Ipswich taxi fare rise proposed for October

Why it matters: The proposal sets the maximum fare hackney carriage drivers can charge passengers in Ipswich, affecting residents and visitors who rely on taxis, particularly outside normal public transport hours.

The details: The changes would apply only to licensed hackney carriages – taxis that can be hailed in the street or picked up at a rank – and would not affect private hire vehicles, which set their own fares.

• If approved, the new fare structure would go to a public consultation before any changes are introduced.
• Subject to the outcome of that consultation, the earliest date the new fares could come into effect is 13 October 2026.

The Executive meets at 18:00 on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, to consider the proposal.

By the numbers:

• A two-mile daytime journey would rise from £8.00 to £8.10, an increase of 1.25%.
• A two-mile evening journey would rise from £10.00 to £10.10, an increase of 1%.
• The Ipswich Station Taxi Tenants Association, which has 70 licensed drivers as members, requested the increase. It consulted 146 drivers, of whom 72% who responded were in favour.

What they're saying: Councillor George Lankester, the council's Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: "It is important to stress that this is only a review of hackney carriage fares, and not all private hire vehicles. The proposals will be subject to public consultation before any changes are introduced.

"These taxis do provide a unique and important service in Ipswich and so play a vital role in our town's transport network. Alongside private hire vehicles, they can be the only form of on-demand public transport service available around the clock, every day of the year, helping residents and visitors travel safely at any time of day or night.

"We want to ensure residents continue to have access to safe, reliable transport while keeping fares fair and proportionate.

"I would encourage anyone with an interest in these proposals to take part in the consultation process should the Executive approve it."

The other side: Councillors could instead choose to keep fares at their current level, which would avoid higher costs for passengers but could, officers warn, reduce the sustainability of the taxi trade and the number of licensed vehicles available.

A third option would see councillors request an alternative fare figure, which officers would then need to model before returning to a future Executive meeting.

For comparison, a two-mile daytime journey costs £7.70 in Chelmsford, £8.40 in Colchester and £8.60 in Cambridge. If approved, Ipswich's proposed £8.10 fare would move the borough from 81st to joint 78th on the national fare league table, out of 344 authorities.

What's next: If approved by the Executive, the proposed Table of Fares will be advertised for public consultation. Any driver or member of the public will be able to object to the proposals or suggest alternatives. Objections will be considered by the Portfolio Holder for Communities, who could decide to revise the proposal and return it to the Executive, or proceed with the increase as agreed.

The bottom line: Ipswich's taxi trade is asking for a fare rise to help cover rising fuel and insurance costs, and both residents and drivers alike will get the chance to have their say before any change takes effect.

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