NTA launches consultation to boost rural Local Area Hackney services
- Perry Richardson
- 34 minutes ago
- 1 min read
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has launched a public consultation aimed at strengthening rural transport through updates to Local Area Hackney (LAH) licence regulations.
The proposals are designed to give local communities a stronger voice in deciding whether a Local Area Hackney would benefit their area. The NTA is also seeking views on whether multiple drivers should be permitted to operate a single licensed vehicle, a change that could improve flexibility and service reliability in remote areas.
A Local Area Hackney licence is a limited form of licence created to support part-time, community-based transport services in rural locations that cannot sustain a full-time taxi or hackney business. The licence has a lower application cost and a simpler process, helping local residents provide essential transport where commercial operators may not find it viable.
Since its introduction in 2015, the NTA has encouraged uptake of LAH licences through financial and administrative support. However, the number of operators remains low, and many rural areas continue to face transport gaps. The new consultation forms part of a wider review of legislation and procedures intended to make the scheme more practical and appealing to local applicants.
Members of the public, community groups, and current licence holders are invited to share their views before 5pm on Friday 28 November 2025. Further details on how to submit feedback are available on the NTA’s Local Hackney webpage.
