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Newport black cab fares could rise by up to 17% after four-year freeze
- Perry Richardson
- 16 hours ago
- 1 min read
Black cab passengers in Newport could face fare increases of up to 17% under proposals expected to be put out for public consultation. The changes would represent the first increase in the city’s maximum hackney carriage tariff since 2022.
The proposal follows a request made earlier this year by the Newport Hackney Carriage Association. A council report said the authority had considered the financial pressures facing drivers, particularly increases in diesel and petrol costs since the previous fare change.
The council’s licensing manager described the requested rise as “reasonable”, with the report adding: “In light of all these pressures, it is felt the request from the trade to increase the fares is reasonable, and should be the subject of consultation.”
Any increase would apply only to Newport’s approximately 80 hackney carriages and would not affect more than 1,500 other taxis and private hire vehicles licensed in the city. Newport City Council does not have powers to set private hire fares.
The authority sets maximum hackney carriage rates, meaning drivers can charge less than the meter tariff if they choose. Current industry fare data lists Newport’s standard two-mile hackney carriage fare at £7.00.
A decision on progressing the proposed increase is expected shortly. If the relevant cabinet member backs the review, Newport City Council will launch a public consultation before any revised tariff can be introduced.
