
Falkirk residents could soon pay more for taxi journeys as local drivers grapple with surging fuel prices and mounting business expenses.
Under new proposals, passengers will see an extra 20p tacked onto every trip, while the running mile rate is set to climb by seven per cent, rising from £2.06 to £2.20.
The potential hike comes as data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reveals a harsh economic reality for the local trade. Since taxi fares were last reviewed in December 2023, average petrol prices have jumped by 14p per litre, while diesel has surged by a staggering 36p per litre.
Members of the local taxi forum met with council officers in May to sound the alarm, stating they felt an increase was "now necessary, given the rising costs the trade is facing."
Operators pointed out that fuel prices are continuing to spike due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. They also highlighted other financial pressures hitting the industry, such as "higher fees for taxi driver and operator licences."
While Falkirk Council is responsible for setting local tariffs, any final decision follows close consultation with the trade.
Falkirk Council’s executive will formally consider the proposal during a meeting on Thursday, June 18, at 10am at the Grangemouth Community Education Unit on Abbots Road.
Members of the public can also watch the meeting via a livestream on the council’s YouTube channel. If the executive approves the report, a full consultation will be launched with all local taxi and private hire operators who use a meter before the changes take effect in November.

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