Birmingham City Council considers black taxi fare increase as costs rise for cabbies
Birmingham City Council is set to review proposals for raising the maximum fares for Hackney Carriage services, following requests from industry stakeholders.
The proposals are under scrutiny as the Council aims to strike a balance between affordability for passengers and sustainability for drivers.
The review, scheduled for public consultation, will focus on two competing fare adjustment proposals submitted by the local Hackney Carriage sector. Proposal A, put forward by the RMT, has gained initial support from Council officers. It suggests fare adjustments linked to economic indicators, such as the Consumer Price Index, to address increased operating costs faced by drivers. This proposal recommends changes including mileage and waiting time adjustments, the removal of certain surcharges, and an adjustment in fare times.
Proposal B, introduced by an individual, presents a simpler fare increase structure. This proposal recommends a hike in base fares and adjustments in mileage and waiting charges but lacks detailed rationale beyond addressing the increased cost of living.
The City Council last raised Hackney Carriage fares in October 2022. Since then, drivers have seen rising expenses in areas such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and licensing costs. With a steady decline in licensed Hackney Carriage numbers in Birmingham, there is an urgency to implement measures that retain drivers within the industry.
The Council’s consultation will allow public input on the fare increase, with a statutory 14-day period for objections. If no objections arise, the preferred proposal could be implemented within two months, ensuring Birmingham’s fare structure remains competitive with other local authorities in England.
The outcome of this fare review has implications beyond driver income, as equitable fare setting is critical in maintaining the Hackney Carriage service’s role in public transport, particularly for vulnerable passengers without access to private transport options.
