England v Mexico 1am World Cup kickoff leaves taxi drivers split between work, football and sleep
- Perry Richardson
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
England’s World Cup knockout match against Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning is creating an unusual dilemma for taxi and private hire drivers, with many deciding between staying on the road for late-night fares, watching the match live or simply getting some sleep before the working day begins.
The last-16 tie kicks off at 1am UK time, meaning many licensed drivers face a difficult choice. While major sporting events often generate increased demand before and after matches, an overnight kick-off changes the equation, particularly for drivers who also have school runs, airport bookings or early morning shifts.
Some licensing authorities have recognised the potential for increased demand by extending taxi licensing hours until 5am. The temporary extensions allow Hackney Carriage drivers in those areas to continue working legally after normal finishing times, giving operators the opportunity to serve football fans travelling home from pubs and venues showing the game.
However, responses from TaxiPoint readers suggest there is no single approach across the industry. Many drivers are choosing sleep over work or football, believing rest is more important ahead of a full day’s driving.
Cabbie Kevin Smith said: “Sleeping. Recording and getting up 2 hours before shift starts to watch game.”
Many other cabbies all indicated they would also be getting some rest rather than staying awake for the match.
Others have decided the occasion is too big to miss. John Paul Leasing said: “Watching. No taxi runs after midnight. Back up for work 8am.”
A patriotic cluster of cabbies also confirmed they would be watching England’s knockout tie rather than working through the night.
Some drivers are attempting to balance business with football. Richard Thomson said he’ll be working and watching. With streaming capabilities cabbies are now able to pull over to watch the game between jobs providing a best of both worlds scenario.
Others also plans to remain on duty to serve a late night surge of work, while one cabbies work schedule has left him with little choice. He commented: “I’ve a flight landing at 0155 to pick up from at East Midlands Airport, first time I’ve hoped it will be delayed.”
For others, the decision is being influenced by practical considerations beyond football. Kevan McNay highlighted the balancing act many self-employed drivers face, saying: “Need to leave at 7.15 for school run, so will watch and get a couple of hours kip in… Might be worth working Sun 8-11 then taking off Mon 9-12 to even things out with sleep and takings. I also expect an uptake in bookings on Mon as some quite wisely won’t want to drive after a late night session.”
The responses show the inside workings of the taxi trade. Unlike many employees, self-employed taxi and private hire drivers must weigh up the potential earnings from extended licensing hours against fatigue, existing bookings and the need to be fit to drive safely the following day.
For those choosing to work into the early hours, the match could provide a welcome boost in demand, particularly if England progress. For many others, though, the priority remains getting enough rest before returning to the road, with highlights and recorded coverage proving a more practical option than watching live.
