Posted on the 26th August 2025 in PHTM News

GLASGOW RESIDENTS SUPPORT KEEPING CAPS ON TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE NUMBERS

A public consultation has revealed overwhelming support from Glasgow residents for maintaining the city's cap on taxi and private hire licences.

An online survey of 4,440 people found that 92% were in favour of retaining the private hire cap, while 90% supported keeping the taxi licence limit.

Of the 4,440 consultation responses, 3,592 said they were responding as members of the public, while 565 said they were taxi or private hire car drivers and indicated they were taxi or private hire car operators.

The majority of respondents, over 3,800, also said they had no trouble getting a cab in the past year.

Despite this public sentiment, a council report highlights a "clear conflict in views" with written responses submitted by business groups. Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Glasgow Taxis, Uber, Unite the Union and council leader Susan Aitken were among those to submit written responses.

The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce argues that the current policies, which limit taxis to 1,420 and private hire cars to 3,450, are "increasingly misaligned with the city’s ambition for economic recovery, environmental leadership, and a thriving night time economy."

This perspective is backed by recent council-commissioned reports indicating a lack of late-night transport is hurting the city's post-Covid recovery with a lack of late-night transport options deterring people visiting the city centre later in the evening.

To resolve these conflicting opinions, officials are recommending a full independent review. 

Responses received during the consultation would be shared with the organisation commissioned to undertake the review. Councillors will be asked to support the move on Wednesday.

The review would also consider competition and pricing, consumer attitudes and behaviour, the impact on the wider city centre economy, comparisons with other UK cities and the effect on operator and driver earnings.

While ride-hailing app Uber supports removing the caps, Unite the Union and the Scottish Private Hire Association (SPHA) want them to remain, warning that a flooded market could negatively impact driver earnings and force them to work more hours, causing safety risks.


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