Higher taxi tariff now in force from 11pm

Taxi driver brands RTLC change 'a disgrace'

If you're getting a taxi at night, you'll now have to pay the higher rate an hour earlier after the body that sets taxi prices made a series of changes.

The Road Transport Licensing Committee has brought in increases to its tariffs this week, as well as bringing tariff 2 into force from 11pm instead of midnight.

Tariff 1 has gone up from £3.50 for the first 180 yards or 60 seconds to £3.80, while tariff 2 has risen to £4.70 for the first 170 yards - a 40p increase.

There's also a 50p increase to the surcharge for fares that start at the airport to £2.

It's the first time tariffs have increased since 2022, and follows a period of consultation between the RTLC and the taxi trade.

39% of those surveyed by the committee supported no increase to the tariffs, while 46% wanted to see a 1-5% increase.

Barry Murphy has been a taxi driver for more than 20 years, predominantly working nights.

He says he only found out about the changes a week ago, and believes more notice should have been given, particularly regarding the change to tariff 2.

He told Manx Radio he's been abused while working nights on a number of occasions, and thinks this change will make the situation worse: