Hold It In…Or Pay Up

The cost of passengers being sick in Isle of Man taxis is going up, with the contamination fee rising by £50 to £150 under a new fare review.

The charge applies when a vehicle has to be taken out of service due to fouling, most commonly when passengers are unwell in the back of a cab (often seen leaving the Outback).

The Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) said the fee had not been updated since 2009.

But it’s not just the messy situations seeing a rise.

Taxi fares in general across the island are also increasing from April 22 following the review, with daytime starting fares going up by 20p to £4.

Meters will also tick over slightly faster, with fare increments now applied every 40 seconds instead of 45.

Night-time fares between 11pm and 6am will remain unchanged, with a £4.70 starting fare and 30p added every 30 seconds.

Other additional charges are also rising, including a 10p increase for extra passengers, taking it to 60p per person, and a similar 10p rise for luggage, prams, large parcels, boxes and wheelchairs stored in the boot, also now 60p.

The RTLC said the changes follow consultation with operators and industry groups, with 27 submissions received from across the trade, including the Isle of Man Unite Taxi Branch and the Manx Taxi Federation.

A spokesperson said fares had not increased since 2024 and highlighted rising inflation and operating costs, while also stressing the need to avoid pricing journeys beyond what passengers can afford.

They added that while increases were necessary, there was a balance to strike between covering costs and avoiding fares becoming ‘counterproductive’ in the current economic climate.

What do you think? Let us know at hello@gef.im.