Hackney carriage taxi fares in Cardiff will increase after proposals from drivers were approved at a council meeting. Cardiff Council's cabinet on Thursday agreed to the application put forward by the Cardiff Hackney Alliance and Unite for a number of price hikes, including for the starting tariff to increase from £2.50 to £3.50.
Other proposals in the application include a waiting time charge increase from 20p for 48 seconds to 30p for 30 seconds and an increase in the charge for soiling the vehicle from £50 to £60. The increased cost in fares and tariffs was called for to support taxi drivers with the increased cost of living and the additional costs of the taxi trade, like fuel, which have also seen a big increase.
Cllr Dan De'Ath, who called the proposed increase "fair", said: "Taxis are a really important part of Cardiff's transport mix. If you don't have a car then getting a taxi is an important way of getting around the city. And, with Covid, it has been a really tough time for taxi drivers."
