‘INSUFFICIENT ACTION’: York taxi drivers set to protest at train station over LNER's alleged ‘disregard’ and Uber concerns

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York taxi drivers are planning a protest at York Train Station on Thursday 22 August 2024, between 11am and 1pm, in response to what they describe as a lack of communication and disregard from London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

The protest coincides with the high-profile Ladies' Day event at York Races, aiming to draw significant attention to their grievances.

Arfan Asif, Chairman of the York Taxi Association, highlighted several key issues that have led to this planned action. He says taxi drivers, who pay a premium to operate at the station, are frustrated by the continued presence of Uber drivers picking up passengers at the drop-off point adjacent to the taxi rank. They argue that this undermines their business, given the significant fees they incur for station permit access.

Further compounding their concerns is the removal of live stream TV screens at the feeder rank, which were intended to help manage the flow of taxis. The absence of these screens, coupled with a lack of marshals, has led to disorganisation and increasing frustration among drivers.

Permit holders, who are paying customers, also feel overlooked, with a perceived preference given to private hire companies for rail replacement work.

The drivers believe that LNER has failed to take adequate steps to address these concerns, prompting the decision to stage this protest. By organising the drive-through demonstration on the same day as a major event at York Races, they hope to highlight their issues and push LNER towards meaningful action.

Arfan Asif, Chairman York Taxi Association, told TaxiPoint: “The protest is driven by growing frustration with LNER and the lack of communication, their continued disregard for the issues faced by taxi drivers who pay a premium to operate at the station.”

Asif added: “The drivers feel that LNER has taken insufficient action to address these issues, and as a result, they have decided to take this step. The protest will involve a drive-through at the station on the same day as the Ladies' Day event at York Races.

“We hope this action will draw attention to the serious concerns and prompt LNER to take the necessary steps to address them.”