A private hire driver has contacted DM News after receiving an email from Veezu Services confirming a change to how fares will be calculated for drivers operating in Hull.
According to the email sent to drivers, Veezu will be moving away from a metered mileage tariff and switching to fixed fares, with the change taking effect from Monday. The company says the update is intended to provide passengers with greater clarity over pricing and to reduce disputes during journeys.
In the email, Veezu states that passengers will always see the full fare upfront before accepting a booking, which it believes will make passengers feel more confident and comfortable with the cost of their journey. The company also says the move should lead to fewer disagreements about routes or mileage and bring its pricing structure in line with the wider market.
The message includes new instructions for drivers handling IVR and Via requests. Some bookings may come through as “As Directed”, and in these cases drivers are instructed to select the passenger’s destination on their device before starting the booking to ensure the correct fixed fare is applied.
Veezu also advises that if a passenger wishes to add a via stop at the start of, or during, a journey, drivers must contact the office, where staff will update the booking and adjust the fare accordingly.
The company says the change will result in clear and simple fares, as well as a smoother experience for both drivers and passengers.
DM News Commentary
As with many changes to fare structures, the reaction among drivers appears mixed.
Some drivers see fixed fares as a positive step, particularly when it comes to reducing passenger disputes and avoiding end-of-trip disagreements over pricing. Knowing the fare upfront can also offer a degree of certainty before accepting a job.
However, other drivers have raised concerns about how fixed fares may work in real-world conditions, especially during heavy traffic, roadworks, or diversions. Under a metered system, time and distance are automatically reflected, whereas fixed pricing can leave drivers absorbing delays that are outside of their control.
The requirement for drivers to contact the office to add via stops may also prove frustrating during busy periods, where flexibility on the road is often essential.
As this change rolls out in Hull, drivers will be watching closely to see whether fixed fares genuinely improve day-to-day working conditions, or whether they introduce new challenges instead.
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