TAXI DEMAND: Has ‘Kipper Season’ been a washout for UK taxi drivers this year?
The annual slowdown in taxi trade, known as Kipper Season, is well underway. It’s the period from January to March when demand for taxi services typically drops following the festive rush. With Christmas spending behind them, passengers tighten their belts, leaving cabbies facing quieter ranks and longer waits between fares.
TaxiPoint asked drivers how this year’s Kipper Season compares to previous years. The responses were mixed, revealing a patchwork of experiences across the industry.
Ian Clarkson, a cabbie from West Lancashire, summed up his year so far: “December Boom. January, February, March poor. April we go again.”
London taxi driver Tony Cornick had a simpler assessment: “The same.”
For some, trade has been particularly tough. Craig Tomlin, who has been in the industry for 26 years, said long-distance fares have never been priced so low, now fetching less than £1 per mile. As a result, he has switched to local jobs and contracts, steering clear of airport runs.
Others have seen little change. Andy Winter noted that this year has actually been busier than usual, while David Brooks said, “not bad to be fair”.
Some drivers have adapted their working patterns to maintain income. Steve Hale revealed he has stopped working evenings and weekends but is earning more than ever without the added hassle. Jason Kauder, who has avoided those shifts for five years, echoed the sentiment.
Not everyone has managed to find a balance. Graham Watson called this the worst Kipper Season he has experienced in five years, saying it has been “terribly slow”. He knows multiple drivers who have left the trade altogether for full-time employment, citing family pressures and financial struggles.
Mark Howard described January as “horrible”, adding that February is usually his quietest month, so he is hoping for a turnaround soon. Chris Colbert, who has been driving for 25 years, said this has been his worst-ever January.
Despite the difficulties, some drivers remain steady. Mark Child described trade as “slowish, but steady”, and saw the beginning of the year as a normal January. His advice to fellow drivers is to focus on healthcare and education work rather than relying on nightlife-related fares, which have dwindled in recent years.
Kipper Season may be a challenge, but as always, cabbies are finding ways to navigate through it. Whether it’s adjusting their working hours, focusing on contract work, or simply waiting for the usual upturn in spring, the resilience of the taxi trade remains evident.
