Vital win for taxi drivers as Transport for Wales confirm 3 month deferral on train station permits

Taxi drivers in Wales have been granted a three month deferral of taxi rank permits at all stations in Wales and Borders franchise, Unite the Union have announced; offering some financial breathing room during these testing times.

Taxi drivers raised their concerns to Unite Wales, who put into motion a challenge to have the payments, which reached costs of £547 per permit, on hold to ease financial strain on many badge holders who are struggling to earn a living during the coronavirus pandemic.

Unite Branch Secretary and Cardiff Taxi Driver Yusef Jama, stressed prior to the decision that Transport for Wales - Rail Services, needed to work with National Car Parks (NCP) to stop drivers being charged the permit fees.

NCP were demanding the full payment of £547 per permit for Cardiff Central Station, to be paid no later than 28 April, sparking outcry from drivers.

Currently there's in excess of 100 drivers with permits, so in excess of £50,000 paid already, a spokesperson for Unite Wales told TaxiPoint.

The union has said this decision from Transport for Wales - Rail Services offers "some breathing room for taxi drivers", but will continue to review the situation as COVID-19 develops.

Image credit: Jeremy Segrott (Wikimedia Commons CC2.0)/Unite Wales - Remixed