18 March 2021

Aberdeenshire Council to withdraw TaxiCard service

As part of its budget savings, Aberdeenshire Council has approved the withdrawal of the TaxiCard concessionary travel scheme.

Providing discounted taxi travel for Aberdeenshire residents with a disability or limited mobility, the last day of operation will be Friday, April 23.

Under the scheme, passengers taking a taxi trip costing up to £10 paid half the normal fare, receiving a discount of £5 on trips costing over £10. Discounts have also been available for rail travel.

Following this week’s decision, the council’s Passenger Transport Unit, which administers the scheme, will write to the 1,450 residents who are on record as holding a TaxiCard to advise them of the scheme’s withdrawal and to provide a contact telephone number should cardholders require advice on alternative transport services such as A2B dial-a-bus or community transport where available.

Along with all local authorities, Aberdeenshire Council continue to face significant financial challenges in light of the Covid pandemic and sadly has had to make tough decisions which do have an impact on communities.

The decision to withdraw the TaxiCard scheme has not been taken lightly and the council will do all that it can to support all those cardholders to access appropriate transport when they require it.

Further information is available at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/public-transport/concessionary-travel/taxicard