Drivers warned to embrace taxi cost hikes with Heathrow Airport charges to spike next year

The potential increases come as TfL looks to explore various options for adjusting the minimum fare and tariff rates for black cabs across the capital.

The proposed changes aim to address rising operating costs for drivers while maintaining affordability for passengers. The consultation also includes potential modifications to charges related to Heathrow Airport journeys, reflecting recent adjustments made by the airport itself.

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TfL stated in the consultation: "We regularly review taxi fares and normally make changes once a year, following a public consultation. This review process is crucial for balancing fair compensation for drivers with reasonable fares for customers.”

London's taxi fare structure currently comprises three main tariffs for journeys under six miles, with rates varying based on time and day.

Tariff 1 applies to weekday daytime trips, Tariff 2 covers evenings and weekends, while Tariff 3 is for night-time and public holiday journeys.

The current minimum fare created by TfL stands at £3.80, but the body is proposing several options for this baseline charge, including freezing it or increasing it to either £4 or £4.20, a hike of 10 per cent.

For Tariffs 1, 2, and 3, TfL said it is considering seven different options. These range from maintaining current rates to increases based on either the full Cost Index figure of 7.48 per cent or the driver costs component of 4.17 per cent.

Additionally, TfL proposes aligning Tariff 4, which covers journeys over six miles, with Tariff 2 rates.

Heathrow Airport-related charges are also under review. TfL proposed reducing the Heathrow Extra from £2 to £1.60, following the airport's decision to lower the taxi feeder park access fee from £3.60 to £3.

While taxi charges have been lowered by the airport, the Terminal Drop Off Charge is set to increase from £5 to £6 in January 2025 with TfL now seeking public opinion on how to adjust the amount drivers can add to fares for airport drop-offs.

Options include increasing the charge to £6, decreasing it below £5.20, freezing it at £5.20, or removing it entirely.

The authority noted that these proposed changes aim to “reflect the evolving costs associated with airport journeys while maintaining fair compensation for drivers”.

TfL also emphasised the importance of taxis in London's transport network, particularly for people who find public transport challenging. The authority said it aims to ensure taxi driving remains an attractive career option, despite a declining number of licensed drivers in recent years, with operating costs increasing by 4.17 per cent this year.

TfL added: "We want to ensure that taxi drivers are able to cover their operating costs and are paid fairly for their work."

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The public consultation on these proposed changes is offering Londoners the opportunity to voice their opinions on the future of taxi fares in the capital. Feedback can be submitted through TfL's official website.