Posted on the 17th November 2025 in PHTM News

PRIVATE HIRE CARS BARRED FROM EDINBURGH BUS LANES AS TRANSPORT COMMITTEE DEFEATS TRIAL BID

A proposal to allow private hire vehicles temporary access to Edinburgh's bus lanes has been defeated by the city’s transport committee, although a review of "bus gates" (traffic filters) is set to follow.

The move confirms the current exclusion of PHVs from bus lanes, maintaining a rule that private hire drivers have blasted as "discrimination by badge" since black cabs are permitted to use them.

The Scottish Private Hire Association (SPHA) voiced its "deep concern and frustration" at the exclusion, arguing that PHVs were "essential to Edinburgh’s transport network." Similarly, the GMB union, representing many PHV drivers, claimed the rules negatively impact disabled passengers.

The union argued: "By excluding PHVs from bus lanes and bus gates, many passengers with disabilities are forced to walk longer distances - often in unsafe or poorly lit conditions - to reach their pre-booked vehicles."

However, bus operators and user groups expressed concern that allowing more vehicles into bus lanes would undermine the purpose of the dedicated routes.

The Edinburgh Bus Users Group was clear: "The purpose of bus lanes is to speed up journeys for buses and passengers, and improve reliability. Adding more vehicles negates this benefit by causing delays and reducing bus reliability."

Cycle campaign Spokes echoed this, warning that introducing more vehicles would be "the exact opposite" of what bus lanes were intended to do.

Tory group leader Iain Whyte, who proposed allowing PHVs to use bus lanes on a trial basis, stressed the need for fairness due to the rise in app-based travel, stating: "We have to be fair across the board."

But Lib Dem transport spokesman Kevin Lang argued that allowing a substantial increase in vehicles "will have significant impact" on bus lanes.

Despite the rejection of the bus lane trial, Committee Convener Stephen Jenkinson agreed to a future review of all existing and proposed bus gates to determine access for both PHVs and black cabs.

He conceded that "the issue of traffic filters is something that should be looked at on a case-by-case basis," though this review will only occur after the council's licensing department concludes its current review into a possible cap on PHV numbers.


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