Posted on the 22nd June 2026 in PHTM News

YORK TAXI BOSSES DEMAND URGENT HELP AS STATION GATEWAY WORKS HIT DRIVERS FINANCIALLY

The York City Taxi Association (YCTA) has called for urgent action from the council and other authorities, warning that the construction of the York Station Gateway project has "substantially" impacted local hackney carriage drivers.

The association is appealing to City of York Council, LNER, Network Rail, and other transport partners to take "concrete" steps to support the trade as the development enters its final stages.

Taxi drivers revealed that "years of disruption" around York Railway Station have hit their businesses hard, "placing further strain on an industry already battling rising costs."

The ongoing construction, shifting traffic rules, and severe congestion have created massive challenges at a time when drivers are "already facing soaring operation costs" for fuel, insurance, maintenance, licensing, and vehicle loans.

Arshad Mahmood, Chair of the YCTA, emphasised the heavy toll the project has taken. "York’s taxi drivers have supported residents, visitors and businesses throughout the entire duration of these works, but the reality is that many drivers have paid a heavy financial price," Mahmood said.

"For some, station work formed a significant part of their daily income and that business has been affected for an extended period."

While Mahmood stressed that the association fully supports improvements to enhance the city's transport network, he insisted that the trade's contributions must be properly recognised. "York’s licensed taxi drivers are an essential part of the city’s public transport network," he noted.

As the project nears completion, the YCTA is demanding practical measures, including clear signage for taxi facilities, better passenger awareness of pick-up locations, fewer traffic bottlenecks, and a seat at the table for future transport planning discussions.

In response, Garry Taylor, director of city development at City of York Council, stated that the authority has worked hard to minimise disruption by installing temporary signs and timing the most disruptive works - such as current night-time road closures for resurfacing - during quieter periods.

Expressing gratitude to drivers for their patience, Taylor welcomed further discussions to support taxi operations "as areas open up and future phases are planned."

Representatives from Network Rail and LNER also confirmed they are working closely with partners to support the trade and minimise ongoing disruption.


Read another story