Edinburgh Taxi Fares May Rise Soon

0:00It's April 5, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Edinburgh News today, your AI-powered local news. Edinburgh taxi fares could jump soon, especially for black cabs heading to or from the airport. Counselors are eyeing a review that recommends bumping the airport pickup charge from 6 pounds to 7 pounds for trips using the paid zone right. By the terminal, citywide, they're suggesting a 5% hike to match inflation, plus tweaks like pre-booking fees rising from 80 pence to 1 pound. On top of that, canceling a pre-booked ride would cost 3 pounds instead of 2 pounds 20. A 2 mile daytime trip might go from 9 pounds to 9 pounds 30, while nighttime hits 10 pounds 50 from 10 pounds 20. 5 mile runs would climb to 18 pounds daytime or 19 pounds 20 at night. Taxi drivers seem on board with these changes, calling them fair after chatting with the consulting firm, Jacobs. Even mine, private higher cars like those from capital cars aren't under council control,

1:02so their rates stay separate. Passengers can still opt for the free drop-off zone farther from the terminal to dodge the extra airport fee. This all stems from a required review. The council checks fares every 18 months, max. The last one in September 2024 brought a 9.5% increase that kicked in by December. No word yet on soiling charges, which stick at 50 pounds. Since Monday's meeting launches a public consultation, then counselors will crunch feedback and decide. With costs creeping up everywhere, these adjustments aim to keep black calves rolling smooth for riders and drivers alike.