Nottingham Railway Station Taxi Rank Trial Faces Driver Concerns

Nottingham City Council has launched a trial of a new taxi rank at Carrington Street, designed to improve accessibility for passengers at the city's railway station. The initiative, which began on Monday, provides a location for eight wheelchair-accessible taxis. This is part of an effort to add capacity near the station’s main entrance and offer a more convenient option for those with mobility issues.

However, taxi drivers have voiced concerns about the new arrangement. While the new rank is closer to the station than the previous location on Trent Street, drivers have raised issues regarding safety, reduced spaces, and increased competition. The trial will last for 18 months, during which time the council is encouraging feedback from both passengers and taxi drivers to assess the impact.

Safety and Space Concerns

Mohammed Akram, a taxi driver with over 35 years of experience, stated:

"It is a little bit better but it is still a safety hazard because customers have to come from the station main entrance and then they have to cross the road to get access to the taxis."

Akram further expressed concerns over the reduced number of spaces at Carrington Street, which can accommodate only 16 taxis compared to the previous 35 spaces available on Trent Street. Drivers fear that this will limit their ability to serve passengers effectively, especially during peak times.

In addition, the trial introduces eight additional spaces at Arkwright Street to mitigate the impact, but some drivers argue that this may not be sufficient. The overall reduction in spaces could exacerbate competition among drivers, especially during busy periods.

Impact of Railway Footbridge Closure

The trial of the new taxi rank coincides with the planned closure of the railway station’s footbridge, which will limit access to platforms one to six starting on 22 February. This closure is expected to disrupt passenger flow and could result in fewer customers for taxi drivers. Chander Sood, from the Nottingham City Hackney Carriage Owners and Drivers Association, highlighted the challenges posed by this situation, referencing a previous footbridge closure trial that caused a 70% drop in customers at the Trent Street rank.

Sood said:

"This Trent Street rank will be totally deserted, no customers will come out from this side."

Taxi drivers, such as Arfan Chaudhry, have expressed hope that the station's rank will be reintroduced to Station Street in the future, as it provides better access for both drivers and passengers. They are in ongoing discussions with the city council to address these concerns.

Feedback and Future Considerations

The city council is actively seeking feedback on the new taxi rank layout, emphasizing the importance of understanding both passenger and driver perspectives. The feedback gathered during the trial period will help shape future decisions about the rank's permanent location and its design.

As the trial progresses, the balance between improving accessibility for passengers and accommodating the needs of taxi drivers will be crucial in determining the long-term success of the initiative.