Rother taxi fare increases are agreed
Taxi fares are set to increase in Rother, after proposals gained the support of council leaders.
On Monday (September 14), Rother District Council’s cabinet agreed to vary the authority’s fare card for Hackney Carriage drivers.
It agreed higher starting fare and amendments which see money added after shorter distances and waiting times than before.
Council officers said these changes, which come alongside a higher cost for additional passengers (30p to 40p) plus a higher premium for transporting dogs (from 20p to 30p per dog), equate to a 10 per cent increase in fares overall.
There is also a change to when drivers can begin to charge their late night rate. Currently, this more expensive rate begins at 11pm, but will begin at midnight.
Cabinet members had previously agreed to consult on a range of potential in June. At the time they heard how the existing fares had last been set in April 2023 when the cost of diesel had been 161 pence per litre.
The report said this cost has varied significantly over the past year, between 141 and 191 pence per litre. At time of publication, the RAC Foundation puts the average price at 185 pence per litre.
In light of this price fluctuation and general inflation, officers had advised the proposed changes were considered to be “reasonable”.