From the morning school run to late night hospital transfers, Need-A-Cab has become indispensable in the fabric of Plymouth’s daily life. As the city’s largest locally owned taxi operator, they are celebrating a journey that began with a handful of vehicles and has evolved into a high tech fleet of over 280, all while maintaining its deep-rooted commitment to the community it serves right across the city and beyond.
History
Need-A-Cab roots in the Plymouth taxi trade go back over 60 years. You might remember them from the early days or know the names of the local firms that joined the family over the years, like Star Cars and Crownhill Taxis. While the names on the doors have changed, that “people first” attitude hasn’t budged.
Between 2017 and 2020, Need-A-Cab transformed from a local firm into one of Plymouth’s largest operators through a series of multi million pound acquisitions:
Star Cars (2017): Added approximately 35 vehicles to the fleet.
- Crownhill Taxis (2018): A major move that added 60 cars, bringing the total fleet to over 200.
- Plymouth Taxis / 60 60 60 (2019): This acquisition was a milestone, pushing the fleet past 300 vehicles and granting the company exclusive use of the Plymouth Railway Station taxi rank.
- Exe Cars (2020): The company expanded its footprint beyond Plymouth by merging with this Exeter based firm.
No Surge, No Stress: Need-A-Cab’s Commitment to Fair Fares
They have always believed that getting from A to B shouldn’t cost the earth just because it’s busy. That’s why they have always stuck with a no surge pricing policy with no hidden hikes or “demand based” fees, just fair, honest fares. It’s a commitment that even turned heads nationally, winning them a silver award for Business Diversification at the Professional Driver QSi Awards and proving that a local business can use the latest tech without losing its soul.
Need-A-Cab also look after their drivers, they know that cash in your pocket is important to their drivers and their families, therefore, they ensure that their drivers are paid daily for any account work that they carry out. The account day runs from Midnight to Midnight and their account money, minus any commission is paid into their driver account. From their driver account, they have the choice to draw the money down, or they can leave it to build up, until they need it. Most drivers draw it down, but quite a few, use it as a back up for holidays, car repairs etc.
Today, the company is managed by directors Huw Isaac and Dave McIntosh and as well as being a reliable taxi firm, Need-A-Cab has often positioned itself as a “tech forward” firm. In 2018, they were among the first in the city to launch a dedicated booking app and have been evolving this over the years.
Operating from its hub in Stoke, Need-A-Cab is demonstrating how local enterprise can outperform national digital firms. By combining their “family business” feel with the efficiency of a major tech platform, they have built a service the Plymouth community relies on 24/7, 365 days a year.
The Need-A-Cab Standard
- The Fleet Over 280 vehicles, from eco-friendly saloons to 8 seater MPVs
- Eco Commitment 50% of the fleet is currently eco-friendly, with a goal of 75% by 2027.
- Technology A state of the art app, built in house, allowing for bookings in under 10 seconds with real time tracking, e-receipts, and multiple payment gates (Apple/Google Pay).
- Accessibility A dedicated fleet of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) fully integrated into the booking system.
- Local Knowledge Drivers are trained City Ambassadors
Did you know Taxi Drivers are required to undergo Mandatory Training: In addition to the Ambassador course, drivers must complete safeguarding training and, within 12 months, a Vocationally Recognised Qualification (VRQ) in Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire. Each member of the team have gone through this and (any refreshers etc?)
To help with this, the Need-A-Cab team also operates Heads Up Training, an in house academy that trains drivers to NVQ standards, to help ensure their drivers receive the very latest training support.
More Than Just a Ride: Community Impact
For Need-A-Cab, success isn’t just about the number of fares; for them it’s about social responsibility.
The company serves as a vital artery for the city’s most essential services:
- The Student Lifeline: As a preferred supplier for Plymouth University and Marjon, Need-A-Cab ensures over 25,000 students have access to safe transport. Their “Safe Taxi Scheme” (in partnership with UPSU) allows stranded students to get home using their ID as a guarantee if they are out of cash.
- Healthcare Support: The firm provides prioritised, punctual transport for patients and staff at Derriford Hospital, often during the most critical times of the day.
- Economic Anchor: By keeping fares transparent, the company supports the local economy. Money earned locally stays local supporting drivers, dispatch staff, and local suppliers.
- Brickfields Hub Partnership: Need-A-Cab recently partnered with the Argyle Community Trust at the new Brickfields Hub, ensuring residents in Devonport have direct access to the city’s newest health and wellbeing facilities.
Dwain Morgan /Argyle Community Trust says: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Need-a-Cab. Their commitment to our charity has made a genuine difference to the local communities we serve. Their support has enabled us to deliver free sport and wellbeing sessions for local children, creating opportunities that many families would otherwise not be able to access.
Their generosity extends to providing free services, including donating a digital advertising screen, and regularly joining and supporting our community fundraising activities. This support has significantly increased our reach and impact, allowing us to make community sport and wellbeing sessions more accessible.
Need-a-Cab are kind, community focused, and consistently supportive. They truly care about making a positive difference, and we are thankful to work alongside such a wonderful local company”.
Choice Today Shapes the Market Tomorrow
While big global apps use algorithms to hike up prices the second it starts raining, Need-A-Cab do things differently. They don’t believe in “surge pricing” just to squeeze a bit more profit out of a busy Friday night. For them, it’s about being a reliable service you can actually count on, year in and year out.
When you book with a local team, you’re not just getting a car; you’re getting a driver who actually knows Plymouth. Many of their call staff and drivers have been with them for many years. Their drivers don’t need a computer to tell them how to navigate the shortcuts through Stoke or exactly where the best drop off spot is at Royal William Yard. By choosing local, you’re keeping the money and the expertise, right here in our city, rather than sending it off to a corporate headquarters thousands of miles away.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 01752 666222
- Website: www.needacab247.com
- Address: 44a Devonport Rd, Stoke, Plymouth, PL3 4DH
