Taxi Services in Norwich: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Licensing and Regulation
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Norwich City Council oversees the licensing and enforcement of both hackney carriages (traditional taxis) and private hire vehicles. This ensures that drivers, vehicle owners, and operators are fit and adhere to strict standards.
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Licensing requirements include mechanical vehicle inspections (“enhanced MOT”), Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and medical evaluations.
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Since April 2022, applicants renewing or transferring licences must complete a tax check via HM Revenue & Customs .
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Norwich also participates in the National Register of Refusals and Revocations (NR3) to track and prevent unfit drivers from obtaining new licences elsewhere.
2. Safety Proposals & Public Consultation
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In early 2025, the city launched a public consultation on updated taxi standards. Feedback is being collected until 16 March 2025.
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Proposed enhancements include:
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Mandating in-vehicle CCTV
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Requiring geographic knowledge tests for drivers
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Banning vaping inside vehicles
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Implementing mandatory card payment systems
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These proposals aim to align local rules with guidance from the Department for Transport and to better protect children, vulnerable adults, and passengers in general.
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Student surveys revealed safety concerns, taxi service in Norwich especially at night. A striking 24% reported feeling “somewhat unsafe” or “very unsafe” using taxis in Norwich after dark.
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The idea of CCTV received strong support from both student representatives and local drivers, who believe it enhances safety and accountability.
3. Leading Taxi Companies in Norwich
Here are some reputable providers known for their reach, accessibility, or specialized services:
Go Taxis Norwich
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Offers fixed fare pricing, real-time ride tracking, and 24/7 service via a dedicated app.
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Provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles, airport transfers, and executive hire options.
Courtesy Taxis (formerly City Cars)
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One of the longest-established firms with a fleet exceeding 85 vehicles, including 6-, 7-, and 8-seaters.
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First in Norwich to offer contactless and chip-and-pin payments in every vehicle.
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Features an advanced iCabbi dispatch system and “TEXT BACK” updates for booking and vehicle arrival.
Black Swan Taxis
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A local private hire company operating throughout Norwich and surrounding areas.
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Offers airport transfers, business accounts, and executive hire via an easy-to-use app.
Other Mentions
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Visit Norwich highlights several taxi companies including ABC Taxis, Bestway Taxis, Five Star Taxis, and Freedom Taxis, the last of which specializes in fully accessible rides across Norwich, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
4. Real Passenger Experiences (via Reddit)
User opinions offer insights into real-world service quality and reliability:
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ABC Taxis: Often praised for their app-based booking and transparent pricing.
“Another vote for ABC using their app.”
“ABC have a good app... you can see prices when booking”. -
Courtesy Taxis: Many users prefer Courtesy for reliability:
“I tend to use either ABC or Courtesy via their apps.”
“I’ve switched from ABC to Courtesy… it’s far better.”. -
Service reliability varies:
“Sometimes ABC app says they’re busy—calling works usually.”
“ABC sometimes turns up too early.”. -
Safety concerns have impacted trust:
“Several ABC drivers tried to rip off my Mum... I use Courtesy instead now.”. -
U-Ride emerged as a promising alternative for some commuters:
“Uride is the only one I’ve pre-booked that has never let me down!” . -
Regarding Uber, discussions suggest that Norwich might finally be getting the service, though concrete details remain scarce:
“No Uber in Norwich… rumours that they now have a licence to operate under their own name starting end of March.”.
Summary Table
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Aspect |
Details |
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Regulation |
Enforced by Norwich City Council with licensing, DBS checks, and mechanical tests. |
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Consultation |
Ongoing until 16 March 2025 on safety enhancements (CCTV, payments, training). |
|
Key Providers |
Go Taxis (accessible, 24/7), Courtesy (large fleet, contactless payments), Black Swan (executive & app-based), others like ABC, Bestway, Freedom Taxis. |
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Passenger Reviews |
Mixed—many enjoy app booking, but issues persist with reliability and driver conduct. |
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Innovation |
Possible arrival of Uber/U-Ride is stirring interest for broader availability. |
Final Thoughts
Norwich offers a well-regulated taxi ecosystem with a mix of traditional firms and modern app-based options. While licensing standards are robust, the city is actively seeking public input on improved safety, payment systems, and driver qualification. For passengers, Courtesy and Go Taxis stand out—especially for convenience and accessibility—while feedback signals room for improvement in reliability and trust across the board.
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