Why is taxi access in new housing developments often overlooked despite its key public transport role?
- Perry Richardson
- May 28
- 2 min read
Updated: May 29
New housing developments, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas, are frequently being planned and built with little thought given to taxi provision. While focus is often placed on cycle lanes, bus links and pedestrian routes, the role of taxi transport continues to be left out of the conversation during initial planning stages.
This oversight becomes more noticeable in communities without easy access to frequent public transport. In rural areas, where bus services are limited and rail links may be non-existent, taxis often fill the gap, offering residents a reliable and flexible means of transport. Despite this, few new developments include designated taxi ranks, pick-up zones or planning policies to support taxi operation.
Having fixed taxi ranks offers several benefits. They create clearly defined, safe areas for pick-ups and drop-offs, helping both drivers and passengers. For cabbies and operators, ranks can increase visibility and business, while for users—especially those without private vehicles—they offer a dependable visible service option, especially outside peak hours or in poor weather conditions.
Designated taxi areas also help traffic flow in more busier environments. Without them, taxis must either stay on the roads moving or park up away from the demand. A planned rank avoids these issues by integrating space into the overall layout of a development.
There are also challenges. Fixed ranks require space, which developers may be reluctant to set aside, especially where land values are high. Local authorities might view ranks as encouraging more car-based travel at a time when sustainability is being prioritised. Additionally, without enough demand, ranks can remain empty or underused, leading to questions over their value.
But the absence of taxi planning in new housing areas can restrict choice and access for those who depend on flexible transport. The elderly, disabled and those working unsociable hours often rely on taxis when other services are unavailable. In new developments without ranks or space for taxis, these users may find themselves isolated or forced into owning a private car, which counters sustainable transport goals.
Part of the issue is that planning guidance does not consistently account for the role taxis play. While major cities may consider taxi facilities near transport hubs, smaller developments rarely include such infrastructure unless local taxi firms actively engage in the planning process. This reactive approach often means opportunities are missed to embed taxi access early on, when design choices are more flexible and cost-effective.
Developers are also increasingly focused on reducing car dependency. Concepts such as “15-minute neighbourhoods” and “car-free living” appeal to planning policy trends. However, these visions sometimes ignore practical realities, especially in rural or edge-of-town areas where walking or cycling to services is not realistic for many residents. Taxis offer a middle ground—on-demand mobility without private car ownership.
If developers and planners are serious about offering varied transport options, then taxis need to be part of the solution. Planning policies should include provision for public hire vehicles in the same way they do for buses or bikes. This includes not just rank space, but consideration of access routes, waiting areas and integration with local road networks.
