Cornwall Taxi Fare Changes Could Undermine Rural Transport Access

Fears Over Unifying Taxi Fares in Cornwall

Cornwall Council's proposed changes to the taxi fare system have raised concerns among local taxi drivers and passengers, particularly those in rural areas. The plan to unify taxi fares across the county could lead to higher costs, which some fear will make transportation unaffordable for rural residents and undermine local services.

The Proposal

Cornwall Council has put forward a plan to standardize taxi fares across the entire county, removing the current zoning system. This zoning system, which divides the county into different fare zones, allows for adjusted pricing that reflects the economic diversity of each area. Urban centers like Truro, Falmouth, and Bodmin have higher population densities and more fare opportunities, while rural and coastal areas have lower demand and higher operational costs.

Supporters of the plan argue that unifying fares would simplify the administrative process, making it easier for both drivers and passengers. However, many taxi drivers are concerned that the proposal is a "backdoor" attempt to scrap the zoning system altogether, which could harm rural taxi services.

Concerns About Rural Services

Taxi drivers in rural areas worry that the proposal could drive them away from less profitable regions, focusing their services on urban areas where the fares are higher. This could result in a reduction of available taxis in more isolated areas, leaving rural residents with fewer transportation options.

Steven Witchell from Newquay Taxi Forum stated:

"On the surface, it may seem like a simple administrative change but in reality, it paves the way for removing the local zones entirely. This subtle shift could lead to a collapse in rural taxi access and service reliability."

According to Witchell, if the zones are eliminated, rural areas like Penwith, Kerrier, and Restormel could face higher fares, which could make local taxi services unaffordable for many residents. These areas are typically less profitable for drivers due to their lower population and seasonal demand.

The Impact on Local Passengers

If the fare structure is harmonized, rural passengers could face significantly higher prices for taxi rides, which could make transportation unaffordable. This change could have a particularly negative impact on elderly, disabled, and low-income passengers, who rely on affordable, local taxi services to get around.

Witchell expressed his concerns, noting that small taxi operators in rural areas may struggle to compete with larger, more profitable services in urban centers.

"The real losers will be the elderly, the disabled, and families in places no one will want to serve anymore."

The National Context

While the Department for Transport’s best practice guidance recommends de-zoning, it also recognizes that zoning may be necessary in certain areas to reflect local conditions. Critics argue that Cornwall’s existing fare zones are working well and reflect the needs of different communities, ensuring fair pricing, viable businesses, and reliable service.

Witchell argued:

"The zoned system isn’t broken. It has evolved organically to reflect the needs of communities across Cornwall from town centres to isolated villages. It ensures fair pricing, viable business, and reliable service where it’s needed most."

For now, Cornwall Council is set to continue its discussions regarding the proposed changes, with both drivers and passengers keeping a close eye on the developments.