Glasgow taxi fares to rise by over 19% amid mounting costs of fuel and repairs

Glasgow taxi fares are to rise by more than 19% so drivers can cope with mounting costs of fuels, repairs and the cost of living crisis.

Research found that drivers’ costs of production in the city soared by 19.36% over the course of 18 months between February 2021 and September 2022.

Councillors have given the go-ahead for meter rates to increase today after an independent report advised the rise due to outgoings.

Robert McLean, of Glasgow Taxi Ltd, said, the trade is “difficult and challenging.”

He said: “There is no doubt a significant increase is required.”

Mr McLean stressed it wasn’t a 19.36% “wage increase” with most of it going on insurance, maintenance and other costs with only a “small” earnings boost.

Dr James Cooper, from Taxi Research Partners, recommended the increase after research was carried out and a current review of taxi fare scales undertaken.

The minimum charge flag fall is to rise from £3.40 to £4. The £4 fee is a for a distance not exceeding 886 yards and a time not exceeding two minutes 46 seconds.

The time charge is to be changed from an increment of 20p to 30p. The time unit is increasing from 33 seconds to 42 seconds.

The soiling charge is to increase from £35.00 to £42.

Night time additional fees are also rising from £1.20 to £1.40 after 11pm and before 6am.

Dr Cooper told today’s licensing and regulatory committee that the night time charge is to incentivise taxi drivers to work those hours.

Unite the Union Glasgow Cab Section agreed with the 19.36% increase but believed the night-time flag fall was too high at £5.40.

Glasgow Taxis expressed concern that the 19.36% increase was excessive according to a council report. It also expressed concern about a calculation in the review based on taxi cabs being renewed every eight years.

Taxi representative Mr McLean said one the major challenges facing the trade in Glasgow is the introduction of the Low Emission Zone. It means vehicles must be less polluting.

Mr McLean questioned the timing of it and whether the city is ready but said it makes sense for people’s health and well-being.

Councillors sitting on the licensing and regulatory committee agreed to introduce the taxi tariff rises.

Committee chair Councillor Alex Wilson, SNP, said he believes the taxi trade should have the power o set their own fares.

Local authorities are currently responsible for setting the fares.

Previously drivers saw an increase of 0.84% to the taxi fare scale, which included a fuel cost supplement of 30p on all hires per trip.

The meter charge rises are to be advertised with further consultation to take place before they take effect.