Glasgow's Taxi Future: A Public Consultation

Glasgow stands at a crucial juncture, facing one of its most pressing urban challenges: a persistent shortage of transport options, particularly taxis and private hire cars. This issue has not only inconvenienced residents and visitors but has also been identified as a significant impediment to the recovery of the city's vibrant late-night economy. A proposed public consultation offers a beacon of hope, aiming to address this long-standing difficulty and pave the way for a more accessible and thriving Glasgow.

The severity of Glasgow's transport deficit was recently underscored by two comprehensive studies. Research conducted by Edinburgh-based market and social research specialists, the Progressive Partnership, alongside insights from Glasgow Caledonian University’s Moffat Centre, highlighted the profound impact of this scarcity. These reports painted a clear picture: insufficient taxi and private hire availability is actively hindering the city's economic resurgence, especially after dark. Beyond transport, the studies also pointed to other contributing factors affecting the city's recovery, such as an increase in socialising at home, a decline in disposable income among the populace, and a general perception that city centre prices are too high. All these elements combine to create a challenging environment for businesses and individuals alike.

Understanding the Roots of the Shortage: The Cap System

To fully grasp the current situation, it's essential to look back at the policies that shaped Glasgow's taxi landscape. The city introduced a cap on private hire vehicles in 2019. This measure followed a period of significant growth in the number of private hire cars operating within Glasgow. Prior to this, a cap on traditional licensed taxis had already been in place for several years. These policies, while perhaps intended to manage the fleet size, have inadvertently contributed to the current shortage, especially when demand surges during peak hours or late at night.

Recent data from January 2023, compiled by independent transport consultants, provides a stark comparison of vehicle numbers:

As evident from the table, there has been a noticeable decrease in the total number of licensed private hire cars since 2019, while taxi numbers have remained largely static. This reduction in available vehicles, coupled with evolving public habits and the needs of a recovering city, has brought the issue to a head.

The Call for a Public Consultation

The impetus for this crucial public consultation stems directly from the recognition of these challenges. Councillor Alex Wilson, who chairs the Licensing Committee, has taken a proactive stance, requesting a detailed report on the proposed consultation to be presented in January. If approved by the committee, this consultation will then be opened up to the wider public, inviting input from residents, businesses, and the transport trade itself.

Councillor Wilson articulated the core philosophy behind this move: “The primary purpose of licensing is to serve the needs, and protect the well-being, of the public. The availability of safe and licensed cabs at night is key part of that.” He further emphasised the significant changes Glasgow has undergone in recent years, both within its city centre and the taxi and private hire trade. For him, it's a timely moment for a conversation on whether the existing 'overprovision caps' for taxis and private hire cars are still relevant. The ultimate goal is to ascertain if these caps continue to serve the needs of the public, the trade, the city centre economy, and Glasgow’s broader transport network. The hope is that the responses received will provide clear direction.

Councillor Angus Millar, convener for city centre recovery and co-chair of the City Centre Taskforce, echoed these sentiments. He highlighted that the council and its partners commissioned the aforementioned reports precisely to build an evidence base for supporting greater public access to the city centre economy. Acknowledging that building public confidence in the availability of safe and secure late-night transport is a critical factor, he stated, “We have a responsibility to respond to the findings of both reports and help ensure a strong future for the city centre and our late-night economy, and this consultation will help set the direction of provision for Glasgow.” Councillor Millar urged as many people and businesses as possible to participate and make their voices heard in the new year.

The Night-Time Economy Group: A New Partnership

The proposed consultation emerges shortly after the launch of a significant new partnership between the private and public sectors, specifically designed to promote the city centre. This initiative, known as the Night-Time Economy Group, is spearheaded by Mike Grieve, the owner of Glasgow’s renowned Sub Club nightclub. The group's mandate is to develop proposals aimed at attracting more evening visitors to the city, following a protracted decline in footfall. Lobbying for improvements in transport options is high on their agenda, recognising its critical role in the city's nocturnal appeal.

Speaking recently, Mr Grieve, who also chairs the Night Time Industries Association in Scotland, highlighted a key issue from the last festive season: “Last festive season, there was a lot of noise about how difficult it was to get home from the city centre, [with] taxi problems and all the other things that contributed to that.” He noted that this perception of difficulty actually led to people being fearful of coming into the city centre at night, worried they wouldn’t be able to get home. Paradoxically, he observed that many taxis were finishing their shifts early due to a lack of fares. This disconnect between public perception and the reality of availability creates a significant challenge that needs addressing. Mr Grieve believes it’s crucial to effectively communicate the positive transport options that are indeed available, fostering greater confidence.

Will a Public Consultation Increase Taxi Numbers?

The direct answer is: potentially. The public consultation itself will not immediately increase the number of taxis or private hire cars. However, its outcome could directly inform policy changes that lead to such an increase. By gathering comprehensive feedback from the public, the trade, and businesses, the Licensing Committee will gain a clearer understanding of the current demand, the impact of existing caps, and the true needs of Glasgow’s transport network. If the consultation reveals a strong consensus that the current caps are detrimental to public service and economic recovery, it could provide the necessary evidence and mandate for the council to adjust or lift these 'overprovision caps'.

An increase in the number of licensed vehicles, if implemented, could bring several benefits:

• Improved Availability: More vehicles mean shorter waiting times, especially during peak hours, weekends, and late nights.
• Boost to the Late-Night Economy: Easier access to and from the city centre encourages more people to socialise, dine, and attend events, directly benefiting bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Enhanced Public Safety: Ensuring reliable and licensed transport options helps people get home safely, reducing reliance on less secure alternatives. This is a key aspect of public safety.
• Economic Opportunity: An increase in licences could create more job opportunities within the taxi and private hire sector.
• Reduced Perceived Barriers: Addressing the 'fear of not getting home' can significantly improve public confidence in using the city centre at night.

However, any decision would need careful consideration of various factors, including the environmental impact of more vehicles, potential congestion, and ensuring fair competition within the trade. The consultation is designed to weigh these complex issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the public consultation about?

The public consultation in Glasgow is designed to gather feedback on whether the existing 'overprovision caps' on licensed taxis and private hire cars are still necessary and if they continue to serve the needs of the public, the transport trade, the city centre economy, and Glasgow's overall transport network. It aims to inform future policy decisions regarding vehicle numbers.

Why is Glasgow facing a taxi shortage?

Glasgow is experiencing a taxi and private hire shortage due to several factors, including caps on vehicle numbers introduced in 2019 for private hire cars (and earlier for taxis), a decline in the overall fleet size since then, and increased demand, particularly during late-night hours. Studies also highlight issues like declining disposable income and a perception of high prices as barriers to the city's recovery.

When were the taxi caps introduced in Glasgow?

Caps on traditional licensed taxis were introduced several years before 2019. The cap on private hire cars was specifically introduced by Glasgow in 2019, following a significant rise in their numbers.

Who is leading the new Night-Time Economy Group?

The new Night-Time Economy Group is led by Mike Grieve, who is the owner of Glasgow's renowned Sub Club nightclub. He also chairs the Night Time Industries Association in Scotland.

How can I participate in the consultation?

While the exact details of how to participate will be released once the consultation is approved, Councillor Angus Millar urged as many people and businesses as possible to make their voices heard and take part in the conversation in the new year. Keep an eye on Glasgow City Council's official announcements for specific dates and methods of participation.

What are the next steps after the consultation?

Once the public consultation concludes, the responses will be analysed. The Licensing Committee will then review these findings and make a decision on whether to adjust, lift, or maintain the existing overprovision caps. Any changes to policy would then be implemented based on this decision.

The Road Ahead for Glasgow's Transport

The proposed public consultation represents a pivotal moment for Glasgow. It is an opportunity for the city to critically re-evaluate its transport policies in light of contemporary challenges and ambitions. By opening up this crucial conversation, Glasgow City Council is seeking to ensure that its transport network, particularly its taxi and private hire services, is fit for purpose, supports economic growth, and most importantly, serves the needs and ensures the safety of its citizens. The collective voice of Glasgow's residents and businesses will be instrumental in shaping the future of late-night transport and the broader accessibility of the city centre.

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