Kicking boundary charges into touch in a fair deal for passengers

One of the most misunderstood elements of the Glasgow taxi trade is being consigned to the history books – the much-maligned “boundary charge”.

Glasgow Taxis Ltd, the licensed taxi operator of two thirds of the cabs on the city’s streets, has decided to withdraw any such surcharges on all telephone bookings. Passengers booking by phone and travelling beyond the traditional “boundary” will now be offered fixed prices.

The motion to make the change was passed at Glasgow Taxis Ltd’s recent AGM and will ultimately reduce costs for passengers who are travelling for any distance which involves crossing the greater Glasgow perimeter. This includes fares from the city to and from Glasgow Airport, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Glasgow Taxis Ltd says the move was designed to reward its customers and ensure the company – a friendly, cooperative society – can be as competitive as possible in an ever-evolving market.

Stephen Flynn, vice chair of Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “The removal of the boundary charge for any bookings made by telephone will remove any confusion in this area while adding value and passing on savings to our customers. Fixed prices are easy to understand and provide certainty and reassurance for passengers.

“We want to reward those longstanding, valued individuals and businesses who regularly travel distances with us while also making our overall offering much clearer and simpler for people to understand.

“It’s all part of Glasgow Taxis Ltd’s overall commitment to further improve the service we can offer and we will continue to invest in this area for the benefit of customers.”

The removal of boundary charges for phoned bookings follows a number of innovations and new service introductions by Glasgow Taxis Ltd over the last few years.

In 2014, the company introduced credit card payment machines to all of its 850 vehicles – and has since invested to add contactless payment capability to them.

With an increasing percentage of Glasgow Taxis Ltd business being driven by smart phones and tablets, booking apps available for iPhones and Android devices were introduced and are being regularly updated.

Stephen Flynn added: “The unique selling point of our apps is that customers are guaranteed a fully licensed taxi and fully disclosed driver.”

The company is also investing in its members and drivers and is expected to revise its famous Knowledge test to ensure the latest streets and addresses are included within it.

Strategic partnerships with Glasgow City Marketing Bureau – visible through the rubine red People Make Glasgow cabs – city hoteliers and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce help position the firm to both tourism and business customers.

A special chauffeur driver and vehicle service has also been added to the Glasgow Taxis Ltd offering to meet demand from tourism and business trade.

All year round, charity support continues to be offered to a number of good causes such as the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, Yorkhill Children’s Charity and the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund, which this June will make its 70th annual trip to Troon.

Stephen Flynn concluded: “Everything we do is all part of a bigger picture for our customers. We’re very proud to serve the people of this city and delighted to give something back whether that be through savings, service or charity support.”

To book a Glasgow Taxi, the public can contact 0141 429 7070 or download and use the Glasgow Taxis Ltd free iPhone or Android apps.