Manchester City Council approves 17% taxi tariff increase to support struggling cabbies

Manchester City Council’s Executive has approved plans to increase taxi tariffs by around 17% for a two-mile journey in a bid to support cabbies.

Acknowledging the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Council has been actively exploring additional measures to benefit those working in the taxi trade across Manchester.

After careful consideration and consultation with the GMB and Unite unions, a set of recommendations has been presented to the Executive to ensure a balanced and fair approach for both drivers and customers.

The approved recommendations include making card payment acceptance mandatory in Hackney Carriages, an 8% increase in the unit cost per mile across all tariffs, a 23% increase in waiting time fare, a rise in the Day flag tariff to £3.40, and an increase in the Night flag tariff to £3.80. As a result, the cost of a two-mile journey will rise from £7 to £8.20, or from £9.20 to £10.30 during nighttime or on public holidays.

These proposals aim to address the challenges faced by taxi drivers while considering the impact on customers. The consultations on the proposed changes are set to run until the end of September, during which objections or concerns can be raised. The Council's objective is to implement the changes during October, subject to any objections received.

The decision to increase taxi tariffs has been seen as a positive step in providing some relief to struggling cabbies. The increase will assist drivers in coping with rising costs and ensuring a sustainable livelihood.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “We are aware that recent years have been incredibly difficult for our Hackney Carriage drivers and vehicle owners. This is why we’ve looked at what changes could be made to ensure this trade remains a viable one. Last year we extended the acceptable age limit for vehicles in the fleet to 15 years to assist vehicle owners.

“However it was important that this policy change was balanced to ensure that consumers are still able to pay a fair price for this service.

“We’ve also looked to address a common issue raised with us, that Hackneys do not universally accept card payments. It’s a key priority that people are able to pay through a range of means when using this kind of service to get home. We are particularly conscious of women’s safety, and following the launch of our Women’s Night Time Safety Charter, we want to remove barriers which could stop a women from getting home safely."