Department for Infrastructure set to increase taxi fares to address industry concerns

In response to mounting concerns regarding public safety and the availability of taxis in Northern Ireland, the Department for Infrastructure has announced a substantial increase in maximum taxi fares.

Effective from 5 December 2023, the fare hike aims to strike a balance between meeting the needs of taxi customers, including vulnerable passengers, and supporting taxi drivers and operators grappling with rising fuel costs.

Under the new fare structure, maximum taxi fares will see an increase of 9.5% during the day and a higher increment of 19.5% at all other times. These measures are being implemented to ensure an affordable means of public transport, while also assisting the taxi industry and supporting the wider economy amidst the challenges posed by the current financial climate.

The decision to implement the fare rise has been taken by the Permanent Secretary under the Northern Ireland Executive Formation Act 2022. However, given that regulations need to be set in place to allow for the increases, a 21-day period before implementation is required.

To provide a clearer understanding of the new fare structure, the Department for Infrastructure has outlined four distinct rates based on operating times. The approximate costs for the first mile of a journey, including the initial charge, as well as the additional cost for each subsequent mile:

- Rate 1: Applicable from Monday to Friday between 06:00 and 20:00. Features an initial charge of £3.20, an approximate charge of £4.20 for the first mile, and £1.86 charged for each additional mile.

- Rate 2: Applies from Monday to Thursday between 20:00 and 06:00. Involves an initial charge of £4.00, an approximate charge of £5.10 for the first mile, and £2.03 charged for each additional mile.

- Rate 3: Applicable from Friday 20:00 to Monday 06:00, as well as on specified days. Features an initial charge of £5.00, an approximate charge of £6.10 for the first mile, and £2.03 charged for each additional mile.

- Christmas and New Year Rates: In effect from 14:00 on Christmas Eve until 06:00 on 27 December, and from 20:00 on 31 December until 24:00 on 1st January. Involves an initial charge of £5.80, an approximate charge of £7.70 for the first mile, and £3.60 for each additional mile.