Taxi fares in Bristol are set to see a huge hike as drivers struggle with the cost of living crisis.
Rising inflation, particularly affecting fuel prices, means taxi drivers are finding it harder to make ends meet from the trade. This summer fares in hackney carriages, the blue taxis in Bristol, will increase by about nine per cent, depending on when and how far the journey is.
Bristol City Council approved the fare increases, pending a two-week public consultation, at a cabinet meeting yesterday (Tuesday, July 12). Council bosses said taxi drivers had also been hit hard by coronavirus lockdowns and hospitality businesses closing.
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Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said: “The trade has been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic, with the Government’s closure of hospitality in particular having a big impact on drivers’ incomes. It’s in this context that the trade has proposed changes to the fares charged by hackney carriages licensed by Bristol City Council.”
For a one-mile journey, day rates would rise from £4.40 to £4.80, night rates from £5.50 to £5.70, weekend day rates from £5 to £5.40, and weekend night rates from £5.60 to £5.80. For a three-mile journey, day rates would rise from £8.40 to £9.20, night rates from £10.10 to £10.70, weekend day rates from £9 to £9.80, and weekend night rates from £10.40 to £11.
Taxi fares haven’t risen in Bristol for four years, with the last rise taking place in October 2018 when some fares rose more than 11 per cent. The previous rise before this took place in 2013. The current rise will likely take effect this summer.
Cllr Alexander added: “I’m aware that these increases come at a time of huge pressure on household budgets, and I’m aware that fare rises will be a particular concern for regular users of taxis in the city. We have worked closely with the trade to ensure any fare rises are balanced and reflect the levels of demand for taxi services at different times.”
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