Posted on the 10th September 2026 in PHTM News

WORCESTER TAXI FARE RISE SCRAPPED AFTER U TURN

Plans to increase taxi fares in Worcester have been dropped following a sudden U-turn by the city council and local cabbies.

In June, the council agreed to raise maximum charges for hackney carriage journeys after a request from the Worcester Taxi Association.

Standard Tariff 1 trips were set to rise from £4.30 to £5, while Tariff 2 journeys - covering midnight to 7am, Sundays, Bank Holidays, and selected other dates - were due to go up from £5.50 to £6.40.

However, a subsequent survey of association members revealed a distinct lack of support for the hike. In response to the statutory consultation, the chairman of the Worcester Taxi Association stated that the fare increase “has been rejected by a large number of the members”.

He added: “It’s not the right decision in my opinion and it is not helpful for the trade.” The association plans to hold further trade discussions and inform officials of any new proposals.

Speaking at a meeting of the council’s licensing and environmental health committee on Monday, 7 September, committee chair Richard Udall expressed frustration that the council acted on the understanding that drivers had already been consulted. “They told us in very forceful terms that they had the full support of their members and this is something we had to do in order to save their trade,” he said.

“We listened and we consulted and it turns out they hadn’t consulted their trade and when they did so, 67 [drivers] said no and two said yes.

“I find that a difficult process to go through,” he admitted, before confirming he would ask the committee to abandon the increase and maintain the charges set in 2022.

Although an alternative suggestion was raised to increase meter costs instead of the tariff, Cllr Udall pointed out that the taxi association had previously disliked that approach.

He stressed the need for an in-depth discussion at a future taxi drivers' forum to ensure any future proposals genuinely represent the views of local drivers.


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