TAXI fares across Neath Port Talbot could be set to increase in the coming months, following a council licensing meeting.
It could see a potential uplift in the cost of Hackney carriage fares across the borough, with an additional 10p added to the starting metre on a tariff one journey and 20p to the starting metre on a tariff two.
If approved, it would also see a proposed increase of 2p for every tenth of a mile travelled, which officers said was an additional 5.17% increase for an average tariff one journey, and 6% on a tariff two journey.
There could also be extra charges for each passenger exceeding four on a journey, going up from 50p to 75p. Officers said the proposals were not considered excessive, and were put forward in order to help local taxi companies deal with increased fuel prices as well as higher costs for insurance and licensing fees.
The report also referenced a consultation which was carried out with drivers, where a total of 42 responded, with 23 agreeing an increase was appropriate.
Cllr Suzanne Paddison said: “It’s a tricky line to follow, the taxi drivers have to make a living and also we have to be cognisant of how much it will cost members of the public as well, so I’ll be interested to see the consultation coming back.”
Members of the committee later noted the report and approved it to be taken to cabinet, before a public consultation and decision can be made.
