Midlothian Council considers chunky taxi tariff rise following industry talks
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Taxi fares in Midlothian could rise as the local authority begins consultation on a proposed review of tariffs. The General Purposes Committee will meet on 17 June 2025 to decide whether to move forward with new charges suggested by the Midlothian Taxi Operators Association (MTOA).
The proposed changes, if approved for consultation, would mark the first adjustment to fares since November 2022. Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the council is required to review tariffs every 18 months, though no update has taken place in nearly three years.
The revised rates would apply to all taxis and private hire cars fitted with meters. The MTOA has highlighted increased operational, licensing and business costs as the reason for seeking a review. These include higher fuel and insurance prices, more expensive taxi licensing fees in Midlothian, and increased charges from dispatch services.
The suggested changes include raising the base fare on Tariff 1 (daytime weekday rate) from £3.00 to £3.50. Evening and weekend journeys under Tariff 2 would rise from £3.80 to £4.50. Festive season rates under Tariff 3 would go from £4.50 to £5.00. Additional charges for distance and waiting time would also increase by 20% on Tariffs 1 and 2.
The MTOA also argued that Midlothian’s fare structure should align more closely with the City of Edinburgh, citing shared inspection regimes and business conditions. Any such move would require broader research, as Edinburgh’s fare calculations differ in terms of distance and waiting time bands.
If the committee agrees, the proposed new tariffs will go out for public consultation. This process would last at least one month, during which written responses can be submitted. A follow-up report will be presented before any final decision is made.
The proposed tariffs would set maximum allowable charges. Drivers would still have the option to offer lower fares.
