Somerset Council has approved an update to the maximum fares that licensed taxi drivers can charge, saying the changes are needed to reflect rising operating costs and the increased cost of living since fares were last reviewed in May 2024.
The decision follows a detailed assessment of economic pressures on the taxi trade, including a 10.69% rise in the cost of living and significant increases in fuel, insurance and vehicle maintenance. The Council says the updated fares aim to strike a balance between keeping taxi travel affordable for passengers and ensuring drivers can continue to operate sustainably across Somerset.
Under the new structure, the maximum standard fare for journeys up to one mile will rise from £4.60 to £5.06. Charges for additional mileage and waiting time will also increase, while soiling fees and holiday surcharges will remain unchanged. A standard two‑mile journey will now cost a maximum of £8.60, compared with the current limit of £7.60.
Councillor Federica Smith‑Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change, said regular reviews are essential to maintain safe, reliable and regulated transport for residents and visitors. She added that the updated fares reflect the real‑world pressures faced by drivers while keeping Somerset broadly in line with neighbouring areas.
The revised fare table sets out the maximum that hackney carriage drivers can charge, but operators remain free to offer cheaper rates if they choose. The new fares will come into force no later than 19th September 2026.
