Carlisle taxi and private hire drivers have told Cumberland Council the local trade has “nosedived,” prompting a public response and a promised fare-tariff review.
News & Star and PHTM report a 14 September meeting of the Carlisle 2022 Taxi and Private Hire Association where secretary Chris Bray said licensing changes arrived without proper consultation, many work below minimum wage after rental/diesel/tyre/garage costs, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are scarce. Harmonising Allerdale/Copeland tariffs with Carlisle would not raise city fares. A council spokesman said policies stay safety-focused, a tariff review would go to the executive in September 2026, and drivers should use licensing channels. Later PHTM notes consultation on a unified £7 two-mile maximum.