🚕 The Truth About “Subcontracted” Taxi Bookings
(and why it matters!)
When you book a app ride in a certain city and more and more common, with what looks like a LOCALLY based taxi firm, you’d expect a Locally licensed driver to show up, right?
Here’s the catch: some companies have multiple operator licenses across different cities and they use a legal loophole to subcontract your Derby booking to themselves…
just under another badge.
Yes, THIS IS WHY YOUR TAXI IS FROM WOLVERHAMPTON!
Yes, really.
Honest…
🔄 How It Works (And Why It’s Misleading)
Here’s the typical setup:
- You book with “Company X”.
- Company X logs your booking under their Derby operator licence.
- Then, (and here’s the twist) they subcontract that booking to Company X Wolverhampton, Ashfield, or Gedling.
- That ‘out of town’ office sends a non-Derby licensed driver and vehicle to complete the job.
It’s still the same company, just wearing a different licensing hat.
🧨 The Problem
While it may be technically legal, it undermines local accountability. These firms are:
- Dodging local licensing standards and
- Bringing in out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with the area
- And ultimately, fooling passengers into thinking they’re riding local when they’re not.
It’s not just outsourcing. It’s outsourcing to themselves — and cutting their own local workforce out of the picture.
đź’¬ Why It Matters to You
Every time this happens, Derby’s hardworking local drivers, the ones who live here, pay local fees, and follow Derby’s rules get left behind. And you, as the passenger, are often left in the dark.
We recognise that many out of town drivers work hard and do their best and that’s something we respect. But there’s a reason local councils like Derby set knowledge tests and licensing standards: to ensure drivers really know the city they work in. The truth is, not everyone is willing or able to pass those local requirements. Instead, some choose to license elsewhere where the standards may be lower or the process easier, then drive in Derby anyway. We believe our community deserves drivers who truly know the roads, the landmarks, and the people and who’ve earned the right to call themselves Derby licensed professionals.
When drivers are licensed locally, they’re not just meeting higher standards, they’re also contributing directly to the local economy. Every badge issued by Derby City Council generates income through licensing fees, medical checks, DBS processing, and inspections and money that stays within the city and supports local services.
More importantly, Derby licensed drivers are accountable to Derby enforcement officers. If something goes wrong, there’s a clear, local process for addressing it. That’s not always the case when a driver is licensed miles and miles away.
By supporting local licensing, we support safer journeys, stronger standards, and a better deal for Derby as a whole.
If you believe in shopping local, then it’s time to ride local too.
Just download our 100% local Derby driver ride request app and boom. Local, everytime.
Support local. Ride better. Choose Derby Cars.
Download TaxiCaller Passenger on the App Store
Once installed, use the code 879519 to connect your account with Derby Cars and enjoy local, professional service from Derby licensed drivers.​
If you need assistance with setting up the app or have any questions, feel free to ask!
Download TaxiCaller Passenger on Google Play
Once installed, you can use the code 879519 to link your account to Derby Cars, ensuring you receive local, professional service from Derby licensed drivers.​