What is it like to be a taxi driver compared to 10 years ago?   

It’s 2009, and your minicab office calls you with a booking. You check out your brand new sat-nav, put a CD in your stereo, and head off to pick up your passenger.

 

What a difference a decade makes!

 

Few professions have been more affected by the passing years than taxi drivers, who’ve seen technology transform their industry. So what are the main changes, and what’s driving them?

 

Competition

 

There’s no getting around it: there are more cabs on the streets now.

 

Since Uber launched in New York in 2010, it has disrupted the industry internationally and spreading to more and more cities across the UK.

 

The good news is that a study by Oxford University found that apps such as Uber hadn’t driven other cab drivers out of business but had instead expanded the market, creating more jobs. The bad news? According to the survey, drivers’ wages have dropped.  

 

But there is still money to be made in cab driving.

 

So how do you stay streets ahead of the competition? Good service never goes out of fashion. Stand out from the crowd by being reliable and courteous, and your reputation should soon be winning you bookings.

 

Word-of-mouth is still important, though these days, that might take place on social media. A Facebook page for your firm can work wonders – particularly if you have loyal customers ready to leave five-star reviews and share your posts!

 

And get in gear for the next big trend. Think about what your customers might want and stay tuned for digital developments.

 

Your vehicle

 

A decade is a long time in the car industry. Perhaps the most important change has been the rise in electric, hybrid and other ultra-low emission vehicles.

 

As environmental concerns grow, some local authorities, such as Bristol, now issue hackney carriage licences only to such vehicles. Diesel cabs are banned in some areas, too: check your local authority website for details.

 

In 2009, the London congestion charge was already in place. Now, in 2019, you’ll have to contend with the Ulez charge, too if you’re driving a cab in the capital – unless your vehicle is ultra low emission, in which case it’s exempt.

 

Another area of rapid change for the good has been in disability rights.

 

In 2017, it became illegal for wheelchair accessible taxis to discriminate against wheelchair users by refusing to take or assist them, or charging them extra. Sadly, many disabled people still experience problems.

 

But most private hire vehicles are now wheelchair accessible, particularly in London and other cities. Some newer black cabs are also fitted with induction loops and intercoms for hearing aid users.

 

Whichever vehicle you choose, you can still buy or lease. It’s your livelihood, so make sure you get taxi insurance.

 

Ordering a cab

 

Back in 2009, being a taxi driver outside of London meant waiting for calls. Customers would call your office, who would phone or radio you to find out if you were free.

 

Apps like Uber are changing all that. Nowadays, no passenger wants to be on hold while your staff field Friday night calls. While minicabs can still be booked by calling up, and hackney carriages hailed on the street, apps are now leading the way for convenience.

 

Navigating

 

 

Gone are the days of opening an A to Z, checking a bulky sat-nav, or asking the customer for directions. Nowadays, your map app on your smartphone guides you to your destination.

 

But does this mean that the famed ‘Knowledge’ for London black cab drivers is obsolete? Far from it.

 

It’s still an essential part of the accreditation process in London. And many other areas also have a  ‘knowledge’ test of their own for all those applying for a coveted hackney carriage licence.

 

Seems that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways!

 

Travelling

 

So you’re on the road with your passenger in the back. How has that changed?

 

After a post-recession dip in 2010-12, vehicle numbers are rising again. Your smartphone map app, though, should keep you up-to-date with congestion ahead and even work out a new route for you.

 

Then as now, accidents happen. Make sure you’ve got taxi insurance to keep you covered.

 

One thing that hasn’t changed is good, courteous customer service. In fact, since Uber introduced ratings for drivers and customers, it’s more important than ever to maintain a friendly atmosphere in your cab.

 

Perhaps your passengers don’t want to chat. No harm, then, in a little music. In 2009, that might be your favourite CD: maybe Lily Allen or JLS. Nowadays, you probably use Bluetooth to connect to a Spotify playlist on your mobile.

 

Then as now, you might tune into the radio to catch up with the news. Back in 2009, you’d be hearing about Prime Minister Gordon Brown or President Barack Obama. Maybe you’d wonder if Hillary Clinton would win next time?

 

Safety

 

New technology has been a boon for driver and passenger safety, at least in theory.

 

Firstly, if you use an app such as Uber, you know in advance the identity of the lead passenger. You can refuse passengers if you have good reason – but make sure that your reasons for doing so are not discriminatory.

 

And secondly, your route and location can be tracked by GPS.

 

However, you should never be complacent about personal safety. It’s hard to better good old-fashioned networks of mutually supportive drivers.

 

Gettaxi insurance too, so you’re covered for any accidents or damage.

 

Paying

 

 

Remember the days of driving to a cashpoint so your customers could withdraw your fare and wondering if they were going to do a runner?

 

The good news for just about everyone is that cashless payments are now the norm in cabs. With card readers, Apple Pay and other systems, it’s much harder for passengers to claim they have no money.

 

And with apps, money is taken directly from passengers’ bank accounts on completion of a journey. It’s a simple click for them to add a tip, too.

 

But as with all services, the customer is king so just remember that some of your passengers may still prefer to pay in the traditional way. 

 

Protecting yourself with Taxi insurance

Protect your business and renew your taxi insurance with Taxi Insurer today! Call one of our friendly insurance team members on 0192 645 4929 or request a quote online.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Is being a taxi driver worth it?

Being a taxi driver can be a rewarding profession, offering flexible working hours and the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals. For those who enjoy driving and prefer a job outside the conventional office environment, taxi driving provides an appealing alternative.

 

However, the role also comes with challenges such as long hours, fluctuating income, and the necessity to navigate traffic congestion. Additionally, the advent of ride-sharing services has heightened competition within the industry.

 

Is a taxi driver a hard job?

Being a taxi driver is indeed a challenging profession. The role demands long hours, often during nights and weekends, which can disrupt personal life and sleep patterns. Additionally, drivers must navigate through heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions, and deal with difficult passengers.

 

They require a high level of alertness and patience, as well as excellent knowledge of the city’s geography. Furthermore, the job can be physically and mentally taxing, given the extended periods spent behind the wheel and the constant need for vigilance.

 

How stressful is being a taxi driver?

Being a taxi driver can be highly stressful due to various factors inherent in the profession. Navigating through heavy traffic, meeting tight schedules, and dealing with difficult passengers are daily challenges that can significantly elevate stress levels.

 

Additionally, long and irregular working hours often contribute to fatigue, further exacerbating the strain.

 

Is it hard to become a taxi driver in the UK?

Becoming a taxi driver in the UK involves navigating a series of stringent requirements and regulations. Prospective drivers must obtain the appropriate driving license, which necessitates passing a comprehensive background check, a medical examination, and often a local topographical knowledge test.

 

Additionally, drivers must ensure their vehicles comply with specific standards set by local authorities. While the process can be time-consuming and demanding, these rigorous criteria are in place to ensure passenger safety and service quality.

 

Do taxi drivers make good money?

The earnings of taxi drivers can vary significantly based on several factors, including location, hours worked, and competition from ride-sharing services. In metropolitan areas with high demand, taxi drivers may earn a respectable income, especially during peak hours and in busy areas.

 

However, the increase in operating expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and licensing fees can diminish overall profitability. Consequently, while some taxi drivers can make a decent living, many face financial challenges and fluctuating incomes.

 

What is life like as a taxi driver in the UK?

Life as a taxi driver in the UK is a blend of independence and unpredictability. Drivers enjoy the autonomy of setting their own schedules, which allows for a flexible work-life balance. However, they also face challenges such as fluctuating demand and long hours, particularly during peak times like weekends and holidays.

 

Navigating through traffic in busy cities can be stressful, but proficiency in local geography is highly valued. The profession requires excellent customer service skills, as interactions with passengers are frequent and varied. Overall, the role offers a unique perspective on urban life and an opportunity to meet a diverse range of people.

 

Do taxi drivers choose their own hours?

Many taxi drivers enjoy the flexibility to choose their own hours, particularly those working for ride-hailing services. This autonomy allows them to balance personal commitments and optimise their earnings by working during peak times. The ability to set their own schedules is one of the attractive aspects of the profession, contributing to job satisfaction.

 

However, traditional taxi drivers may have less flexibility due to company policies or licensing regulations. Consequently, while many drivers in the modern gig economy can select their working hours, this privilege is not universal across all sectors of the taxi industry.

 

Do taxi drivers own their own vehicle?

Many taxi drivers within the taxi industry own their own cars. Ownership offers them greater flexibility and control over their working hours and conditions. However, it is also common for drivers to lease vehicles from taxi companies, which can alleviate the financial burden of maintenance and repairs.

 

This is common for vehicles on the taxi rank. Both arrangements have their advantages, and the choice often depends on the driver's personal circumstances and financial situation. Regardless of ownership, many drivers strive to provide reliable and efficient service to their passengers.