Posted on the 25th June 2026 in PHTM News

SOUTH RIBBLE CABBIES CALL FOR "VERY REASONABLE" FARE INCREASE AMID COST OF LIVING PRESSURES

Taxi fares in South Ribble could soon rise as local hackney carriage drivers seek a "desperately" needed increase to cope with spiralling costs.

The proposed hike would add 20p to the starting meter rate, bringing it to £2.90, and increase the distance charge by 4p for every tenth of a mile, raising it from 20p to 24p. Overnight and bank holiday rates would see identical increases.

Under the new rates, a daytime two-mile journey would jump from £6.30 to £7.22, though this remains below the national average of £7.45. Drivers have noted that they are not obligated to charge the full amount and can offer lower rates at their discretion.

South Ribble Borough Council’s licensing committee has agreed to launch a public consultation on the plan. If no public objections are raised, the changes will take effect automatically. This would mark the first fare increase in the borough since 2022.

Ged Byrne, representing the local drivers, explained to the committee that the request is a direct response to a cost of living that has gone "through the roof".

He stressed that drivers tried to structure the increase "as fairly as possible," adding, "We’re very mindful about OAPs [and] the vulnerable in society – that’s [who] we deal with all the time. I think what we’ve asked for is very reasonable and …not excessive whatsoever."

Council licensing manager Chris Ward noted that while recent fuel price spikes caused by the Iran war were not part of the initial request, the committee should still take them into account.

Currently, South Ribble ranks 7th out of 10 neighbouring council areas for the cost of a two-mile journey. The proposed hike would push the borough up to 4th place, making it more expensive than areas like Preston (£6) and Chorley (£6.20), but cheaper than Wyre (£8.50) and Ribble Valley (£8).

Ward explained that neighbouring areas like Preston and Chorley have more defined town centres that generate higher trade volume, meaning South Ribble's fares could naturally be expected to be "slightly higher than theirs" to compensate.

 


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