Topic
local economy
Business Worcester Taxi Fares Set to Rise 16% Amid Fuel and Operating Cost Pressures
Worcester City Council has agreed to increase Hackney carriage fares by up to 16%, raising the initial hiring charge from £4.30 to £5 for standard journeys. The rise, requested by Worcester Taxi Association representing over 200 drivers, comes amid soaring fuel prices and increased operating costs. Concerns were raised that higher fares could reduce demand and damage the industry. The increase will be subject to statutory consultation, with the last fare adjustment in 2022.
Supply Chain Long Beach Port Awards $54M in Small Business Contracts, Exceeding Goals
The Port of Long Beach awarded $54.4 million in services and materials contracts to small businesses in the 2025 fiscal year, achieving a 44.6% utilization rate — well above its 27% goal. The port's Small Business Enterprise Program, one of the most ambitious among California ports, is designed to prepare local firms for the port's plan to double cargo handling capacity to 20 million containers annually by 2050.