Some taxi fares in borough set for 25% increase

Newcastle-under-Lyme has had some of the lowest black cab fares in the country, according to a trade magazine

Taxi fares in Newcastle-under-Lyme are set to increase by almost a quarter on some journeys after drivers cited increasing costs as a concern.

The decision will see daytime taxi fares for Hackney carriages rise by 24.3% for a two-mile journey from £5.55 to £6.90.

The night-time tariff will increase from £7.40 for two miles to £8.75 – or 18.2%

The decision was made at a Newcastle Borough Council meeting on April 29, and will now be subject to consultation before going to the council’s cabinet for ratification.

As part of the plans, the evening tariff will come into place at 23:00 instead of midnight. Some drivers had argued the tariff should come into place at 22:00, as it does in Stoke-on-Trent, but this was rejected by councillors.

Under the plans the soiling charge will increase from £60 to £80.

Newcastle had some of the cheapest black cab fares in the country according to a league table put together by Private Hire and Taxi Monthly Magazine.

The town currently ranks 328th out of 344 areas, but under the new fares, Newcastle would be around 184th.

Costs up

Muhammad Murtaza Alam, Chairman of Newcastle Hackney Carriage Drivers Association told BBC Radio Stoke that there had not been a fare increase since 2019.

He said: “In these five years the cost of living has gone up, insurance has gone up and maintenance and vehicle costs have gone up.

“That’s why we requested the council to put the prices up. It is difficult when everything is expensive these days."

Responding to the plans, resident Margaret Heath said: “If you need to get to hospital appointments you have to use a taxi so I don’t think they should be putting the prices up too much.

“It wouldn’t put me off if I had an important hospital appointment as it’s hard to park up there."

Student Lucy Wallace added: “I don’t get local taxis, but I get that the price rise must be annoying as people won’t be able to pay for it.

“As a student, I can’t afford to spend £6 to just go down the street. I try to get the bus or walk.”

Another man who did not wish to be named said: “I only use a taxi if I’ve got to go to hospital. I can understand them raising the price with inflation but 25% seems like a lot."

The taxi trade and neighbouring councils will now be consulted on the proposed fare changes before they come into effect.