Aberdeen's Taxi Services: Are They Meeting the City's Growing Demand?

A prominent figure in Aberdeen's taxi trade has argued that the city currently faces no significant unmet demand for taxi services. Chris Douglas, director of Aberdeen Taxis, appeared on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland to discuss the issue, citing a recent survey that revealed only 12% of people wait more than seven minutes for a taxi during peak times. He asserted that demand is manageable, stating:

"If there was more on offer to attract people to the area, then demand might rise, but at present, there are enough cabs available."

However, some local figures dispute this view. Adrian Watson, representing Aberdeen Inspired, expressed concerns over the number of taxis available in the city. He highlighted potential safety risks and the city’s reputation, stating:

"There's a safety element to this and reputational one for the city."

These concerns have been echoed in reports of safety issues arising from taxi shortages, as noted in a recent article about rising safety concerns in Aberdeen, where a lack of taxis has forced many to walk home late at night. Watson's comments reflect ongoing concerns about the adequacy of the taxi service, particularly in high-demand periods.

Aberdeen City Council supports Douglas' position, noting that there is no evidence of significant unmet demand. Consequently, the council has decided against increasing the number of taxi licenses. Furthermore, there has been no evidence to suggest a need for caps on private hire cars, despite Uber receiving a license last year.