York taxi drivers make positive progress with LNER in bid to resolve Uber drop-off and communication concerns

Image credit: YCTA

York Station Permit Holder Alliance and other taxi trade representatives have reached an important agreement with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) following a pivotal meeting aimed at resolving mounting tensions.

Key figures from LNER, CMAC, and York Taxi Licensing joined members of the York taxi community to discuss pressing concerns. The meeting, attended by Steph Walker from LNER and Stephen Murray from CMAC, focused on the challenges currently faced by permit holders at York Station.

One significant outcome from the meeting is the decision to closely monitor the Tearoom Square and Portico areas for parking violations. LNER has committed to issuing fines to enforce proper use of these spaces, which should help ease traffic flow and ensure that designated areas are used correctly.

This development follows the suspension of the planned strike, which had been set for 22 August to coincide with York Races’ Ladies' Day. The strike was called off after LNER agreed to meet a key demand from the taxi drivers. The dispute had stemmed from concerns over perceived unfair competition from Uber and other private hire vehicles, alongside frustrations over the removal of live stream TV screens and the lack of marshals at the feeder rank.

Arshad Mahmoo, York City Taxi Association Chairman and member of the York Station Permit Holder Alliance, expressed satisfaction with the meeting's outcome, confirming that LNER will begin issuing parking tickets to unauthorised vehicles waiting in restricted areas. He emphasised the commitment to ongoing discussions with LNER and other authorities for the betterment of the taxi trade and public safety.

Mr Arshad said: “LNER will be implementing measures to issue parking tickets to Uber or other private hire vehicles waiting at Tearoom Square loading bay or the Drop-Off point inside Portico next to taxi rank.

“We will continue our discussions and meetings with LNER and other authorities for the betterment of taxi trade and public safety.”

Arfan Asif, a taxi driver and representative for the York Station permit holders, echoed this sentiment, thanking all participants for their commitment to finding a resolution. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with LNER, stating that regular updates and meetings would be crucial for ensuring smooth operations and meeting the needs of the station’s permit holders.

Image credit: Arfan Asif

Mr Asif said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their commitment to finding a resolution. We are particularly grateful to LNER for their willingness to keep the trade informed and engaged through regular updates and meetings.

“Moving forward, we are optimistic about the continued collaboration with LNER and other stakeholders. This cooperative approach is essential for ensuring that the needs of the station permit holders are met and that the taxi trade can operate smoothly and efficiently.

“We look forward to ongoing dialogue and a positive working relationship with all involved parties.”