A recent sighting at a UK airport has sparked a heated discussion in the private hire and taxi trade – are some Uber vehicles just too small for the job?
An airport transfer taxi driver shared a moment that raised eyebrows: a Toyota Yaris Uber turned up with suitcases crammed into the boot and seats, three large men squeezed into the back, and carry-on bags balanced on their laps. The destination? The airport. Hardly the most comfortable start to a flight.
But before pointing fingers at Uber, it’s worth remembering – it’s not Uber who chooses which cars can operate as private hire vehicles. That responsibility lies with local councils, who issue vehicle licences (also known as plates) based on their own criteria. And in some areas, that criteria seems very lenient.
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The Small Car Problem
Vehicles that are often seen more as city runabouts than airport-ready workhorses are being licensed for private hire across various councils. Here are just a few small cars that can legally be plated:
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Citroën C3
- Honda Jazz
- Hyundai i10
- Toyota Yaris
- Ford Fiesta
- Mercedes A-Class
- BMW 1 Series
- Kia Picanto
Technically, these vehicles are licensed to carry four adults – but realistically, can four full-grown adults fit comfortably in a Hyundai i10, even for a short journey? Add in some luggage, and the answer becomes even clearer.
While these cars might be fine for a quick trip to the shops or a local school run, many in the trade question whether they are fit for purpose, especially when dealing with:
- Airport transfers with luggage
- Groups of adults requiring legroom and comfort
- Longer journeys where comfort becomes a serious factor
Should There Be a Minimum Size Standard?
That’s the question being asked more frequently, especially by professional drivers who rely on decent-sized vehicles to provide a proper service. While many local councils do have vehicle licensing criteria, it often focuses more on age, emissions, and roadworthiness – not size or passenger comfort.
Yet, passengers are increasingly expecting more – and rightly so, especially when booking through platforms like Uber, Bolt, or Ola. A quick ride in a Kia Picanto with your suitcase on your lap isn’t the premium service many think they’re paying for.
Time for a Rethink?
Some in the industry argue that there should be a national minimum size standard for licensed private hire vehicles, particularly for those regularly servicing airports or carrying more than one passenger. Others say that platforms like Uber should take more responsibility and set their own minimum size rules if councils won’t.
What’s clear is this: cramming three grown men and luggage into a city car for an airport run isn’t ideal – and it’s becoming far too common.
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