Adobe StockGlasgow taxi drivers will have to offer payment by card as an option for passengers from next year.
The new rules were unanimously decided by councillors at a licensing meeting of Glasgow City Council on Wednesday.
It means from February 1, over 1,200 licensed taxi drivers operating around the city must offer customers the option to pay by card.
Any new taxi driver wanting to operate within the city must carry a card reader.
The changes come following a public consultation which surveyed customers and drivers between February and June this year.
Of the 1,666 response that were received over 83% were supportive of making card payments a mandatory option in city taxis.
Reasons given included people less likely to carry cash than a bank card, it would also reduce “cherry-picking” of fares at taxi ranks.
It would also eliminate situations in which passengers are refused hires because they only carry card with them on a night out.
On person consulted wrote: “There have been multiple occasions in Glasgow city centre where a taxi ride home has been refused due to lack of card facilities.
“This generally happens late at night as other forms of public transport are unavailable. I think it is unacceptable that people could be left stranded and in a vulnerable position late at night by such continued action.
“As a result, I think twice about socialising in Glasgow city centre and I am sure I am not the only one.”
Another commented: “I agree with mandatory card payments in Glasgow taxis as it gives both drivers and passengers more payment options, removes the uncertainty and embarrassment of having to ask if cards are accepted, improves safety for vulnerable passengers at night, and prevents disputes over short journeys or
card refusals.
“It also modernises the service and reflects how most people now pay.”
However, there were concerns raised including possible fare increases due to processing fees and lack of signal when taking payment.
Taxi drivers must provide a receipt if requested following a card payment, while cash will still be available as an option.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
