Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Bridgend?
507 vehicles in 2026 against 453 in 2024: taxis 301 → 315, private hire 152 → 192; 3.44 per 1,000 residents; 5% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 301 | 315 | up 5% |
| Private hire vehicles | 152 | 192 | up 26% |
| Driver licences | 509 | 531 | up 4% |
| Operator licences | 40 | 41 | up 3% |
How does Bridgend compare with other councils in Wales?
Among councils in Wales, Bridgend ranks 6th of 22 for vehicles per head (3.44 per 1,000, median 2.78). It ranks 10th for operators (41, median 32).[1]
| Measure | Bridgend | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.44 | 2.78 | 6th of 22 |
| Operator licences | 41 | 32 | 10th of 22 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 5 | 10th of 22 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 5% | 8% | 15th of 22 |
What does the Bridgend market look like for an operator?
Bridgend's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 62% taxis, 38% private hire of 507 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (192 across 41 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (531 for 507).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Bridgend differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Bridgend's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit.[1]
- DBS Update Service optional for Bridgend drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- Bridgend operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Bridgend asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of driver.
How many operator licences does Bridgend grant?
6 new, 35 renewed; 41 in force (40 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Bridgend?
41 at 1 April 2026, 40 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] Bridgend County Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
