Cab fares in the areas of Minehead and Taunton are likely to go up. This is the first time this will happen in nine years under the recently proposed tariffs by Taunton and Somerset West Council.
The latest highest fare rates, dependent on public discussion, are set to start being used on Tuesday 7th December. It will replace the current differing rates debited in West Somerset and Taunton.
Up to now, cabs have been affordable in West Somerset as compared to around and in Taunton.
“We are proposing to increase the maximum fares that taxi drivers can charge for the first time in over nine years and, as required by law, are consulting the public. The driver of a taxi cannot charge more than the tariff but can charge less if they wish,” said the spokesman for Somerset West and Taunton Council.
“There are currently two different tariffs in Somerset West and Taunton, for the two former districts of Taunton Deane and West Somerset.
“These tariffs have not changed since 2010 and 2011 respectively and our proposal to increase the current fares follows a request from a taxi business,” added the spokesperson.
“We are proposing to replace the two existing tariffs with one, for the whole of the Somerset West and Taunton. The proposed fares will come into force if there are no objections once the consultation is finished. Anyone can object to the proposed new tariff, by responding to our consultation.”
Under the latest proposal, the initial 400 yards of a trip will fetch £2.60 and 20p for every finished 140 yards. 35 seconds will be counted as a waiting period for each finished trip and will be 20p and a lean charge of £100.
Leasings start between 10 pm & 7 am. Additionally, there a 50% ( time & a half) for Sundays and Saturdays, 50% for bank & public holidays, an additional 100% 2x time, and New Year & Christmas Eve from 6 PM 50%.
The latest charges would imply that a 2 mile trip on a bank holiday would be equivalent to £14.40 – £2.80 more than the current cost in West Somerset and £1 more than the current cost in Taunton Deane.
The charges are not inclusive of the waiting periods.