What are Minicabs and Private Hire

Minicab and private hire services refer to pre-booked, regulated transportation services offered by licensed drivers and vehicles, providing a convenient and often cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Minicabs

• Definition: Minicabs are unmetered private hire vehicles (PHVs) that must be pre-booked through a licensed minicab operator. Unlike traditional taxis, they cannot be hailed on the street and do not have a meter, meaning the fare is agreed upon when booking.
• Usage: Minicabs are widely used for airport transfers, city-to-city travel, and other scheduled trips. They cater to passengers looking for a secure, reliable, and typically less expensive option than black cabs.
• Licensing and Safety: Licensed minicab operators and drivers undergo checks to ensure they meet local regulations. This includes background checks, vehicle inspections, and customer service standards.

2. Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs)

• Definition: PHVs are a broad category that includes minicabs, executive cars, and chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles. These services must also be pre-booked and cannot legally pick up passengers on the street.
• Types of PHV Services:
  • Standard PHV Services: These include regular minicab options suitable for everyday travel needs.
  • Executive and Chauffeur Services: These cater to customers seeking a premium experience, typically for business travel, VIP events, or special occasions. Executive PHVs may include luxury vehicles, often with a professional chauffeur.
• Specialized Services: PHVs often provide specialised services like airport, station, and cruise transfers, city tours, hourly hire, and family transfers with child seat options.

3. Key Benefits

• Pre-Booking and Fixed Rates: Because fares are agreed upon in advance, PHV services offer transparency and avoid the uncertainty of metered fares, especially helpful for airport pickups or long-distance travel.
• Meet and Greet Options: For airports and stations, many private hire services provide Meet & Greet, where the driver assists customers from the terminal, enhancing convenience for travelers.
• Professional Standards: PHV drivers are trained to deliver a high standard of service, focusing on safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction. This may include vehicle amenities, child seat options, and luggage handling.

In summary, minicab and private hire services are highly regulated, pre-booked options designed for safe, reliable, and often customizable travel. They serve individuals, families, and businesses seeking an alternative to street-hailable taxis, especially for planned trips.