Posted on the 27th April 2026 in PHTM News

ISLE OF WIGHT CABBIES SOUND ALARM AS UBER MOVES IN

Local taxi drivers on the Isle of Wight are sounding the alarm after the council granted a licence to the global ride-hailing giant Uber, fearing the move could destroy their livelihoods.

While Uber claims it is excited to "give people a safe, affordable and easy option to get where they need to go," long-standing local drivers believe the arrival of the app will flood a limited market.

Matt Hayles, who has driven on the island for 14 years, warned of a strategy to push out competition. "They will ruin the business. They will undercut everybody to promote the business and then whack up the prices. It will not work over here, there's not the footfall," he said.

Drivers are also frustrated by a lack of consultation. Mr Hayles noted that local cabbies "jump through a lot of hoops" to stay licensed, while any new competition would force them to "work two, three, four times harder to earn the same money."

The unique geography of the island is another major concern for local firms. Asem Ivanov of OK Taxis explained that the Uber model relies on constant back-to-back trips, which is difficult in rural areas.

He noted: "If I'm going from here to drop somebody to Ventnor, the chance of getting a return journey is pretty much zero."

While Karoly Katona from Leaders Cabs admitted that "for the customers, it's good," he warned that more cars on the road inevitably means "less jobs" for individual drivers.

The Isle of Wight Council defended the decision, stating its policy does not require consultation with the trade or the public.

Officials added it is not their role to oversee the business plans of applicants.

Meanwhile, Uber stated the move: "will help boost earning opportunities for local drivers, provide passengers with greater transport options across the area and support the economy."


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