Government data reveals booming increase in private hires and worrying drop in taxis over last 12 months
The latest taxi and private hire statistics have been released, showing a boom in private hire numbers and a decrease in taxi driver numbers over the last year.
As of 1 April 2024, the total number of licensed taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs) in England has reached 313,000, with driver licences totalling 381,100. This marks a significant increase in the number of PHVs, alongside a concerning ongoing decline in traditional taxis.
The figures show a robust 10.5% increase in the number of PHVs, now standing at 256,600. This is a continuation of a long-term trend due partly to easier licensing requirements and the growth in ridehail services throughout the UK. On the other hand, the traditional taxi sector has experienced a slight decline, with the number of licensed taxis dropping by 1.4% to 56,400.
This growth trend in licensed vehicles isn't new. Since 2005, the number of licensed vehicles has steadily risen, apart from a dip during the coronavirus pandemic, where numbers temporarily fell to a low of 251,000 in 2021. The recovery has been swift, with the current figure representing an 8.2% increase from 2023 and a staggering 70% increase from 2005's total of 184,500. This growth trajectory illustrates the expanding role of PHVs in the UK transport ecosystem.
In parallel with vehicle numbers, driver licences have also seen substantial growth. Since 2005, the number of driver licences has increased from 242,100 to 381,100 in 2024, a 57% rise. The pandemic did cause a temporary decline, with numbers dipping to 330,000 in 2022. However, the post-pandemic recovery has been strong, with a 10% increase in the last year alone. This growth is predominantly fuelled by the PHV sector, which has seen a 13.6% increase in the number of drivers since last year. In contrast, the number of taxi drivers has fallen by 7.4% during the same period.
The decrease in both the number of taxis and taxi drivers suggests that the sector may be struggling to compete. Factors such as overly stringent regulatory requirements, higher operational costs, and limited flexibility compared to PHVs could be contributing to this decline. The taxi industry may need to find more innovative ways to recruit drivers and adapt to changing conditions to maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive market.
