Proposed Taxi Fare increase in Ceredigion
This consultation will close on the 8th of May 2026
A local taxi company has asked the Council to increase taxi fares in Ceredigion, citing increased operating costs - fuel, maintenance, wages and vehicle costs.
The Council has a legal duty to look at requests like this. Ceredigion hasn’t changed its taxi fares since 2022, so it is an appropriate time to review them.
What the taxi company suggested
The taxi company asked for:
• An extra £1 added to the first half-mile, and
• An extra 2p per 1/10th of a mile after that.
Overall, this would mean:
• A 23.7% average increase across all fares
• The biggest rise would be in the starting fare
• Distance rates would go up 10.6%
• Waiting time charges would go up 32%
These increases reflect rising costs and would make Ceredigion’s fares more similar to nearby councils like Carmarthenshire and Gwynedd.
How Ceredigion compares nationally
Every month, a national ‘Taxi Fare League Table’ ranks councils by the price of a two-mile journey. This can be viewed online at https://www.phtm.co.uk/taxi-faresleague-tables.
Ceredigion is currently 226th out of 341 councils. A two-mile journey here currently costs £6.80. The UK average is £7.40
If the taxi company’s suggested increase was accepted A two-mile journey would cost £8.25. Ceredigion would move up to 64th place. It would become the highest-priced in Wales.
Comparison with nearby Councils
| Council | Starting Fare | Cost per mile | Waiting Time charges (per minute) |
Last |
| Ceredigion (current) | £3.50 (first ½ mile) | £2.20 | £0.25 | 2022 |
| Carmarthenshire | £4.50 (first mile) | £2.50 | £0.30 | 2023 |
| Pembrokeshire | £4.00 (first mile) | £3.00 | £0.42 | 2022 |
| Powys | £4.00 (first mile) | £2.00 | £0.20 | 2022 |
Cost-of-Living and Operating pressures
Average fuel prices have actually fallen since 2022 (Correct as of 12th of February 2026):
• Petrol: from £1.65 to £1.35
• Diesel: from £1.79 to £1.43
But other costs have risen:
• General inflation is up 13.9%
• Insurance for taxis is expensive — usually £1,800 to £4,500+
What local taxi drivers said
A survey was sent to all taxi drivers and operators in Ceredigion:
• 275 were invited (265 online and 10 paper).
• 50 responded.
The feedback showed:
• 88% are in favour of a fare increase.
• Of those in favour, 44.7% wanted around a 10% increase.
• Drivers say costs are rising but earnings have not kept up.
• Some drivers earn close to the minimum wage even working long hours.
• Many feel a fare rise is needed so drivers can stay in the trade, maintain their vehicles, and offer a safe and reliable service.
• A small number of drivers worried about costs for vulnerable passengers, but most felt the increase is necessary.
Council’s recommendation
When the Licensing Committee met on 12 February 2026, they suggested a 7% increase instead of the higher rises requested. They also recommended a public consultation to gather wider views.
Example of the 7% increase (simplified)
|
Tariff |
First ½ Mile Current |
First ½ Mile 7% Increase |
Per 1/10 Mile Current |
Per 1/10 Mile 7% Increase |
| 1 | £3.50 | £3.70 | £0.22 | £0.25 |
| 2 | £4.00 | £4.20 | £0.25 | £0.25 |
| 3 | £4.00 | £4.20 | £0.28 | £0.30 |
| 4 | £6.00 | £6.40 | £0.37 | £0.40 |
| 5 | £4.00 | £4.20 | £0.31 | £0.35 |
| 6 | £5.00 | £5.30 | £0.37 | £0.40 |
| 7 | £7.00 | £7.40 | £0.49 | £0.50 |
| Waiting Time charges (per minute) |
£0.25 |
|
- |
- |
| Extra Charges (optional) | Current | With 7% Increase |
| Cases (each) | £1.00 | £1.05 |
| Trunks (each) | £1.50 | £1.60 |
| Fouling | £100 | £107.00 |
How to share your views
Complete our on-line survey - On-line survey
Download a paper copy - Printable Version of Proposed increase of the Taxi Fare Tariffs Survey.
You can also collect a paper copy from your local Library or Leisure Centre or by calling 01545 570881 or emailing us at clic@ceredigion.gov.uk.
If you wish to receive the information in a different format, please contact us on 01545 570881 or email clic@ceredigion.gov.uk.
Please return paper copies to your local library or to Partnerships Team, Ceredigion County Council, Ceredigion County Hall Penmorfa, Aberaeron SA46 0PA.
Data protection
Read how the Council handles data collected through consultations - Consultations
Privacy Notice.
What happens next?
Responses to this consultation will be analysed and presented to the Council’s Licensing committee for a final decision.
You can read more about the Licensing committee here - Ceredigion County Council.