Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Merthyr Tydfil?
216 vehicles in 2026 against 183 in 2024: taxis 135 → 151, private hire 48 → 65; 3.66 per 1,000 residents; 1% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 135 | 151 | up 12% |
| Private hire vehicles | 48 | 65 | up 35% |
| Driver licences | 217 | 236 | up 9% |
| Operator licences | 24 | 26 | up 8% |
How does Merthyr Tydfil compare with other councils in Wales?
Among councils in Wales, Merthyr Tydfil ranks 4th of 22 for vehicles per head (3.66 per 1,000, median 2.78). It ranks 14th for operators (26, median 32).[1]
| Measure | Merthyr Tydfil | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.66 | 2.78 | 4th of 22 |
| Operator licences | 26 | 32 | 14th of 22 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 3 | 5 | 19th of 22 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 1% | 8% | 21st of 22 |
What does the Merthyr Tydfil market look like for an operator?
Merthyr Tydfil's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 70% taxis, 30% private hire of 216 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 3 PHVs per operator on average (65 across 26 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (236 for 216).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 32 PHV-only, 74 taxi-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 7 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Merthyr Tydfil differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in Merthyr Tydfil's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit.[1]
- DBS Update Service optional for Merthyr Tydfil drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No disability awareness course for Merthyr Tydfil private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Merthyr Tydfil operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Merthyr Tydfil operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Merthyr Tydfil's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Merthyr Tydfil grant?
3 new, 2 renewed; 26 in force (24 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Merthyr Tydfil?
26 at 1 April 2026, 24 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] Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
