NORTHERN IRELAND POSITION
THE BIG TWO - A CHANGING NORTHERN IRELAND TAXI INDUSTRY
The figures behind the changing market
By Phil Hamilton CEO Belfast & Newtownabbey Airport Transfers
belfastanat@gmail.com
Who are the Big Two now?
In Northern Ireland, when we refer to the “Big Two” in the taxi industry, we have historically meant FonaCAB and Value Cabs. Having worked for both companies during more than 30 years in the local taxi industry, I have seen first-hand that both have impressive operations. In recent months, both FonaCAB and Value Cabs have taken steps to strengthen their presence in the Northern Ireland taxi market.
FonaCAB’s expansion has been particularly notable. Its growth has increasingly involved bringing established local taxi businesses into the FonaCAB operation. This includes the acquisition of 365 Taxis. More recently, FonaCAB acquired Q Cabs and Bann Taxis in Banbridge, two long-established local businesses. FonaCAB has also brought Mahoods Taxis in Carrickfergus into its operation.
Value Cabs has also continued to expand, recently adding Alfa Taxis and East End Taxis to its operation.
This represents a significant development in an industry traditionally made up of a mixture of large operators and smaller, locally established businesses. It also raises questions about the future for independent operators as acquisitions become increasingly competitive and companies seek to attract drivers to their operations.
So, who are the Big Two now?
FonaCAB and Value Cabs remain two of the most recognisable names in Northern Ireland’s taxi industry. However, the balance changing. FonaCAB’s
increased its size and geographical reach, bringing a growing number of established local operators under one umbrella.
26
between them may be acquisition strategy has
To examine the current position more closely, I submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Infrastructure, seeking figures for drivers affiliated with the operator licences of FonaCAB, Value Cabs and Uber.
In its response dated 19 October 2026, the Department provided the following figures, correct as of 8 October 2026:
l FonaCAB Belfast Limited: 1,236 drivers affiliated with its operator licence.
l Uber NI R Limited: 1,017 drivers affiliated with its operator licence.
l Value Cabs Limited: 627 drivers affiliated with its operator licence.
Source: Department for Infrastructure, Chief Executive’s Office, Freedom of Information response concerning the taxi industry, dated 19 October 2026, following my request of 29 September 2026.
These figures make for interesting reading. FonaCAB has the highest number of drivers affiliated with its operator licence among the three businesses listed, while Uber has also established a substantial presence in the Northern Ireland market.
It is important to clarify that these are driver affiliation figures, not vehicle fleet totals or market-share figures. They provide a snapshot of the scale of each operator’s licensed operation, rather than a complete picture of journeys undertaken or revenue generated.
The Uber question: are the official figures telling the whole story?
A further development may complicate the picture.
A recent informal survey circulated through the Uber Northern Ireland WhatsApp group and referenced on Facebook, reportedly suggested that 20% of responding drivers hold their own taxi operator’s licence.
NOVEMBER 2026 PHTM
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