BRITAIN’S ‘UNSUNG HEROES’: Taxi drivers hailed as lifeline for millions – but nearly half say they don’t get the credit they deserve
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers are viewed by most UK adults as an essential part of local transport networks, with new polling suggesting strong public recognition of their role in daily life, emergency travel and support for vulnerable passengers.
An Opinion Matters survey of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by Acorn Insurance, found 82% believe taxi drivers play an essential role in their local community. A similar proportion said taxis are essential to daily life.
The findings show taxis remain a key fallback when other transport options are unavailable. Nearly two-fifths of respondents, 39%, said they rely on taxis when public transport is not running, while 38% said they had used one in an emergency.
Almost a third, 29%, said they would struggle to manage without taxis. More than 28% said they rely on taxis more now than they did five years ago, pointing to continued demand despite wider changes in travel habits.
An Opinion Matters poll for Acorn Insurance found 82% of UK adults believe taxi drivers play an essential role in their local community.
The survey also found 58% of respondents had relied on a taxi driver during a difficult or important moment. That figure rose to 72% among Gen Z respondents and 71% among Millennials.
Taxi drivers were also strongly associated with supporting independence. Three quarters of respondents said taxis help people live more independent lives, while 80% recognised their role in helping elderly passengers and 81% said the same for people with mobility issues.
More broadly, 67% said taxis improve quality of life in local communities, while 77% described them as a lifeline for vulnerable members of society.
Despite that reliance, 44% of UK adults said taxi drivers do not receive the credit they deserve. A further 31% said their role is often overlooked or taken for granted.
Mike Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Acorn Group, said: “Taxi drivers are part of the fabric of everyday life in the UK. They get people to and from work and school at the beginning or end of the day. They are also there in the moments that matter. Whether that’s getting someone home safely, helping elderly passengers stay independent, or stepping up during an emergency. Twice taxi drivers have got me to hospital quickly when I really needed it.
“What stands out from this research is just how much people in the UK rely on taxi drivers, often without thinking about it. Taxi drivers provide more than transport: they offer reassurance, consistency and a service that many people depend on to go about their daily lives.
“At Acorn, we’ve been supporting taxi drivers for over 40 years. Every day we see the role they play in cities, towns and villages across the country. We have a responsibility to champion the industry and the people behind it. This survey is about recognising that contribution and making sure taxi drivers across the UK get the credit they truly deserve.”
