Why taxi bilking really isn’t a ‘victimless crime’ against the big companies
Taxi bilking—the act of evading payment for a taxi journey—is often shrugged off as a minor ‘victimless’ crime. This perception, however, ignores the reality faced by drivers across the UK.
In an industry where most drivers are self-employed and reliant on each and every fare to make ends meet, fare evasion can carry a significant and direct financial impact. Unlike larger corporations, where small losses may be absorbed without much fuss, self-employed drivers are left to shoulder each unpaid fare as a personal financial hit.
The concept of ‘victimless crime’ rests on the idea that no one is directly harmed by the offence. This framing may be convenient, but in the case of taxi bilking, it does not align with the real world. Every instance of fare evasion leaves a dent in a driver’s income, which is made up of hours spent on the road, fuel costs, and sometimes personal risk, particularly for those working late or in high-demand urban areas. For these drivers, fare evasion is not a mere inconvenience; it’s an erosion of trust in the public they serve and a direct attack on their livelihood.
The perception that taxi fare evasion is a harmless act may also stem from a misunderstanding of the taxi industry itself. Many people regard taxis as part of an anonymous, larger commercial service, disconnected from individual livelihood. In reality, each unpaid fare is an individual’s time, labour, and resources unrewarded. Taxi services play a vital role in providing accessible, convenient transport, especially in areas underserved by public transport.
This lack of recourse leaves drivers to absorb the financial impact themselves, a reality that weighs particularly heavily on those already contending with high fuel costs, insurance, vehicle maintenance, and licensing fees. For a single driver, one small valued bilked fare may seem manageable, but when the threat of fare evasion occurs repeatedly, the financial and mental burden mounts quickly.
Unlike some other service providers, taxi drivers do not have the luxury of enforcing payment prior to service. Each fare is based on trust—trust that a passenger will pay at the end of the journey. When this trust is broken, the driver is left with little recourse. Reporting fare evasion can be a lengthy, often fruitless process, and police resources are frequently limited, particularly when the offence is perceived as minor.
In cities and regions where fare evasion is common, drivers may feel pressured to ask passengers for an upfront amount as security. This can slow down the journey, meaning fewer fares throughout the day and less income. There’s also now a perceived lack of trust between the driver and passenger which can result in a less enjoyable ride.
Fare evasion, while perhaps low on the scale of criminal offences, is far from ‘victimless’. For taxi drivers, it is a reminder of their vulnerable position within the community they serve.
