Rise in city's public taxi fares

Public hire taxi fares last rose in 2004

Public hire taxi fares in Belfast are to rise by up to a third from the end of next month.

The new fares of between 13% and 31% will come into operation from 27 July. Fares last rose on 1 December 2004.

The Department of Environment said the existing rates were low compared with other UK cities, but there was nothing to suggest any lower running costs.

Brendan Magee of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland said the fares were still good value for money.

"These increases will mean that operators and drivers can recoup costs and ensure that vehicles can be properly maintained and periodically upgraded," he said.

"They will also help to encourage more drivers into the Belfast Public Hire sector.

"However, they continue to represent good value for the customer in that Belfast fares will still compare favourably with many comparators in GB."

'Attack'

However, the General Consumer Council said the price rise was an "attack on household budgets", as salaries in Northern Ireland are not in line with the rest of the UK.

The DoE has the authority to make by laws regulating taxi fares, with currently 350 vehicles licensed under those laws.

The total licensed taxi fleet in Northern Ireland is in the region of 9,500.

Fares therefore in 96% of these vehicles are a matter for the hirer and the services provider, not the department.