Taxi fares across Bridgend county could rise by around 12% in the first increase since 2022, moving the area to the fourth-highest fares in Wales if proposals are approved by the local council.
The request for an uplift comes from the local taxi trade after what they said were increases to the cost of living, including insurance and fuel, as well as higher operating and maintenance costs. A report was initially set to be given to council members on October 20, but those in attendance said a decision would now be deferred until next month.
Current Fare Position and Proposed Increases
Figures within the report showed the borough currently has the 11th-highest fares in Wales. If the move to increase them by around 12% was approved, it would bring the area up to the fourth-highest in the country. The report noted the aim was to find a balance between increasing the fare to compensate for the increased costs of running a hackney carriage while ensuring it did not deter the public from using them.
A council spokesman said for a tariff one standard daytime journey of two miles, the cost would rise from £6.80 to £7.65 under the plans. For a tariff two evening or night-time journey, the proposed increase for a two-mile fare would be from £7.90 to £8.85, while journeys involving larger vehicles carrying five or more passengers would increase by 10% to 13%.
Waiting Charges and Operating Costs
There would also be a rise in waiting charges from 33p a minute to 40p, the equivalent of an increase of £19.80 to £24 an hour. The report said: "The current table of fares has been in effect since September 2022. During the intervening period the cost of operating a licensed hackney carriage has continued to increase."
"Whilst inflation has reduced from the exceptionally high levels experienced in 2022, cumulative inflation since the last fare review has resulted in significant increases in the costs of vehicle maintenance, insurance, servicing, replacement parts and other operating expenses."
Licence Numbers and Next Steps
The number of licensed hackney carriages in Bridgend County Borough fell from a high of 380 in 2019 to 301 in 2024. Since then it has increased to a current total of 315. Following the deferral, Bridgend County Borough Council's cabinet are now expected to consider the request in November.
