DRIVERS WANTED: Barty Taxi opens limited testing of unique street-focused app for UK licensed drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Barty Taxi has opened limited testing of a unique new mobile application built specifically for licensed taxi drivers across the UK, positioning the platform as a street-work support tool rather than a booking or dispatch service.
The app, developed by Barty Taxi, is designed to consolidate real-time, driver-shared knowledge into a single system that can be used while drivers are working ranks and streets. Licensed drivers interested in participating in the test phase can register via the company’s website, with access being rolled out gradually.
Unlike ride-hailing or fleet platforms, Barty does not send jobs or bookings. Instead, it focuses on improving situational awareness by helping drivers understand what is happening around them in real time, drawing on observations already shared informally across ranks, phone calls, WhatsApp groups and online forums.
The company says the product has been built around established behaviours within the licensed taxi trade, where drivers routinely exchange information on traffic conditions, enforcement activity, hotel movements and demand patterns. Barty’s aim is to structure that knowledge so it can be accessed quickly and safely during a shift.
New platform aggregates live, driver-generated knowledge to support on-street taxi work rather than bookings
Testing is currently being carried out by working licensed taxi drivers using the app whilst plying-for-hire. Participants are asked to use the platform live on shift, share observations through simple taps or voice commands rather than typing, and provide practical feedback on usability and relevance.
The app’s core functionality centres on low-interaction reporting and retrieval of information. Drivers can submit quick updates, speak to the app while driving to report what they see, or check a live map showing activity reported by nearby drivers. Shared knowledge includes how ranks and hotels are moving, traffic flow, events finishing, enforcement presence and areas where drivers are busy or free.
By aggregating this information, Barty aims to reduce wasted mileage and idle time, helping drivers make more informed decisions about where to position themselves during a shift. The company argues that this approach supports the traditional street-work model rather than replacing it.
Access to the platform is restricted to UK licensed taxi drivers only. All users are verified as holding a valid taxi licence, a measure Barty says is intended to ensure information reflects genuine on-street conditions and is not distorted by unlicensed or private hire activity.
Voice interaction is already live within the app, allowing drivers to interact hands-free while driving. According to Barty, continued use during the testing phase will help refine how information is prioritised and fed back to drivers, improving clarity and relevance without increasing distraction.
The company has not disclosed how many drivers are currently involved in testing or when a wider rollout may take place, stating that access will continue to be granted in stages as feedback is assessed and the system evolves.
Any UK licensed taxi drivers interested in joining the testing phase can register their interest via bartytaxi.com.
