Bus gates ban for private hire taxis 'discrimination' against disabled passengers

Private hire drivers have warned that the bus gate ban amounts to discrimination of passengers with disabilities.

Bus lanes and bus gates in Edinburgh can only be used by certain vehicles at specific times. 

Currently, the City of Edinburgh Council allows hackney cab access to Greenways and bus gates but licensed private hire vehicles are denied the same access.

But GMB Union says it's illegal under equality laws and is calling on the council to allow private hire cars access to bus lanes and gates.

Colin Dodds, the union's lead representative for Edinburgh said this causes problems for passengers with limited mobility, makes journey distances longer and pushes up fares.

He told the Evening News: "No one particular vehicle is universally good for people with disabilities. They need to have a choice and access should not be limited. Those with restricted mobility or artificial limbs struggle with hackney cabs because of the big step up. I had a hire recently where a mum and daughter wanted picked up from Princes Street. The mum had difficulties walking. The closest I could park for pick up was Hanover Street. I felt embarrassed. We can't go along Princes Street or down the Shore. Many cars avoid that area now because you have to take a massive de-tour and get caught up in congestion around Leith."

"The policy conflicts with the taxi and private hire cars (disabled persons) act 2022, which extends protections from the equality act. It places duties on the drivers of vehicles transporting disabled persons who are able and want to travel in a non-wheelchair accessible vehicle. Private hire taxis can also take passengers whose wheelchairs can be folded and stowed."

Currently there are also bus gates at Calder Road and Glasgow Road, The Jewel, Prestonfield Avenue and Bankhead Drive, with more planned for the Mound, North Bridge and South Bridge.

Mr Dodds said the restriction is a major issue when picking up passengers at the Royal Infirmary. "It affects private hire customers big time. We often get complaints from passengers about not being able to pick them up where they are calling the hire from. It's a major issue at the Royal Infirmary too, drivers can't go down Little France Drive so need to a long way around. That pushes up the fare for passengers too. And there's a safety issue at night if someone is forced to make their way in the dark to another pick up point."

The driver who has worked in private hire taxis since 2008 accused the council of dismissing the concerns. He added: "I tried to raise concerns about disabled access with the council and I was told, why can't passengers just walk to the nearest pick up point. The council is firmly against private hire. There's no leeway and little discussion."

Edinburgh Private Hire Drivers Association has previously said barring its members from Edinburgh’s bus lanes put them at “blatant commercial disadvantage” against taxis.

It said they carried the most passengers in the capital after buses and a planned expansion of bus lanes would make the disparity even worse.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “It is important to note that many people with mobility problems rely on bus services, often because they can afford neither their own car nor a trip in a private hire car.  We also must recognise the Edinburgh’s black cab drivers currently do a fantastic job supporting disabled residents with their fully wheelchair accessible vehicles.

“Nonetheless, we committed to exploring whether or not to allow access for private hire cars to bus lanes and bus gates at February’s Transport and Environment Committee, as part of the first review of the City Mobility Plan.

“Officers will bring the results of this investigation to a future committee for further consideration. We will, of course, discuss any changes to current practice with disability campaign groups and charities.”