Cab Direct’s new MAXiCab taxi winning widespread licensing approval across the UK
- Perry Richardson
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Cab Direct’s newly developed Ford MAXiCab taxi has secured licensing approval from at least 18 local authorities across the UK, signalling growing momentum for the latest accessible black cab entering the industry.
The vehicle is now licensed in at least 18 authorities for use in key cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Sheffield, with additional regions expected to follow.
The MAXiCab is aimed at the hackney carriage market, offering a modern and compliant option that meets the increasing demand for flexible, wheelchair-accessible transport. Built on the long-wheelbase Ford Tourneo Custom platform, the MAXiCab combines generous passenger space with accessibility features tailored to professional drivers and licensing standards.
Cab Direct’s licensing team has been actively working with councils to ensure the MAXiCab meets local requirements. So far, approval has been granted by authorities in major cities and districts including Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Brighton & Hove, Swansea, and Chelmsford. Smaller districts such as Corby and East Lothian have also given the green light, widening the taxi’s reach across both urban and rural areas.
The vehicle features a reconfigurable interior that allows seating for up to six passengers or space for a wheelchair user with additional seated passengers. Wide sliding doors and a lowered floor design enable easier entry, while the lightweight fold-out ramp and four-point wheelchair restraints ensure safety and convenience. The MAXiCab includes a full taxi-specification partition with intercom system, providing separation between driver and passengers.
Designed to meet every demand, the MAXiCab is available with a trio of powertrain options: a robust 2.0-litre Euro 6.2 diesel, a refined 2.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and a fully electric battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The PHEV delivers 32 miles of zero-emissions motoring, while the all-electric variant offers a clean, silent alternative with an impressive range of up to 202 miles on a single charge. An 80 to 100% charging top-up takes just 3.5 hours using a wall box keeping downtime to a minimum.
Inside, drivers will find a well-equipped cabin including rear air conditioning, USB charging points, a reversing camera, and full taxi-meter fitting as standard. The vehicle also supports CCTV installation and other local authority requirements, ensuring compliance in regions with enhanced safety rules.
With growing pressure on taxi fleets to provide accessible services, the MAXiCab positions itself as a practical option capable of meeting licensing and operational demands in most regions around the UK. Further approvals are underway, meaning more drivers will soon be able to operate the model under their local authority’s licensing framework.
The list of licensing authorities so far as of mid-March 2025 includes:
Glasgow City
Edinburgh City
Birmingham City
Birmingham Airport
Nottingham
Cardiff
Brighton & Hove
Cheshire West & Chester
Corby District
Wolverhampton
Southampton
York
Sheffield
Swansea City & County
East Lothian
Lincoln City
Chelmsford
West Lothian.
