There are few things more frustrating than not being able to catch a cab and especially if you are in a rush. It is for this reason why it is worth knowing where is the best for coverage of taxis in the UK. Along with where has the fewest so that you can book ahead or make other transport plans if needed.

Easiest Places

Unsurprisingly, the easiest place to catch a taxi is the capital. In 2017, there were 2.4 taxis per 1,000 people in London and also 2.4 wheelchair accessible taxis per 1,000 people. A fair amount more than anywhere else in England and Wales. The North East and Wales tied for second with 1.6 taxis per 1,000 people. But only 0.4 wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Hardest Places

At the other end, Yorkshire and Humber is the hardest region to get a taxi. With just 0.7 taxis per 1,000 people and 0.4 wheelchair accessible cabs. The East Midlands is marginally better with 1.1 per 1,000 and 0.4 wheelchair accessible taxis. The South East is the hardest place to get a wheelchair accessible taxi with just 0.3 per 1,000 people and 1.2 taxis per 1,000.

England As a Whole

Overall, England as a total has 1.2 taxis per 1,000 people and just 0.3 wheelchair accessible cabs per 1,000. This means that there is a significant gap in the market and particularly in some of the more rural areas. Those looking to set up a taxi business should consider these coverage statistics. Additionally, should look into providing wheelchair accessible vehicles. These can be found from specialists like Cab Direct.

Cost

Of course, another major factor to consider when it comes to taxis is the price as it can cost nearly an entire £1 per mile more depending on where you are. Coventry is the most expensive place at an average of £3.11 per mile. With Liverpool being the most affordable at just £2.15 per mile. Whilst many would believe that London is the most expensive place, there are actually four cities which are more expensive than the capital. Coventry, Leeds (£3.06), Oxford (£3.04) and Cambridge (£3.03). London has an average of £2.99 per mile. Other cheap places to hail a taxi are Edinburgh (£2.22), Brighton (£2.28) and Kingston-upon-Hull (£2.45).

Competition

Of course one of the biggest concerns for taxi firms is the sharp rise of the ride-hailing app Uber. Which is used by millions of people up and down the country due to its low costs? Last year, Transport for London (TfL) stripped them of their London license after deciding that it was “not fit and proper”.

It is clear that how easy it is to get a cab and what you will have to pay varies drastically depending on where you are in the country with many places needing serious improvement.

In conclusion, navigating the taxi landscape across the UK can be significantly different depending on your location. Cities like London offer the highest availability, especially for accessible taxis, but at varying costs that might not always align with consumer expectations.

Conversely, regions like Yorkshire and the Humber present challenges in taxi availability, urging potential passengers to plan ahead. The disparities in taxi availability and the advent of cost-effective ride-hailing services like Uber highlight a shifting landscape in urban mobility.

Those considering entering the taxi business should take these regional differences and the growing demand for accessible transport options into account. Ultimately, whether you’re a passenger or a potential taxi service provider, understanding these dynamics can greatly enhance your experience and business approach in the UK’s diverse transport ecosystem.