TAXI DRIVERS LOOK BACK ON THE 1990s: “A licence to print money”, maps in the glovebox and diesel at 45p a litre
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Taxi drivers from across the UK have reflected on working during the 1990s, describing a trade defined by cash, independence, and camaraderie. In a conversation sparked by TaxiPoint, drivers offered a detailed glimpse into an era that now feels worlds apart from the current app-led and heavily regulated industry.
The 1990s was a period that contrasts significantly with today. Drivers frequently mentioned how much more money could be made back then, especially during busy weekend shifts. “I earned more on a Friday and Saturday night than I do all week now,” one cabbie said. Another recalled earning £1,000 a week without breaking a sweat, working in an industry that allowed drivers to set their own hours and keep what they earned without commission cuts.
Many drivers commented on the all-cash nature of the job. Card readers were non-existent, and digital bookings had yet to arrive. With no third-party platforms involved, apart from those choosing to work the radio circuits, all income went directly to the driver.
Vehicle costs were also far lower. Common fleet favourites outside of London included the Ford Sierra, Vauxhall Cavalier, Nissan Bluebird, Peugeot 405 and even the Lada. Drivers noted diesel prices as low as 45p a litre, and insurance costs were minimal by today’s standards.
Technology, or the lack of it, was another standout feature. A-Z maps were the norm, and local knowledge was essential. Satnavs and smartphones were not available, so learning the area properly was a basic requirement. “You had to know where you were going,” said one driver. Others remembered working with two-way radios and CB units, which were used not only to receive jobs but also to stay in touch with fellow drivers.
Several drivers praised the support network provided by radio circuits. “You were never alone,” said one, describing the banter, help and sense of community, especially when responding to incidents or difficult customers. If a driver ran into trouble, help wasn’t far away. CB radios were often used to call for backup, and drivers would step in to support one another.
Social behaviour among customers was also said to be different. The set closing times for pubs and clubs created a predictable evening rush, with less anti-social behaviour than some drivers report now. Regular pub pickups were common, with drivers shouting out names like “Taxi for Dave” inside to locate passengers. One driver remarked that tips were more frequent and generous, partly due to the cash-based system.
The 90s was also a time of more localised working. Drivers stayed within familiar areas and were less likely to cross borders. Local knowledge gave them an advantage, and many said competition was fairer. There was a sense of order, where drivers knew each other and respected unwritten rules. One remembered that no black cab overtook another on the way back to a rank unless waved on by the cab in front. A rule still in place now, but more cab drivers are pushing the boundaries of etiquette than ever before.
However, not all memories were positive. The early part of the decade was shaped by high interest rates and a national recession. Some drivers described the early 90s as tough, with long hours and not enough work to go around. In Belfast, the job was described as high-risk due to political unrest, with drivers at risk of being targeted.
The final years of the decade began to show signs of change. Private hire began to grow, and some early examples of rule bending were highlighted. One cabbie recalled PHV drivers using private car parks to unofficially ply for hire, sometimes with CB radios hanging from mirrors as a signal. Another noted how touting was common in some areas, well before enforcement increased.
Looking back, most agreed that the trade was more straightforward. Vehicles were easier to maintain, regulations were lighter, and running costs were manageable. With no platforms like Uber and fewer cross-border licensing issues, drivers had greater control over their work and income.
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There was a strong sense of pride in being part of the trade during that period. Many described the era as one of mutual respect, with drivers looking out for each other and building lasting friendships. Today, in contrast, some feel standards have dropped, customer trust has declined, and the trade has lost much of its identity.
The 1990s serves as a reference point for many taxi drivers still in the industry. Whether they see it as a golden age or simply a different time, one thing was clear: the trade was once much more profitable, more local, and more united.
Cabbie Jason Smith summed up the era best: “The 90s was when I started. I thought it was like a licence to print money. I’d never earned so much in my life and it was all in cash. Cheap uncomplicated cars and cheap diesel. I felt young as there were loads of moaning old taxi drivers saying how bad it was and how good it was 20 or 30 years ago. Now I’m one of the old moaning ones saying the same.”
