Why it matters: The proposed fare increase would affect all taxi journeys in Ipswich and represents the first rise since 2024, following a request from the Ipswich Station Taxi Tenants Association to help drivers cope with rising operational costs.
The details: The new Table of Fares will be advertised for public consultation before implementation on 5th November 2025, subject to no objections being received. The increase applies across all three tariff rates:
Daytime journeys (Tariff 1): A two-mile trip rises from £7.80 to £8.00
Night-time journeys (Tariff 2): A two-mile trip increases from £9.80 to £10.00
Christmas and New Year rates (Tariff 3): A two-mile trip goes up from £11.60 to £11.80
The complex fare structure means initial and subsequent distance charges have been adjusted alongside waiting times to achieve the overall 2.55% increase per mile.
The big picture: The Ipswich Station Taxi Tenants Association, representing 70 licensed taxi drivers, consulted 118 drivers about the proposed increase. Of those who responded, 57% supported the fare rise, with 58 drivers in favour and 44 against.
Council officers worked with trade representatives under a long-standing agreement that fare increases should align with the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12 months, which stood at 2.55% up to May 2025.
What they're saying: Councillor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, said, “We’re proposing a fair and necessary uplift to hackney carriage fares to reflect current economic pressures and ensure the sustainability of the service. This review follows the statutory process and, subject to consultation, aims to introduce the new fare structure from November.”
The association argued that drivers needed support to address "increasing costs of running a vehicle," particularly fuel prices, insurance premiums and car tax.
For context: Ipswich currently ranks 86th most expensive nationally for hackney carriage fares out of 344 authorities. The approved increase would move the town to joint 67th position.
Neighbouring authorities charge similar rates for two-mile daytime journeys: Chelmsford £7.70 (set in 2022), Colchester £8.40, and Cambridge £8.60.
Of Ipswich's 150 licensed hackney carriages, 35 vehicles (23%) are wheelchair accessible.
What's next: The new fares will be formally advertised in the local press and taxi trade newsletter. Any member of the public or drivers can object during the statutory consultation period.
If no objections are received or all are withdrawn, the fares take effect on 5th November. Should objections arise, Portfolio Holder Councillor John Cook will review them with officers to determine whether modifications are needed.
The bottom line: Ipswich councillors are set to consider the taxi trade's request for fare increases that would keep the town competitively priced while ensuring sustainable transport services for residents amid mounting operational costs for drivers.
