The island has seen a significant decline in ply for hire vehicles over the past two decades, while private hire numbers have steadily increased, according to data released by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
In response to a question from Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas, Minister Clare Barber revealed that as of May 12, there were 150 ply for hire vehicles and 84 private hire vehicles operating on the island.
This compares to 208 ply for hire and 62 private hire vehicles in 2004, and 200 and 69 respectively in 2014.
Requirements
Minister Barber also clarified the display requirements for operator discs, saying: “According to section 23 of the Road Transport Act 2001, where a vehicle is being used as a public passenger vehicle, it must display an operator disc.”
Private hire cars and minibuses must exhibit the disc on the left side of the windscreen, while ply for hire vehicles must display a plate at the rear with the disc adjacent.
Enforcement falls to the part-time Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) Inspector, who conducts weekly checks at taxi ranks in Douglas and the Airport.
Over the past year, two operators were warned for failing to display valid discs, with both cases said to have been resolved promptly.
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