Torbay taxi fares to rise

The cost-of-living crisis has hit the trade hard

Taxi fares across Torbay are set to rise as cabbies struggle with fast-rising costs.

The increases, which are expected to be agreed by Torbay Council’s cabinet committee next week, will make taxi fares in the bay among the most expensive in Devon,.

But a report for the committee says drivers are leaving the trade or being put off joining because of the escalating cost of keeping taxis on the road.

Fares in the bay were last reviewed in 2022, but the report says that buying, maintaining and running a taxi is becoming more expensive.

It says: “A balance needs to be struck between the legitimate right of the trade to a viable and sustainable livelihood and the needs of the travelling public to have a safe and affordable service.

“The cost-of-living crisis has hit the taxi trade hard, most notably through the escalating vehicle purchase, maintenance and fuel costs. These costs are no longer absorbed through the existing tariff.”

And, it warns: “If the fares are not increased on a regular basis in line with inflation, then many potential drivers will be discouraged from entering or staying in the trade, leading to a shortage of supply and a decline in the quality of the service.”

Taxi passengers pay an initial hire charge followed by a fixed rate depending how far they travel. The rate increases after 9pm.

The new rate would mean a two-mile journey before 9pm costing £8.10, which is the same as Plymouth City Council’s taxi charges. The Devon average is £7.62, with the lowest charges levied by Mid Devon Council, where the two miles cost £6.80. In Exeter the journey costs £7.50.

Drivers represented by the Torbay Licensed Taxi Association (TLTA) also want the ‘soiling charge’ for cleaning the interior of a taxi to rise from £50 to £75, and a £1.50 charge to take dogs. There have been complaints that some drivers will not take dogs, as they are only legally obliged to take assistance animals.

The council and the TLTA hope the fixed charge will be an incentive for them to take other dogs. Owners of assistance dogs will not have to pay the charge.

The report goes on: “It is considered that the proposed uplift will assist those taxi drivers licensed through the council to face the significant cost of living rises and support Torbay’s taxi trade to make a viable living, therefore reducing the number of drivers leaving the trade for better remunerated work and encouraging consideration of investment in newer environmentally friendly vehicles.”

A public consultation will be carried out before any increase in fares.