Posted on the 13th April 2026 in PHTM News

CEREDIGION COUNCIL WEIGHS TAXI FARE HIKE AS DRIVERS WARN OF 'STRUGGLING' TRADE

Ceredigion County Council has launched a public consultation on plans to raise taxi fares across the county after local firms warned that the current rates are no longer sustainable.

Following a discussion by the Licensing Committee on 12 February, residents are being asked to weigh in on several options to increase the cost of a journey, marking the first potential review since 2022.

Local taxi operators initially requested a significant tariff increase last August, suggesting a minimum addition of £1 to every first half-mile.

According to a council report, that specific plan would “represent an overall average increase of approximately 23.7 per cent across all fare components.” 

Drivers argue the changes are necessary because the “changes reflect inflation in running costs and bring Ceredigion’s fares closer to neighbouring authorities such as Carmarthenshire and Gwynedd.”

Currently, a two-mile trip in Ceredigion costs £6.80, well below the UK average of £7.40. If the taxi firms' highest request was granted, that same trip would jump to £8.25.

However, the Licensing Committee has recommended a more modest seven per cent blanket rise “instead of the higher rises requested” to balance the needs of the public with the survival of the industry.

A survey of the trade revealed that 88 per cent of drivers support a price hike.

The licensing committee report noted that “the responses show strong and consistent support among taxi drivers for a fare increase, driven by rising costs, low earnings, and concerns about the long-term sustainability of the trade.” 

Many operators expressed that “current fares, particularly daytime rates, are widely viewed as insufficient, with many drivers earning near or below minimum wage despite long hours.”

Supporters of the increase believe that “higher fares would support fair pay, driver retention, improved vehicle standards, safer and more reliable services, and local economic benefits.” 

The council confirmed that the proposed changes “reflect rising costs and would make Ceredigion’s fares more similar to nearby councils like Carmarthenshire and Gwynedd.” 

The public consultation remains open on the council's website until 8 May: https://shorturl.at/gDOyB


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