We want to hear your views on a new inclusive taxi plan for the Bay.

The Council’s Taxi Licensing Department have commissioned an Inclusive Service Plan (ISP) survey, to understand the needs of local residents and to help make transport more inclusive in relation to hackney carriage and private hire vehicle provision in Torbay. 

The survey will also feed into the unmet demand survey which is being undertaken to determine if there are sufficient numbers of licensed hackney carriages (taxis) in Torbay and whether the current limit of 189 is suitable.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities said: “Our vision for Torbay is for thriving communities where people prosper.

“We want to consider the needs of people whose access requirements are more apparent when using public transport, such as wheelchair users and assistance dog owners, as well as those with less visible impairments, including autistic people or those with mental illness.

“It is important that everyone is able to travel easily, confidently and that people with disabilities do not have to pay additional costs.” 

Why We Are Asking for Your Help

We want to understand how people who need accessible taxis or licensed vehicles use them, what works well currently and how this could be improved.  It is an opportunity for us to understand your needs and how your lives are impacted by the current service provision. 

The results of the survey will allow the Council to identify gaps between current need and provision. 

The King's Speech on 13 May 2026 also highlighted shortcomings in the current legislative and regulatory framework for taxis and private hire vehicles.  It signalled the Government's intention to introduce reform, with future legislation expected to improve accessibility for disabled passengers and create incentives to encourage greater investment in accessible vehicles, thereby improving their availability.

Further information about accessibility of taxis and private hire vehicles and Inclusive Service Plans (ISP) can be found in section 4 of Taxi and private hire vehicle licensing best practice guidance for licensing authorities in England - GOV.UK

Get involved

Find out more on our Inclusive Taxi Plan.

Take the Inclusive Taxi Plan survey.

The survey closes on Sunday 9 August.