The Industry is Struggling: Why Over 40% of Taxi and Private Hire Drivers Say It's No Longer Worthwhile

The UK’s taxi and private hire industry, a cornerstone of transport infrastructure, is undergoing one of its most challenging periods in recent memory. Rising costs, passenger expectations, and regulatory pressures are just some of the factors placing unprecedented strain on drivers. While the profession has long been a mix of rewards and challenges, recent findings from the 2024 National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey reveal a stark truth: over 40% of drivers no longer believe the job is worth doing.

This sentiment isn’t universal, however. The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,400 drivers across the UK, highlights notable differences in how drivers feel about their profession depending on where they work.

Regional Differences in Driver Optimism

Where you work as a taxi or private hire driver in the UK makes a substantial difference in how you perceive your job. According to the survey, only 40.2% of drivers nationally feel their work is no longer worthwhile, but this figure varies widely across regions.

Northern Ireland emerged as the most optimistic region, with 76% of drivers saying the profession is still worthwhile. This is surprising given that Northern Ireland also ranks as the most expensive region for drivers, with annual costs exceeding £12,000. It suggests that while financial pressures are a significant factor, drivers in Northern Ireland may be more resilient or accustomed to balancing high costs.

At the other end of the spectrum is Yorkshire & The Humber, where a staggering 71% of drivers feel the job is no longer worth it. Yorkshire’s drivers not only face mid-tier costs but also report high levels of negative passenger behavior, such as drug use and aggression, which could contribute to their dissatisfaction.

The graph shows a regional breakdown of responses to the question: “Do you think becoming a taxi or private hire driver is still worthwhile?”

This illustrates the wide-ranging disparity in driver satisfaction, with regional trends clearly influencing optimism levels. But why do some regions fare better than others?

Why Drivers Are Saying 'No'

For the 40+% of drivers who feel the profession is no longer worthwhile, the reasons are clear. The survey asked dissatisfied respondents to select their top concerns, with “Not enough earning potential” emerging as the most common issue, cited by 33.1% of drivers. This aligns closely with broader economic challenges, including rising fuel prices, insurance premiums, and competition from ride-hailing apps.

Here’s how drivers ranked their dissatisfaction reasons:

• Not enough earning potential: 33.1%

• It’s becoming too stressful: 20.5%

• All of the above: 19.2%

• Ride-hailing apps are changing the industry: 13.7%

• Too many regulations: 11.3%

Interestingly, stress was a more significant issue for taxi drivers than for private hire drivers, with 34.8% of taxi drivers citing it as their primary concern, compared to just 19.3% of dual licence and private hire drivers combined.

The 2024 National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey highlights an industry at a crossroads. While many drivers still find their work worthwhile, financial pressures, passenger behaviors, and systemic challenges threaten the profession’s future.

To explore these findings in greater detail and uncover more insights into the industry, download the full report today.