Worthing Taxi Fares Set to Rise Following Council Approval

Worthing Borough Council has approved an increase in taxi fares, raising the starting rate by £1 following a petition from local taxi drivers. The new tariffs, which address rising costs in the industry, will be subject to a two-week public consultation before implementation.

Under the new fare structure, the daytime start rate for taxis operating between 6am and 11pm will increase from £3 to £4, with charges applying every 70.1 yards or 16 seconds, compared to the previous 88 yards or 18 seconds. Night-time fares, from 11pm to 6am, will see a rise from £4 to £5, with adjustments to incremental charges. Additionally, the maximum passenger soiling charge will increase from £100 to £150.

The Worthing Taxi Trade, which submitted the fare increase request in January, cited inflation, rising maintenance and insurance costs, and a decline in long-serving drivers as key reasons for the change. Representatives of the trade expressed a commitment to balancing affordability for passengers while ensuring the sustainability of the service. The proposed fare adjustments will now enter a public consultation period before final implementation.