Worcester City Council has approved fare increases for Hackney carriage taxis of up to 16%, despite warnings from committee members that the price hikes could reduce customer demand and harm the industry. The changes, requested by the Worcester Taxi Association—which represents more than 200 drivers—were agreed at a council meeting and will now undergo a statutory consultation, according to the BBC.
Fare Increase Details
The new rates apply to Hackney carriage journeys (taxis that can be hailed on the street or hired from a rank). The changes include:
| Tariff | Current Charge | New Charge | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff 1 (standard) | £4.30 | £5.00 | +16.3% |
| Tariff 2 (midnight–07:00, Sundays, bank holidays, selected dates) | £5.50 | £6.40 | +16.4% |
The last fare increase was introduced in 2022. The new rates are subject to a statutory consultation before implementation. Private hire vehicles, which must be pre-booked, are not affected.
Reasons for the Rise
Niall McMenamin, principal licensing officer for the council, explained that the authority sets the maximum charge for 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." McMenamin added that the committee must balance the need for drivers to make a living with the interests of travelling members of the public.
Concerns Over Demand Impact
Committee chairman Councillor Richard Udall expressed serious concerns about the effect on passengers and the broader taxi trade. "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. This will potentially be damaging to the industry." Udall warned that higher fares might push customers toward cheaper alternatives, reducing demand for Hackney carriage services.
Scope of the Increase
The fare rise applies only 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 by the new rates. The consultation period will allow stakeholders and the public to comment on the proposed changes.
Next Steps
The council will conduct a statutory consultation on the fare increases. The outcome will determine the final implementation date. The move comes as taxi operators face sustained pressure from higher fuel costs, rising licence fees, and broader cost-of-living increases, according to the BBC.
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