Glasgow’s Taxi Cap: Industry Divided Over Future of Transport

Glasgow's Taxi Cap Debate: Industry and Ride-Hailing Services Clash

Glasgow remains the only city in the UK that enforces a cap on the number of taxis and private hire vehicles operating within its boundaries. As a public consultation seeks opinions on whether this limit should remain, taxi firms and ride-hailing services are at odds over the potential impact of lifting restrictions.

Currently, Glasgow allows up to 1,420 black hackney taxis and 3,450 private hire vehicles. While the private hire sector has reached its cap, leading to over 680 rejected license applications in the past year, the number of black hackneys falls below the threshold, with only 1,227 in operation. Industry representatives argue that removing the cap would destabilize the trade, while app-based services claim it would provide more opportunities for drivers and improve transport availability.

Councillor Alex Wilson, chair of Glasgow City Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee, emphasized the importance of gathering public feedback on taxi availability in the city.

Alex Wilson stated:

"Probably about 90% of those in the trade would like the current cap to remain. Whether that is still valid at the moment, we don’t know—we’ll have to check that with the results of this consultation."

Taxi companies, including Glasgow Taxis, support maintaining the cap, arguing that excessive competition could drive many operators out of business. The industry points to factors beyond taxi availability, such as post-pandemic behavioral shifts and the rising cost of living, as primary reasons for declining nighttime footfall in the city.

Dougie McPherson, chairman of Glasgow Taxis, asserted that lifting the cap would have negative consequences for the trade.

Dougie McPherson stated:

"If the cap was lifted completely, in a year or two it will become more difficult to get a taxi because people will leave the trade because it will be impossible for them to support their families."

He further argued that the downturn in the city’s nightlife is not due to a lack of transport options but broader economic and social changes.

Conversely, ride-hailing giant Uber has called for the cap to be removed, asserting that it restricts job opportunities for drivers and limits transport options for passengers. The company claims that a more flexible licensing system would enhance driver income and ensure that Glasgow is well-prepared for major events, such as the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Matt Frecklenton, Uber’s Head of Cities, countered concerns that removing the cap would saturate the market.

Matt Frecklenton stated:

"We don’t see this flooding the market at all. We believe by allowing drivers to get their own vehicles licensed, that will provide them with increased job security and increase their income as well."

A spokesperson for Uber also highlighted the benefits of expanding private hire services, citing greater transport accessibility, improved earning opportunities, and enhanced worker protections.

An Uber spokesperson stated:

"Enabling more private hire vehicles provides new earning opportunities for local drivers, gives passengers greater transport options, and supports local businesses, particularly in the nighttime economy."

Glasgow’s hospitality and entertainment sectors have also weighed in on the debate. Some business owners argue that increasing the number of taxis and private hire vehicles would encourage greater footfall in the city, particularly at night.

Mike Grieve, managing director of the Sub Club, emphasized the need for improved transport solutions to support Glasgow’s nightlife.

Mike Grieve stated:

"I think it’s really important that anything that can be done to increase access to the city and, in particular, to increase egress out of the city after dark is vital."

However, industry representatives maintain that structural economic factors—not taxi availability—are responsible for lower turnout in the city center.

With the consultation process underway, Glasgow City Council will assess public feedback before making a decision on whether to maintain or remove the existing taxi cap. The outcome will have lasting implications for drivers, passengers, and the city’s transport landscape.