TWO taxi firms have announced that they have been "forced" to raise their price rate.

Alpha Taxis Johnstone and Johnstone TOA Taxis revealed this week that their new starting fare will be £4.40 for the first mile and then £1.60 per mile thereafter.

The announcement was published on social media.

It was stated that both companies, based in Johnstone, have "done their very best" to prevent prices from increasing.

The last fare increase came two years ago but the taxi firms have said that they are now "forced to increase the fares" due to a rise in costs of fuel, insurance and maintenance.

Weekend nights fares will also be raised with starting prices on a Friday and Saturday now being £5.40 from 7pm until 11pm and £6.40 until 11pm until 4am.

Both taxi firms have thanked people for their understanding and hoped that people would "understand the need".

The post online said: "Both Alpha Taxis Johnstone and Johnstone TOA would like to advise all customers that our fares will be increasing from midnight on Monday, March 4.

"The drivers at both companies have done their very best to absorb all the increases that have been happening around them (fuel, insurance, maintenance etc) since the last fare increase two years ago but unfortunately we are now forced to increase the fares to our customers.

"Our new starting fare will be £4.40 for the first mile and £1.60 per mile thereafter.

"On a Friday and Saturday night the fares will be as follows:

"From 7pm-11pm our starting fare will be £5.40 for the first mile and £1.60 per mile thereafter.

"From 11pm-4am our starting fare will be £6.40 for the first mile and £1.60 per mile thereafter.

"We are sure you will all understand the need for this increase and we would like to thank everyone for their continued custom."

People rushed to the comments to show their support for the firms.

One person said: "Great drivers. They are always good to me, don't know what I'd do without you all. Many thanks."

A second said: "Needs must. I just wish there were more taxis about to fulfil the demand."

Whilst a third said: "Hopefully encourages more drivers."