Taxi fares set to increase amid rising costs

Taxi fares are set to rise across Worcester despite fears the price hike could reduce customer demand and damage the industry.

The increases for Hackney carriage journeys, agreed by the city council, comes at the request of Worcester Taxi Association, which says it represents more than 200 drivers.

The changes include raising the initial hiring charge from £4.30 to £5 on standard journeys (Tariff 1) and from £5.50 to £6.40 for Tariff 2, which applies from midnight to 07:00 and on Sundays, bank holidays and selected other dates.

The new rates will be subject to a statutory consultation, however, with the last fare increase introduced in 2022.

Niall McMenamin, principal licensing officer, said the council is responsible for setting the maximum amount that can be charged by Hackney carriages in the city.

"Fuel prices have skyrocketed recently. But it isn't just fuel prices you've got to take into account," he said.

"It's vehicle running costs, licence fees have increased each year, and the cost of living just generally.

"This committee has to balance the Hackney carriage drivers – they need to make a living – with travelling members of the public."

Committee chairman councillor Richard Udall raised concerns about the impact on passengers, warning that higher fares might reduce demand and push customers toward cheaper options.

"I've got serious concerns about the impact this will have on the taxi industry," he said.

"I don't think they can understand or appreciate the difficulties for the consumer, or the fact the consumer does have a choice," he said.

"This will potentially be damaging to the industry."

The fare rise will only apply to Hackney carriages – taxis that can be hailed on the street or hired from a rank.

Private hire vehicles, which must be pre-booked, are not affected.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.