
Taxi fares across Bridgend county could soon rise by up to 12% if proposed changes are approved by local councillors, potentially making the area one of the most expensive places in Wales to hire a cab.
The proposal follows a request from the local taxi trade, who highlighted significant increases in the cost of living, fuel,insurance, servicing, and vehicle maintenance. A council report on the matter was due to be considered on 20 October, but members deferred the decision until November to allow for further review.
Bridgend currently ranks 11th out of Welsh local authorities for taxi fare costs, but the proposed changes would elevate it to the fourth highest in Wales.
Council officials explained that the primary goal of the proposal is to strike a balance between helping drivers cover rising operational costs and keeping fares reasonable so the public is not deterred from using taxis.
Under the new plans, a standard daytime two-mile journey under tariff one would rise from £6.80 to £7.65. An evening or night-time journey under tariff two would increase from £7.90 to £8.85 for the same distance.
Fares for larger vehicles carrying five or more passengers would see an increase of between 10% and 13%, while waiting charges would rise from 33p per minute (£19.80 per hour) to 40p per minute (£24 per hour).
The council report noted that the current fare structure has been in place since September 2022. It stated: "During the intervening period the cost of operating a licensed hackney carriage has continued to increase. Whilst inflation has reduced from the exceptionally high levels experienced in 2022, cumulative inflation since the last fare review has resulted in significant increases in the costs of vehicle maintenance, insurance, servicing, replacement parts and other operating expenses."
The report also highlighted changes in local fleet numbers, showing that licensed hackney carriages in Bridgend County Borough dropped from 380 in 2019 to 301 in 2024, before recovering slightly to 315.
Bridgend County Borough Council's cabinet is expected to decide on the fare increase at its meeting in November.

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