Possible taxi fare hike in Aberdeen

A public consultation will be launched to consider raising city taxi fares by 5%.

The proposal would mean the basic tariff is increased from £2.40 to £2.52 for the first 950 yards.

But a second option is on the table to maintain the status quo.

The city’s licensing board has been recommended to put both options out for consultation when they meet on Tuesday.

Russell McLeod, managing director of Rainbow City Taxis, said: “I think it is something that has to be looked at.

“December 2011 was the last increase. Given the circumstances I think the trade would be supportive of any kind of increase at the moment.

“Every time it’s needed reviewed up to now, the trade said it was happy with the status quo – but we are almost seven years on.”

The local authority reviews fares every 18 months but has not increased them since 2011.

The licensing report states that drivers’ costs have risen by 5.09% between 2016 and 2018.