Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Boston?
309 vehicles in 2026 against 318 in 2024: taxis 124 → 98, private hire 194 → 211; 4.35 per 1,000 residents; 27% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 124 | 98 | down 21% |
| Private hire vehicles | 194 | 211 | up 9% |
| Driver licences | 369 | 388 | up 5% |
| Operator licences | 28 | 30 | up 7% |
How does Boston compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, Boston ranks 8th of 35 for vehicles per head (4.35 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 14th for operators (30, median 27).[1]
| Measure | Boston | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.35 | 1.94 | 8th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 30 | 27 | 14th of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 7 | 4 | 11th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 27% | 10% | 14th of 33 |
What does the Boston market look like for an operator?
Boston's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 32% taxis, 68% private hire of 309 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 7 PHVs per operator on average (211 across 30 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (388 for 309): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 32% dual-licensed drivers, 262 PHV-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Boston differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Boston's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Two tests for Boston taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No knowledge test for Boston private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for Boston private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Boston's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Boston grant?
7 new, 3 renewed; 30 in force (28 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Boston?
30 at 1 April 2026, 28 at 1 April 2024 (DfT).
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] DfT taxi and private hire vehicle statistics 2026, tables TAXI0104-TAXI0112 (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [2] GOV.UK: Driver licences for taxis and private hire vehicles (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [3] Boston Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
