Taxi fares in Guernsey rise from today (25 November). Environment & Infrastructure estimates it will put 40p on an average, two mile, daytime journey.

The increase affects the maximum amount that taxi drivers can charge. However, taxi companies can decide to charge less.

From today, (25 November) passengers may be paying 40p more for a daytime two-mile journey - around £6.50.

A five-mile journey in the evening or on a public holiday could cost £24.10 - one pound more than before.

E&I says the annual increase is based on taxi operating costs and Guernsey’s median earnings.

Taxi fares were last increased by 7.67% on 27 November 2023, and before that - in April 2023 - by 4.51%.

In October, the committee suggested some changes to tariffs and their timings, and after consultation with drivers, has agreed that higher, holiday rates will kick in at 6pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and not 7pm. Three other proposals, including a higher rate for Saturdays, were rejected.

E&I's Vice-President Deputy Adrian Gabriel says 13 islanders responded to the public consultation.

“We’re grateful to those who took part in this consultation giving us an opportunity to hear from many of those at the coal face of this industry.

This consultation has been really helpful in highlighting what could have been some unintended negative consequences of the proposed changes to the tariff structure, so we’ve quickly taken this feedback on board and have taken steps to continue to support the industry.

It’s certainly worth emphasising that these are the absolute maximum fares that can be charged for a taxi journey.

Taxi firms are under no obligation to apply the charge stated on the meter and could decide that they want to offer fares which are lower than the maximum to put themselves on a more competitive footing.”