Sheffield black cab fares rise agreed by councillors

The proposals will mean on average a 3.5 per cent rise across the city.

Calculations show short journeys would go up by around seven per cent, but the cost of a trip of more than 10 miles would increase by only one per cent on average.

The request initially included a card payment percentage fee on a journey but councillors agreed any journey under £10 would incur a 50p charge.

The changes also include a 20p surcharge for passengers taking a taxi directly outside Sheffield train station.

Drivers currently pay a £515 fee to pull up and take passengers from the station – the 20p charge is said to go some way to cover an increase costs.

GMB representative and taxi driver Ibrar Hussain said after the meeting: “We feel it’s a reasonable and fair increase for all involved and I’m glad the councillors on the licensing committee have listened to us.

“We have to be sensible about this, I don’t do this to make huge profits. Many of these changes will meet the costs and demands we face.

“We’ve had six years with no increase – it’s a very long time with out one.”

Changes come into force on Sunday, September 4.