The number of licensed taxis operating in Jersey has fallen short of the government's target, according to a recent report by the Jersey Evening Post.

As of this year, only 278 licensed taxis are in service, significantly lower than the government's goal of 310.

This shortfall comes on the heels of a Freedom of Information request revealing a decline in licensed drivers from 488 in 2014 to 363 in 2023.

While the government acknowledges the decline, they assert that both the number of plates and drivers are showing signs of recovery, with 45 new drivers joining since January.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan emphasised the progress made, stating: "Following a significant drop in the number of taxi plates during Covid, we are also now starting to see an increase in uptake for taxi plates."   

However, concerns about a potential taxi shortage have been growing for nearly a decade, stemming from the government's 2015 Taxi Reform Programme. Despite ongoing efforts, the programme remains incomplete.

The industry faces several challenges, including stringent entry requirements such as a minimum annual mileage of 19,100 miles, vehicle specifications (vehciles must be either electric, a multi-seater, or wheelchair accessible) and a mandatory 18-month driving period for a registered company.

While Minister Jehan defended these regulations as necessary for public safety, critics argue that they create barriers to entry.

Accessibility is another issue, with only 40 of Jersey's 278 taxis being wheelchair accessible. This contrasts sharply with the UK, where 54% of taxis are wheelchair accessible.

A recent report by the Policy Review think-tank highlighted additional hurdles, including the difficulty of the driver and knowledge tests required for licensing.

Public feedback echoed these concerns, with many criticising the complexity of the regulations and the limited access to information from the Driving and Vehicle Standards department.

Unlike in the UK, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are not available in Jersey. However, local app-based services and social media groups like Jersey Lifts have become popular alternatives for transportation.

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Over 200 children from across England suffering from chronic or life-limiting conditions experienced a dream come true this weekend, thanks to a heartwarming initiative by London's black cab drivers.

The annual trip to Disneyland Paris, now in its 30th year, aims to provide respite and joy for these children during challenging times. 

Cabbie Phil Davis, who has participated in all 30 trips, shared the profound impact of the experience: "It's a challenge, but we all do it to see a smile on their face."

Families arrived at Disneyland Paris on Friday evening after a long but exciting journey from Canary Wharf. 

Davis recalled a particularly poignant memory from five years ago when a child in palliative care was brought to the park. 

"His mother said he could go on whatever he wanted," Davis recounted. "He went around Space Mountain four times, and when we returned, she told us he had sadly passed away on Wednesday morning. But that smile he had when he came off Space Mountain was one she hadn't seen for years."

The convoy of black cabs was accompanied by support vehicles from the London Ambulance NHS Trust and AA breakdown service, as well as police outriders from the City of London Police and France's Gendarme Nationale.

Early on Friday morning, the black cabs departed Canary Wharf with a musical send-off from the Royal British Legion band. 

After crossing the English Channel, they arrived at Disneyland Paris, where the children spent a magical day exploring the theme park.

The event, organised by The Magical Taxi tour charity and The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers,culminates in a formal dinner and disco before the return journey on Sunday. 

The taxi drivers generously donate their time and vehicles, and all participants volunteer their services to make this unforgettable experience possible.

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Residents are being encouraged to participate in a consultation on proposed new taxi charges.

The consultation is now live until October 4, 2024 and can be accessed at https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/taxi-fare-scale-consultation 

Among the proposed new charges, which would come into effect on December 1, 2024 are the following:

Standard Rate

Applies at all times out with the Late Night and Festive Season Rates which are detailed below.

Late Night Rate

Applies (a) Mondays to Thursdays from 10pm to 6am the following day; (b) Weekends from 6pm on Friday to 6am on Monday; and (c) Public Holidays from 6am to 10pm these being the 3rd of January, Good Friday and May Day.

Festive Season Rate

Applies (a) between 6pm on the 24th of December until 6am on the 27th of December; (b) between 6pm on the 31st of December until 6am on the 3rd of January; and (c) Weekends in December from 6pm on the Friday until 6am on the Sunday.

Multiple passenger surcharge

In vehicles so licensed carrying more than four passengers, a surcharge of 50% of the above fares may be charged.

Booking Fee

£0.50

Airport booking fee

Taxi drivers may add any current charge incurred at airports when either dropping off or picking up passengers. Drivers must make passengers aware in advance that extra charges may be added to the fare. Booking fees are to be shown on the meter.

Unacceptable mess

Passengers are carried on the understanding that the driver may charge a passenger, creating an unacceptable mess in the taxi, a maximum of £100.

Anyone wishing to make representations regarding the proposals which apply to taxis only and not to private hire cars, may do so within one month by way of our online consultation or by writing to us at: Licensing, Taxi Fare Review, Viewmount, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2DQ.

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Taxi drivers at Bristol Parkway railway station are expressing frustration over a cheap bus service that they believe is cutting into their business.

Westlink is a subsidised service set up by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to cover for axed bus routes. 

It normally runs a shuttlebus service at Bristol Parkway, but in the last couple of weeks has been using cars to run the service instead. 

This has led to passengers walking past the taxi rank, and taking the Westlink car for £2 per ticket price, according to drivers.

Taxi driver Vaughan Hinsley told BBC Radio Bristol that he has seen a significant drop in business due to the Westlink cars. 

"It's very galling that they're parking in the car park," he said. "We're providing a service, and it's taxpayers' money."

WECA has defended the use of cars, stating that it was a temporary measure while they awaited approval for a new fleet of smaller minibuses. 

A WECA spokesperson explained that due to delays in obtaining necessary approvals, the cars were unable to use bus stops.

"This may have led some taxi drivers to believe that they were operating like taxis, the spokesperson added, "but going forward it will operate in the same way that Westlink has since last year, just with smaller minibuses."

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A year after the removal of a taxi rank due to lack of customers, Ipswich Borough Council is proposing to introduce a new five space waterfront rank on Key Street. The council believes the new rank will better serve the area's bars and restaurants.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from taxi drivers. Mo Ali, a local taxi driver, expressed concerns about the viability of the new rank, citing the failure of a previous trial on Duke Street. 

He also questioned whether this is a sufficient compensation for the loss of 10 taxi ranks on Lloyds Avenue, which was pedestrianised.

Councillor John Cook, portfolio holder for sports and communities, defended the proposal, stating that the waterfront is a vibrant area that needs accessible taxis. 

He believes the new rank will benefit both drivers and passengers.

Despite the opposition, the council remains committed to finding suitable locations for taxi ranks in the town center.

While the waterfront is the current focus, they are open to considering other viable options.

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