The reason it’s harder for cab companies to enforce exorbitant fare policies

A spokesperson for 13cabs says taxi drivers are instructed not to negotiate exorbitant fares, but it’s become harder to enforce since the government removed regulations on the back of the arrival of Uber.

David Samuel admits it is frustrating.

“We used to be regulated, but those regulations were removed and now those drivers are taking advantage of those changes,” he told Tom Elliott.

Press PLAY below to hear the issue discussed

“Nobody talks about it when they charge less.”

The issue has been the source of much frustration of the summer holiday period.

Mr Samuel questioned whether there was a double standard on the issue.

“When they (rideshare services) do it, it’s called surging … when we do it it’s called gouging,” he said.

Tom Elliott said the drivers being were unfairly maligned and simply reacting to supply and demand.