Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has launched a survey on taxi and private hire car service in the North-east.
The survey, which can be found here, is an update on research carried out last year on taxis in the region and Uber coming to the city.
However, the new survey aims to submit evidence in line with a questionnaire currently being run by Aberdeen City Council on "unmet taxi demand".
The Chamber survey seeks to gather public perception on the use of taxis and private hire cars, as well as availability and prices.
In May 2024 on the back of the news that Uber intended to apply for a taxi licence in Aberdeen, the Chamber carried out a survey to find out what local people thought of the current taxi provision.
Promoted via the Morning Bulletin, with 17,000 daily subscribers, and a wide range of social channels, the survey received a huge response rate and was closed after 40 hours with 2,377 people taking part - indicating a real interest in the topic.
The top 4 reasons people use a taxi were:
- Airport, bus, rail or port transfer
- To and from bars, clubs
- To and from entertainment events – music venue, theatre
- To and from restaurants, cafes
In Aberdeen City there was a strong feeling that taxi provision is lacking:
- 33% struggled to get a taxi when they wanted one
- 31% felt the taxi ranks often had long queues
- 24% said that, even if they booked, taxis were often late or would cancel
Of those who indicated that they felt there is not enough taxi provision in Aberdeen City / Shire:
- 84% said it caused them to be concerned about how they’ll get home when out
- 77% said it deterred them from visiting bars / clubs / music venues in Aberdeen City at night (between 10pm and 3am in particular)
- 68% said it caused them to cut their night out short
- 61% said that it deters them from visiting large events in Aberdeen City and Shire
- 59% said it deters them from going out for food and drink
Given the Chamber’s commitment to help support and regenerate the city centre and wider region, this is something of a concern.
In response, the city council has made moves to simplify the Knowledge test required to be completed by all taxi drivers- including private hire. The bar in Aberdeen still remains higher than in other cities and could be a barrier to recruiting additional drivers to the trade, particularly those prepared to work at peak demand times.
Aberdeen City Council is currently undertaking a further consultation on the topic and this is your chance to have your say.