Uber seeks to expand into Darlington amid concerns from local taxi firms about market dominance

Uber, the global taxi firm, has submitted an application to operate in Darlington. The private hire company's request is currently under review by Darlington Borough Council and a decision is expected later this year.

Uber vehicles from nearby Stockton-on-Tees and Durham are frequently spotted in the town as they can legally accept cross-border bookings. The international company confirmed its licence application but declined to comment further until the process is finalised.

Earlier this year, Uber expanded its operations in Stockton in response to local demand. Rumours of Uber operating in Darlington have been circulating for several years, with local businesses expressing concerns about losing customers to the global taxi firm.

• Read more: New map reveals the 12 best-performing primary schools in the North East
• Keep up to date with all the latest local news from County Durham with our free newsletter

Currently, there are four private hire license operators in Darlington: 1AB (now 'Take Me'); United; Falcon Cars; and GPS Travel. Last October, Darlington Borough Council warned the number of taxi drivers in Darlington has declined by about 30 per cent since the pandemic, as fewer drivers struggle to service demand.

Addressing the rumours of Uber operating in the town then, the council said: "Uber has a business model that suits large towns and cities, particularly with a university student population. Developments planned for Darlington may make the town an attractive proposition to Uber in the future."

The local authority added that there are currently enough licensed vehicles between operators in the town, but there are insufficient drivers to service the current demand at peak times. Despite the service struggles, fares in Darlington continue to be the highest in the Tees Valley for a two-mile journey at £6.30 – however, charges are determined by the operator and not the council.

Local firm 1AB Taxis warned in 2021: "The difficulty for us as a local company that provides local jobs is if someone like Uber comes in they could take all of the local companies out of it. Since 1984, we have supported local charities, and the NHS, and throughout Covid-19 we spent a lot of money locally.

"You wouldn't get that commitment, service, and support from Uber. They will take all the local companies out of the market. We are very much a local company that wants to support the people of Darlington and the surrounding area."