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Uber competition fuels cabbie concern ahead of decision on Coventry City Council taxi fare increase
Coventry’s proposed Hackney Carriage fare increase is set to be considered on 15 September after consultation responses raised concerns about passenger affordability and competition from Uber.
The changes, requested by Unite on behalf of the Coventry taxi trade, would leave the initial daytime, night-time and bank holiday charges unchanged. However, the distance and waiting time covered by those charges would be reduced, causing the meter to reach its next increment sooner.
Under the proposal, the initial distance would fall from 0.922km, approximately six-tenths of a mile, to 0.76km. The waiting time included in the opening charge would be reduced from 4.5 minutes to 3.7 minutes.
Starting fares would remain at £3.80 for journeys between 6am and 10pm, £4.60 between 10pm and 6am, and £4.90 during designated holiday periods. The existing subsequent charges are 30p for each additional 0.162km on the daytime and night-time tariffs, and 35p on the holiday tariff.
The shorter initial distance represents a reduction of around 17.6%, while the initial waiting-time allowance would fall by approximately 17.8%. Passengers travelling beyond the new threshold, or spending longer in slow-moving traffic, would therefore see the meter advance earlier.
Council officers have recommended approval, describing the proposal as a “reasonable and proportionate adjustment” intended to support the continued provision of safe, accessible and reliable taxi services in Coventry.
Three representations were received during the statutory consultation period. The council classified one as supporting the increase, one as objecting and one as having an unclear position.
One respondent called for fares to be reduced in an attempt to attract more business. Another Hackney Carriage driver argued that the existing tariff should remain unchanged, saying: “Uber has taken alot of the trade already, doesn’t make sense to raise tariff in the current economic climate.”
The consultation ran for 14 days from 7 August 2026. The proposal was advertised in the Observer, on the council’s website and at the Council House, while disability groups, passenger organisations and taxi licence holders were contacted directly.
Coventry’s Hackney Carriage fares were last increased in August 2022. Although the council does not regulate private hire fares, its report said those prices usually reflect Hackney Carriage rates within the city.
If approved by the Cabinet Member for City Services, the revised meter rate would be programmed during the week beginning 28 September. The new tariff would take effect once taxi meter changes had been completed.
