Exeter Taxis: Your Essential Guide to Local Travel

When planning your journey around Exeter, whether for a quick trip across the city or a longer excursion, understanding the local taxi service is key. Exeter offers a comprehensive taxi network, comprising both traditional hackney carriage taxis, which you can hail from the street or a rank, and private hire vehicles, which must be pre-booked. This guide delves into everything you need to know about getting around Exeter by taxi, from where to find a ride to understanding the fare structure and the regulations that ensure your safety.

Exeter's taxi industry is a vital part of the city's transport infrastructure, serving residents and visitors alike. With the city’s unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities, a reliable taxi service is indispensable for reaching various destinations, especially where public transport might not be as direct or convenient.

Hailing a Cab in Exeter: Where to Find Your Ride

Finding a taxi in Exeter is generally straightforward, particularly at key transport hubs. One of the primary locations for hackney carriages is outside Exeter St Davids station, a bustling hub where many journeys begin or end. The St David's Taxi Association plays a significant role here, even holding a contract with Great Western Railway (GWR) to assist with passenger transport.

However, the landscape of taxi ranks in Exeter has seen some changes over time. Historically, there were more designated spaces for taxis, but some have since disappeared. For instance, ranks at the new bus station, Queen Street, and the top of South Street are no longer available. Currently, Exeter Central station, another important city centre location, offers just one taxi space, which some in the industry feel is not easily visible or ideally allocated for customer convenience.

For those looking for a ride, it's essential to distinguish between the two types of licensed vehicles. Hackney carriages, often easily identifiable by their distinctive red and black livery and city crest, can be hailed directly from the street or found at designated taxi ranks. In contrast, private hire vehicles cannot be hailed off the street and must always be booked in advance, whether through a phone call, an app, or a booking office. This distinction is crucial for both legal compliance and passenger safety.

Understanding Exeter's Taxi Fleet: Hackney Carriages vs. Private Hire

Exeter's taxi fleet is a mix of hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, each operating under specific regulations. The numbers provide a clear picture of the local market: there are approximately 100 licensed hackney carriages operational in Exeter. Of these, around 60 hold specific station permits, primarily for operating from railway stations. In stark contrast, the private hire sector is much larger, with around 600 private hire vehicles serving the city.

This numerical difference highlights the significant role private hire services play in meeting the city's transport needs. While hackney carriages are often seen as the traditional 'black cabs' (though in Exeter, they are red and black), private hire vehicles offer flexibility and are typically booked for pre-arranged journeys, often with a minimum charge. For private hire services, the minimum charge is typically £6, and these operators have the flexibility to set their own prices beyond that minimum.

Ensuring Safe and Licensed Travel

Passenger safety is paramount, and Exeter City Council rigorously enforces licensing requirements for all taxi drivers and vehicles. It is a strict regulation that only a taxi driver licensed with Exeter City Council may drive a vehicle after it has been licensed as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle. This ensures that every driver has undergone necessary checks and holds the appropriate permits to operate safely and legally within the city.

For those aspiring to join Exeter's taxi driving community, becoming a licensed hackney carriage driver requires specific qualifications. Applicants must possess at least 12 months of recent experience (within the previous five years before application) operating as a driver of a taxi or private hire vehicle as their main occupation. Furthermore, they must hold a valid Exeter City Council Dual Drivers Licence, covering both taxi and private hire vehicles.

Vehicle Standards for Hackney Carriages

Exeter City Council also maintains strict standards for new hackney carriage vehicles to ensure quality and environmental responsibility. New hackney carriages must be under three years old at the time of licensing. They are required to be wrapped in the city’s distinctive red and black scheme, complete with the city crest applied. For passenger safety and accountability, all hackney carriages must be fitted with in-cab CCTV.

In terms of environmental standards, vehicles must be either a Euro 6 emission vehicle with wheelchair access from the side or an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). ULEVs are defined as either fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles that produce no more than 75g/km of CO2. While these requirements ensure a modern and accessible fleet, they represent a significant investment for drivers, as these vehicles are often more expensive to purchase, insure, tax, and renew licenses for compared to standard private hire vehicles.

The Cost of Your Journey: Exeter Taxi Fares Explained

Understanding the fare structure is essential for any passenger. Exeter's taxi fares, particularly for hackney carriages, are regulated by Exeter City Council. The last time these fares were increased was in 2013, a significant nine years ago. However, proposals for a new fare hike were set to be decided by the Exeter City Council executive committee at the end of November, following a public consultation.

Taxi drivers in Exeter have voiced their struggles to make ends meet, citing a substantial increase in operational costs. The price of fuel has surged by over 40 per cent, and other expenses like vehicle servicing, taxing, and repairs have also risen dramatically. Even seemingly small items have seen considerable price increases; for example, a tyre has gone from £38 to £52, and a box of disposable gloves, essential for hygiene, has increased from £2.50 to £12 in just two to three years.

These rising costs have made it increasingly difficult for drivers to sustain their livelihoods, with some even taking on additional work with private hire companies or delivery jobs to survive. The proposed fare increases are seen as a necessary measure to ensure drivers are fairly compensated and the taxi service remains viable. Amir Mossadegh, chairman of St David's Taxi Association, indicated that the proposed new tariffs, which are less than the current 10.1 per cent inflation rate, would improve drivers' earnings by approximately £12 a day.

Proposed Fare Changes for Hackney Carriages

The proposed changes aim to address these financial pressures on drivers, while making a minimal impact on customers, with an average increase of about 20p per mile for longer journeys. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed changes for fares:

It's important to note that while the proposed increases might seem significant for short 'pull off' journeys (e.g., from £2.50 to £4.00 for a very short trip), these are designed to better compensate drivers for waiting time and the initial effort of a pick-up. For private hire vehicles, the minimum charge typically starts at £6 for a similar distance, as they can set their own prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taxis in Exeter

Where can I find a taxi in Exeter?

You can typically find hackney carriages at designated taxi ranks, such as outside Exeter St Davids station. There is also one space at Exeter Central. Hackney carriages can also be hailed from the street. For private hire vehicles, you must pre-book your ride, as they cannot be hailed directly from the street.

What are the different types of taxis in Exeter?

Exeter has two main types of licensed taxis: hackney carriage vehicles and private hire vehicles. Hackney carriages can be hailed or found at ranks, while private hire vehicles must be booked in advance.

Are Exeter taxi drivers licensed?

Yes, all taxi drivers operating licensed hackney carriage or private hire vehicles in Exeter must be licensed by Exeter City Council. This ensures they meet specific standards for safety and professionalism.

Why are taxi fares increasing in Exeter?

Taxi fares are proposed to increase due to significant rises in operational costs for drivers, including fuel (over 40% increase), vehicle maintenance, insurance, and licensing fees. The last fare increase was nine years ago, and drivers have been struggling to make ends meet with current rates.

How many hackney carriages operate in Exeter?

There are approximately 100 licensed hackney carriage vehicles operational in Exeter. In contrast, there are around 600 private hire vehicles.

What are the vehicle requirements for Exeter hackney carriages?

New hackney carriages must be under three years old, wrapped in the city’s red and black livery with the city crest, fitted with in-cab CCTV, and meet specific environmental standards (Euro 6 with wheelchair access or ULEV like fully electric/plug-in hybrid producing no more than 75g/km of CO2).

How can I become a hackney carriage driver in Exeter?

To become a hackney carriage driver in Exeter, you must have at least 12 months of recent experience (within the last 5 years) as a taxi or private hire vehicle driver as your main occupation. You must also hold a valid Exeter City Council Dual Drivers Licence (Taxi & PHV).

Navigating Exeter's taxi landscape is made easier by understanding the types of services available, the regulations in place, and the factors influencing fares. Whether you opt for a traditional hackney carriage at a rank or pre-book a private hire vehicle, knowing the rules and recent changes will ensure a smoother and more informed journey around this historic city. The commitment of Exeter City Council and local taxi associations to maintaining a professional and licensed service underscores the reliability of choosing a taxi for your transport needs in Exeter.

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