Darlington could soon see Uber cars on its streets after the ride-hailing giant applied for a licence to operate in the town.
The company's application is currently under review by Darlington Borough Council and a decision is expected later this year.
While Uber vehicles from neighbouring Stockton-on-Tees and Durham are already a common sight in Darlington, a local licence would solidify the firm's presence.
Uber has confirmed the application but declined to comment further until the process concludes. Its expansion into Stockton earlier this year followed strong local demand.
The potential arrival of Uber has been the subject of speculation for several years but local businesses previously warned of losing customers to the global firm.
1AB Taxis has emphasised its commitment to the local community and economy. It said back in 2021: “Since 1984, we have supported local charities and the NHS, and throughout Covid-19 we spent a lot of money locally.
“You wouldn’t get that commitment, service, and support from Uber. They will take all the local companies out of the market.
"We are very much a local company that wants to support the people of Darlington and the surrounding area.”
Darlington Borough Council has acknowledged the challenges faced by the local trade, with a 30% decline in drivers since the pandemic.
While the council believes there are currently enough licensed vehicles, it has also recognised a shortage of drivers during peak times.
Ways of increasing the amount of wheelchair-accessible taxis across the city are set to be explored to make it easier for those who need one to get one.
Cumbrian taxi drivers are fighting back against proposed licensing changes they fear will cripple their livelihoods.
Bolton taxi drivers are urged to sign up for free safeguarding and disability awareness training before the deadline on October 31st, 2024.
A Conwy Council meeting on Monday revealed a critical failing that allowed a taxi driver whose license had been revoked to continue transporting children to school.
Worcester City Council is seeking public opinion on a proposal to make safeguarding training mandatory for taxi and private hire drivers.
A proposal to increase driver, vehicle and private hire operator licences was discussed on Friday 19 July 19 at Sheffield City Council’s waste and street scene committee.
Through this collaboration, FREENOW willl provide additional benefits giving drivers up to 25% off pay-as-you-go rates across the entire bp pulse electric charging network and discounted fuel at all UK bp branded sites.
Wakefield Licensing, working alongside West Yorks Police Roads Policing unit, NPT, Off-Road Bike Team, Police Intercept Team, DVLA & DVSA, held a Partnership Day of Action at Thornes Park.
A pilot emissions reduction grant scheme providing financial support for hackney carriage drivers to upgrade to cleaner EURO 6 and fully battery powered vehicles has been launched.
The ride-hailing giant has submitted an application for an operator licence to Darlington Borough Council, with a decision expected in August.
Stratford-upon-Avon District Council has revoked the licences of two taxi drivers following a series of speeding offences.
A Northampton taxi driver has been found guilty of trafficking cocaine between his home city and Milford Haven.
The move comes after concerns were raised by the taxi industry about the rising cost of purchasing new vehicles.
Guide Dogs charity has asked licensing authorities in England for their support in sharing guidance on the law on carrying guide or other assistance dogs with all taxi and private hire operators.
Reading Taxi Association (RTA) chairman Asif Rashid has slammed Reading Borough Council's proposed phase-out of older petrol and diesel cabs by 2028, calling it a financial burden for drivers.
Dorset Council is poised to review taxi fares across the region, excluding Weymouth and Portland which have separate regulations.
A North Belfast man, Ruairi Fintan Muldoon (31), has been sentenced to 12 months in prison with an additional 12 months on supervised release for a botched attempt to rob a taxi driver.
Passengers are been invited to take part in a survey aimed at finding out if the taxi trade in West Suffolk is accessible to all.
A Glasgow man, Darren Gray, 31, launched into a verbal tirade and racially abused a taxi driver on Paisley Road West on August 19th, 2022.
The two passengers have been named as Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, who are Captain and Senior First Officer for Ryanair respectively.