Posted on the 15th October 2025 in PHTM News

WEST LOTHIAN TAXI FARES TO RISE BEFORE FESTIVE SEASON

West Lothian councillors have agreed to a rise in taxi fares that will come into force at the end of November, ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The fare increases, which will run until May 2027, follow a proposal by the West Lothian Taxi Owners Association (TOA).

The largest proposed increase is 9.5%, which "could see the cost of a Tariff 3 journey of 10 miles rise by more than £4 over the Christmas and New Year holidays."

Specific fare increases include:

  • A one-mile Tariff 1 journey rising from £4.80 to £5.20 (an 8.3% increase).

  • A five-mile Tariff 1 journey rising from £12.80 to £14.

  • A 10-mile Tariff 1 journey rising from £22.80 to £25.

The TOA's proposal also included increasing the starting tariffs and reducing the distance covered before the meter rises. For Tariff 1, the starting fare will increase "from £3.00 to £3.20." Additionally, "the yardage be reduced from 176 yards to 160 yards across all tariffs."

The council is required to review local taxi fares every 18 months, as Jessica Chan, the council’s Acting Managing Solicitor – Litigation, Legal Services told a meeting of the council’s Executive on Tuesday 14 October.

The proposed changes were advertised and "attracted no comment when advertised in the West Lothian Courier."

Other fees, such as the £40 clean-up cost for soiled cabs, will remain unchanged despite calls for an increase from some operators.

 


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