According to Ian Borland, a businessman visiting the town, Esperance Taxi Services told two passengers and himself that the fare from the airport into Esperance would cost them $30 each – a total of $90 for the 23 kilometre trip.

Mr Borland chose to use a hire car instead.

However, Esperance Taxi Services manager, Darryl Appleyard, says that Esperance Taxi Services were well within their rights to charge this price, which is in accordance with guidelines from by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI).

The DPI guidelines state that a pre-booked taxi is allowed to charge 75 per cent of the original fare for each additional passenger.

Mr Appleyard said the average fare for a trip from the airport into town was about $42, meaning a $30 fare falls well within the DPI guidelines and that the pre-booked taxi would only take additional passengers if the original passenger agreed.

The 75 per cent charge did not apply to groups or friends who booked a taxi together and in cases such as that the fare would be split between the group.

Likewise, if two couples were to use the same taxi, the 75 per cent charge would apply to the couple, not the individual.

Mr Appleyard went on to say there have been very few complaints about the taxi pricing, and said the Esperance Taxi Service is an up-front and honest business.

Esperance Taxi Services have also investigated providing an established airport shuttle, however Mr Appleyard said he believes it would not be economically viable.

“History has proven an airport bus isn’t viable. Other companies have tried and have not lasted.”