FROM GLASGOW TO SOUTHAMPTON: New Ford MAXiCab taxi officially passed in several key regions across the UK
The Ford MAXiCab, a new wheelchair-accessible taxi developed by Cab Direct, is gaining traction across the UK as it secures licensing approvals in several key regions. Cab Direct has been actively promoting the MAXiCab’s rollout via LinkedIn, highlighting some of its approvals in various licensing areas which included Glasgow, Edinburgh, Chelmsford, Southampton, and Brighton.
However, despite its growing presence throughout the UK, it continues to face a significant regulatory hurdle in London due to the capital’s stringent licensing turning-circle requirements.
The vehicle is designed as a fully electric, purpose-built taxi, offering operators a new choice in the market. With sustainability and accessibility at the forefront of taxi development, the MAXiCab aligns with the broader shift towards zero-emission transport solutions.
The MAXiCab is based on the Ford E-Transit, providing a fully battery-electric option for taxi drivers looking to transition to cleaner energy. As a large multi-seat taxi, it offers a spacious and flexible interior, making it suitable for a wide range of passengers, including those requiring wheelchair access. Cab Direct has ensured that the vehicle meets full GB Type Approval as a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), a critical requirement for many licensing authorities.
While several UK cities have approved the MAXiCab for use, Transport for London (TfL) operates under stricter longer standing regulations that present a challenge for the vehicle’s entry into the capital’s taxi market. London’s ‘Conditions of Fitness’ require all taxis to meet specific criteria, including a mandatory tight turning circle. This rule has traditionally shaped the design of London’s black cabs and has limited the range of vehicles that can be licensed as taxis in the city.
The turning circle requirement was initially introduced to ensure that taxis could navigate narrow streets and make U-turns with ease, particularly at designated taxi ranks. While this regulation has played a role in shaping the identity of London’s black cabs, it has also restricted competition and the adoption of alternative vehicle designs.
As more UK cities approve the MAXiCab, its growing presence highlights the differences in licensing requirements across the country. Whether London’s rules will change to allow its entry remains to be seen, but for now, the vehicle is establishing itself as a significant new option for taxi drivers outside the capital.
