Proposal to Increase Taxi Fares

Overview

The cost of using a hackney carriage, more commonly known as a ‘taxi’, depends on when and how far you travel. The total cost of using a taxi is referred to as a ‘fare’ and is calculated on an electronic meter installed and displayed in the vehicle.

The council sets the maximum fares that taxi drivers can charge. The main charge is for the distance i.e. the further you go, the higher the fare. There are extra charges for delays, when there are higher numbers of passengers and costs are also multiplied during evenings, weekends and public holidays.

We are proposing to increase the maximum fares that taxi drivers can charge for the first time in over 9 years and as required by law, are consulting the public.

All the separate charges are shown in a ‘tariff’. The driver of a taxi cannot charge more than the tariff but can charge less if they wish.

There are currently two different tariffs in Somerset West and Taunton, for the two former districts of Taunton Deane and West Somerset. These tariffs have not changed since 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Our proposal to increase the current fares follows a request from a taxi business. We are proposing to replace the two existing tariffs with one, for the whole of the Somerset West and Taunton.

The proposed fares will come into force if there are no objections once the consultation is finished. Anyone can object to the proposed new tariff, by responding to our consultation.

The proposed table of fares is:

• First 400 yards: £2.60.
• For each completed 140 yards: £0.20.
• Waiting time (each completed 35 seconds): £0.20.
• Soiling charge: £100.00.
• For hirings commencing between 22:00 hours and 07:00 hours: +50% (time and a half).
• For Saturdays and Sundays: +50%.
• For all Public and Bank Holidays: +100% (double time).
• Christmas Eve and New Years Eve from 18:00 hour: +50%.
• In excess of 4 passengers at any point during the hire: +50%.
• In excess of 4 passengers between 22:00 hours and 07:00 hours:  +100%.
• In excess of 4 passengers on a Saturday, Sunday, Bank holiday or Public holiday: +100%.

Here are some examples of journeys to help demonstrate the difference between existing fares and the proposed fares.

• 2 mile journey on a Monday afternoon: This would come to £7.20. That is £1 more than it would cost currently in Taunton Deane and £1.40 more than in West Somerset.
• 2 mile journey in the early hours of Sunday morning: This would come to £10.80. That is £1.50 more than it would cost currently in Taunton Deane and £2.10 more than in West Somerset.
• 2 mile journey on a Bank Holiday: This would come to £14.40. That is £1 more than it would cost currently in Taunton Deane and £2.80 more than in West Somerset.
• 5 mile journey on a Monday afternoon: This would come to £14.60. That is £1.80 more than it would cost currently in Taunton Deane and £3 more than in West Somerset.
• 5 mile journey in the early hours of Sunday morning: This would come to £21.90. That is £2.70 more than it would cost currently in Taunton Deane and £4.50 more than in West Somerset.
• 5 mile journey on a Bank Holiday: This would come to £29.20. That is £3.60 more than it would cost currently in Taunton Deane and £6 more than in West Somerset.

Please note: these fares do not include any waiting time.

What happens next

If no objections have been received, the proposed tariff will have come into effect immediately.

If objections are received, they will be considered at a council meeting and a decision will be made by elected councillors.