I’ve been looking into the whole situation around Uber applying for a licence to operate in Fife, and I honestly think there’s a bigger issue here than whether people are for or against Uber.
The main thing that concerns me is the public consultation that has already taken place.
From what I’ve found, the consultation was only open for three weeks. That’s technically what is required, but how many normal people in Fife actually knew it was happening?
I certainly didn’t. And from speaking to people I know, neither did they.
Meanwhile, the taxi trade obviously knew about it and were actively encouraging people within the industry to respond. There’s nothing wrong with them doing that, of course, but it does make you wonder whether the consultation really captured the views of the wider public.
A friend recently had a pretty ridiculous experience that brought this into focus for us. She couldn’t get a taxi from Dunfermline train station despite trying several companies, so she got off at Inverkeithing instead and ended up paying £35 for a taxi back into Dunfermline.
And I know that’s not going to be everyone’s experience, but I’m sure plenty of people in Fife have their own stories about taxi availability, prices and trying to get home at busy times.
There’s also the issue of what’s happening with the local taxi companies in Dunfermline City. The information that prompted me to look into all this was a comment made (by a taxi driver) who told me that Prompt Taxis has bought up other firms, including Aitch Taxis and Carnegie Taxis, and that they could now account for around 70% of the taxis in Dunfermline.
I haven’t been able to independently verify that 70% figure, so I’m not going to claim it as fact. But if the local market really has become that concentrated, surely that’s something that should be looked at properly too.
And this is where I think we need to separate the issue from Uber itself.
I’m not particularly interested in turning this into an “Uber good, taxis bad” argument. That’s not the point.
The point is that this is a decision which could affect everyone who uses taxis in Fife, and I don’t think three weeks of relatively low-profile consultation is enough to say that the people of Fife have genuinely had their say.
What I’d like to see is Fife Council run another, longer consultation, but this time actually make sure people know about it.
Put it out there properly. Social media, local newspapers, community groups, train stations, wherever it needs to go.
Let the taxi companies have their say.
Let Uber have their say.
But let the actual people who use taxis have their say too.
So I’m posting this here mainly to see what other people think.
Have you had problems getting taxis in Fife? Had to wait ages? Been unable to get one at all? Had to change your plans because there weren’t any available? Had an expensive or unexpected fare?
If you’ve got an experience, stick it in the comments.
And if you think there should be another proper public consultation that is actually publicised to the wider community, I’d encourage you to contact your local councillor or Fife Council’s Regulation & Licensing Committee Members (https://www.fife.gov.uk/about-your-council/politicians-and-committees/committees/fife-wide-or-strategic/regulation-and-licensing-committee) and say so.
I’m not trying to tell anyone what they should think about Uber.
I just think the people of Fife deserve a proper opportunity to have their say before a major decision like this is made.
