Trusted Taxis Report: Setting New Standards for Taxi Services in St Andrews

At Trusted Taxis, we’re proud to introduce the final report for our quality assurance scheme, a project designed to transform the local taxi industry in St Andrews. This report was produced by our partners Astro Panda Marketing.

Trusted Taxis aims to restore customer trust, enhance service reliability, and tackle the challenges posed by rogue operators and regulatory gaps.

Why Trusted Taxis?

The scheme was born from growing concerns among customers and drivers about misleading practices and overcharging by a minority of operators. Notable issues included “passing off” – where new firms mimicked the names and reputations of established companies like St Andrews Taxis and Golf City – causing confusion and tarnishing the industry’s image.

In collaboration with Astro Panda Marketing, a Glasgow-based consultancy, Trusted Taxis implemented a rigorous evaluation process to identify and certify only the most reliable taxi firms. This independent assessment ensures transparency and fairness, benefiting both customers and reputable businesses.

The Report: Key Highlights

The final report details the comprehensive evaluation process, including:

Secret Shopper Program: Independent evaluators tested firms on punctuality, driver professionalism, vehicle condition, fare transparency, and customer experience.
Social Insight Assessments: Firms were scrutinized for online reputation, customer reviews, and digital presence to ensure authenticity and public trust.
Results: Of the eight firms evaluated, five met the high standards required to join Trusted Taxis. These firms are now certified as trusted providers, ensuring safe, transparent, and quality service.
Shaping the Future of Local Transport

The report also outlines future recommendations, including enhanced collaboration with local authorities, ongoing monitoring, and new initiatives such as a student safety scheme in partnership with St Andrews University. By fostering continuous improvement and community engagement, Trusted Taxis aims to set a benchmark for excellence in the taxi industry.

Explore the Full Report

For a deeper dive into the findings and methodology, please download the report below:

Download: Trusted Taxis Report: 2024-2025