and we have already seen more calls coming in asking for a taxi since the rise was introduced.

“If you think about families catching a bus these fares add up and there are many other circumstances where the fare will work out cheaper if you go by taxi.

“December is always an extremely busy month for us with heightened demand due to Christmas and New Year. It always tails off a little as things get back to normal after the festive break but we have been witnessing something rather unusual this year.

“Our early January figures have seen an increase in calls and this, coupled with what our customers are telling us about the rise in bus fares, is clearly having an effect on how people are choosing to travel."

Ms Wilday said the role of the taxi was growing.

“I believe a good taxi service plays an integral role in the community and is a vitally important addition to the public transport network so necessary in getting people about, particularly in a rural county like Shropshire," she said.

“The role of the taxi is growing and now more than ever proving to be a viable alternative to anything else that’s available."