BUS LANE ACCESS: Should all publicly hailed taxis share the same access rights as public buses?
Updated: Nov 24
The debate over whether taxis should share road access with buses is one of urban transport’s perennial questions. Advocates argue that taxis play a vital role in the public transport ecosystem, often acting as a bridge in areas underserved by traditional mass transit. But do they deserve the same privileges as buses?
Taxis provide a critical public service. While buses cater to mass transit needs, taxis offer a more flexible option, often stepping in where buses cannot. For individuals with disabilities or in areas with limited bus coverage, taxis can be indispensable. Their role in connecting passengers to essential services positions them as an integral part of public transport networks.
From a congestion perspective, allowing taxis to use bus lanes could help streamline ground surface travel. Quicker journeys mean less idling and fewer emissions, aligning with city goals to reduce vehicle use. This could also encourage more people to leave their private cars at home, potentially easing pressure on congested roads.
The taxi industry itself is a key player in local economies. Improved efficiency through access to bus lanes could help keep fares competitive, supporting both the drivers and the passengers who rely on them. This access could also encourage shared taxi services, where multiple passengers travelling in similar directions reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road.
Critics, however, see challenges. Despite being licensed to be compelled by the public, some still argue that taxis are profit-driven businesses and serve a more exclusive customer base compared to buses. Additionally, the volume of taxis in major cities could risk clogging up bus lanes, undermining bus access.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to how cities balance the competing priorities. Mobility access, efficiency, and environmental goals may dictate whether taxis are granted the same privileges as buses. But should hackney carriage taxis, compelled to take the travelling public just like buses, just be able to go where buses go?
