Fears Uber drivers are taking Darlington jobs off cabbies

Local drivers have reported an increase in Uber vehicles from Newcastle operating in the town and over-saturating the market. 

One driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said many local cabbies have been forced to travel to Durham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, and elsewhere in the North East to pick up work. 

He urged Uber and Darlington Borough Council to introduce measures to prioritise local cabbies and cap the number of drivers from elsewhere working in the town. Drivers who have obtained their licence elsewhere in the North East are repeatedly seen around the town. 

He said: “Every week more and more drivers are coming into Darlington. All these Newcastle drivers are taking over and we’re getting no chance at all.”

The driver said local cabbies with knowledge of the area are more valued by customers. 

It is claimed Newcastle-based drivers are capitalising on Uber recently receiving a licence to officially operate in Darlington. Hackney Carriage drivers had previously warned they could struggle to compete with Uber drivers who would “flood the town with daft amounts of taxis from outside the area.” 

The concerned driver said dozens of other local drivers and companies share his worries. He currently gets more jobs in Durham City despite living in Darlington. 

“We need local drivers,” he added. “They’re giving the jobs to everyone but us Darlington drivers. 

“People are so happy about Uber coming in but at the same time, they’re upset because of the quality of drivers coming from elsewhere. Some Newcastle drivers have claimed they need cash and that’s rubbish, Uber drivers never take cash. Other drivers don’t help passengers at all.”

Uber did not respond to requests to comment. 

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A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson said: “Taxi customers can decide for themselves where they choose to place their business, based on factors that are most important to them – such as convenience, availability and value for money.

“We will of course monitor the situation and licensing will continue to work with the other local authorities to check their drivers/vehicles are appropriately licensed.”

If a member of the public wishes to report a concern, they can do so at taxilicensing@darlington.gov.uk