Posted on the 17th June 2026 in PHTM News

WORCESTER TAXI FARES SET FOR HIKE AMID FEARS DRIVERS ARE PRICING THEMSELVES OUT

Worcester City Council has approved a rise in maximum hackney carriage fares, responding to a request from the Worcester Taxi Association, which represents over 200 drivers.

The decision comes despite sharp warnings from council members that higher prices could severely damage the local taxi industry.

Under the new proposals, which are subject to a statutory consultation, the daytime starting fare will jump from £4.30 to £5. Nighttime, Sunday, and bank holiday starting rates will increase from £5.50 to £6.40. For a typical short trip under a mile from Worcester’s city centre, passengers will see fares rise from £5 to £5.60.

Defending the hike, principal licensing officer Niall McMenamin explained that drivers are facing immense financial pressure. "Fuel prices have skyrocketed recently," McMenamin said, noting that higher vehicle running costs, licence fees, and the general cost of living must be taken into account.

"This committee has to balance the hackney carriage drivers - they need to make a living - with travelling members of the public," he added.

However, several councillors expressed deep concern that the price hike will backfire by driving hard-pressed customers toward cheaper, app-based private hire competitors.

Committee chairman Councillor Richard Udall warned that taxi drivers "could be pricing themselves out of trade," pointing out that pre-booked private hire vehicles can do the job for "considerably less."

Udall stressed that while businesses need to survive, "Our number one priority has to be the consumer." He added: "I’ve got serious concerns about the impact this will have on the taxi industry... This will potentially be damaging to the industry."

Councillor Louis Stephen mirrored these doubts, stating: "I can’t get my head round this. Why, if you’re already under pressure, you’d want to put your prices up because suddenly you’re going to be at even more of a disadvantage."

The council acknowledged that competing with ride-hailing apps is an uphill battle, with McMenamin admitting that "young people wouldn’t consider getting in a hackney cab."

Following the changes, a two-mile journey in Worcester will cost £7. While this remains cheaper than neighbouring Birmingham at £7.60 and Shropshire at £8, it will be more expensive than nearby Malvern Hills and Wychavon, which charge £6.72 and £6.20 respectively for the same distance.


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