Glasgow taxi fares set for 9.72% increase after public notice period passes without objections

Glasgow taxi users could soon face a 9.72% fare hike as the city’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee considers the latest proposal.

The planned increase, covering the period from September 2022 to February 2024, comes after a thorough review conducted by James Cooper Associates Ltd. This review, now in the final stages of approval, suggests the adjustment to reflect rising operational costs within the taxi industry.

The proposal was formally presented to the Committee on 12 June 2024. Representatives from key industry organisations, including Glasgow Taxis Limited and the Unite the Union Cab Section, were consulted. These consultations, combined with expert insights from Dr. James Cooper himself, have driven the Committee’s move towards the fare adjustment.

A public notice of the intended fare increase was published in the Glasgow Times on 18 June 2024. Despite the opportunity for the public to submit feedback, no representations were received by the close of the consultation period on 19 July 2024. As a result, the Committee is now set to finalise the fare increase, pending any appeals from taxi operators.

Should the fare increase be ratified, Glasgow’s taxi operators retain the right to challenge the decision through the Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area. However, until such an appeal is lodged, the proposed fare structure is poised to come into effect, marking a significant shift in the city's taxi pricing landscape.

The decision highlights the ongoing adjustments within the taxi industry, as operators and regulators navigate the economic pressures of recent years. The absence of public opposition suggests a tacit understanding of these challenges, paving the way for smoother implementation of the new fare scales.