Taxi driver shortage

Redwurzel

Redwurzel

Well-known member
These numbers quoted by the BBC are really enormous way above lorry driver shortage as a %

I don't post this story because I have an agenda or trying to make a point, before anyone starts up.

However I am interested in what other posters think the reasons why over 50% of taxi drivers have left their jobs since April 2020.

www.bbc.co.uk

Taxi driver shortage prompts public safety fears

More than half of licensed mini-cab drivers - 160,000 workers - have not returned amid the pandemic.
www.bbc.co.uk
 
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A taxi driver is probably one of the more dangerous occupation at the minute outside of healthcare workers
 
There's maybe more money to be made as a delivery driver, and certainly as an hgv driver.

If I had to do a driving job I would pick one that didn't involve sitting in very close proximity to drunken aggressive **** heads.
 
was talking to a boro taxi driver last week and he said due to COVID most of the guys had no work so they started working for amazon, DPD, and also a good lot of them for just eat and deliveroo etc.

he said the pay worked out okay, they didn't have to work s***y hours and they get no chew at all during a shift
 
My guess would be that many are working as delivery drivers as their work would have dried up almost completely during lockdown and perhaps they are finding that doing that is just as remunerative and with less anti social hours?

Edit: What the chap above said!
 
Muttley said:
My guess would be that many are working as delivery drivers as their work would have dried up almost completely during lockdown and perhaps they are finding that doing that is just as remunerative and with less anti social hours?

Edit: What the chap above said!
Click to expand...
Yes, I think this will be a big reason, more driving jobs available, less anti-social hours and more of a guaranteed salary.
 
Muttley said:
My guess would be that many are working as delivery drivers as their work would have dried up almost completely during lockdown and perhaps they are finding that doing that is just as remunerative and with less anti social hours?

Edit: What the chap above said!
Click to expand...
That's spot on. Talked to the young fella that picked me up from hospital, he had his own car doing jobs for a local taxi firm, he said lots of drivers had become delivery drivers.
 
Cheers for the posts.

To summarise new disadvantages to working as a taxi driver since April 2020:

Too close to other people, especially the drunk and aggressive ones

More van delivery jobs available (with more social hours than a taxi)

More pay driving a van

More social hours driving a van

Lack of work in Covid lockdown provided a push to change jobs.


I would guess work is more secure for taxi drivers now as there are plenty of fares, although it could change if Covid becomes eradicated.

I know taxi drivers nowadays are nearly all self employed so security of income has been an issue.

The obvious solution is fares will have to rise but I know they are fully regulated for hackney cabs (taxis that can pick up anywhere).
 
We have had a regular taxi driver for years who since Covid rarely needs to work evenings these days as he earns enough during daytime hours these days.
 
They are all in McDonald's driving for Deliveroo, Just Eats, etc.
Been there today for the first time in years. I didn't realise the fast food model had changed to the point where actually going inside is not fast any more cos they're too busy serving delivery drivers and drive through customers. Don't think I'll be going back for a few more years.
 
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