Proposals to increase ‘black cab' fares in Salford have been given the go-ahead. The request for a “small increase” came from the Salford hackney carriage trade association to reflect the 50 per cent increase in fuel costs since the last fare increase in December 2018 and other cost of living pressures.
The new costs come into effect immediately. Depending on the time of hire and distance travelled, fares will rise by between 56 pence for a two-mile journey between 5am and 10pm and £3.64 for a two-mile journey at Christmas and New Year. The average national fare for a two-mile, tariff one journey in August 2022 was £6.46 according to a league table published by Private Hire Trade Monthly.
Drivers say most hires are for short journeys on the cheapest tariff. In a message to the council the association said: "We are very aware that too much of an increase would have a detrimental effect on the trade so we’re seeking this small increase for now, with a view to a further review with a potential increase in 2023.”
Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment and community safety, said the last fare increase in Salford was in December 2018 when diesel prices were significantly lower at £1.33 per litre. She said: “We appreciate any increase in costs is unwelcome at present, but taxi drivers are an important part of our national transport system and they too have to make a living.
"Salford is not alone in raising fares and despite this small increase our fares remain below the national average." Salford currently has 117 licensed hackney carriage drivers and 92 licensed hackney carriage vehicles.
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