South Gloucestershire Implements 2.55% Fare Increase for Hackney Taxis

Taxi fares in South Gloucestershire have increased by 2.55%, a change that came into effect this week following a lack of response to a public consultation on the issue. The fare hike specifically impacts hackney carriages, which are the traditional taxis that can be hailed in the street or found at a taxi rank. This rise in fares is part of a broader trend of challenges facing traditional taxis, which have been well-documented in local news, such as in this article on the recent increase in hackney carriage fares.

Private hire vehicles, such as those booked via popular ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt, are not subject to the new fare changes. These vehicles are regulated differently than hackney carriages and continue to offer pre-booked rides at their own fare structures.

The increase was approved by South Gloucestershire Council after a public consultation received no responses, despite being advertised through local newspapers, the council website, and messages to taxi drivers. Lily Brine, the council’s licensing service manager, commented on the lack of feedback, stating:

"Honestly, no I wasn’t surprised. Based on our previous consultations on fees, charges, and tariffs, we don’t usually get a particularly high response to the consultations."

The new fares include a £2.40 initial hire charge for hackney carriages, covering the first 115 meters, with additional costs for every extra 111 meters or waiting time. A further £1.70 is added for late-night rides between 6 PM and 6 AM on weekdays and weekends.

The council’s fare revision comes amid a decline in the number of traditional taxis operating in the area. Ms. Brine noted that the rise of private hire vehicles, partly driven by technological advancements, has led to a significant reduction in the number of hackney carriages.

"When I first joined licensing, we had probably had 350 hackneys. It's now down to about 50," she added.

This decline in traditional taxi services reflects broader shifts in the transport industry as society increasingly moves towards app-based, private hire options.