Eid Celebrations Cause Taxi and Ride-Hailing Delays Across UK Cities

Commuters and travellers across several UK cities are facing longer wait times and limited availability of taxis and private hire vehicles as many drivers take time off to celebrate Eid ul-Adha with their families. The delays, which began on the evening of June 7 and are expected to continue through June 10, have led to increased demand for transport services, particularly during peak hours and late nights.

Eid ul-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, is a time of religious reflection, family gatherings, and community celebrations. It is traditionally observed with morning prayers, shared meals, and acts of charity. For many Muslim taxi and ride-hailing drivers, this period is one of the few opportunities in the year to take time off and fully engage in the festivities without work commitments. This has led to a noticeable drop in the number of drivers operating across both urban and suburban areas.

Passengers relying on app-based ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt, as well as traditional taxi services, have reported longer wait times and higher-than-usual surge pricing. Airports, train stations, and major city centres have been particularly affected, as transport demand typically spikes during weekends and public holidays. Some local councils and transport authorities have issued advisories encouraging passengers to plan ahead, pre-book journeys, or consider alternative travel options where available.

While the temporary shortage of drivers may pose an inconvenience to some passengers, industry experts note that the celebration of Eid by drivers highlights the cultural diversity that underpins the UK’s transport sector. A large proportion of taxi and private hire drivers in cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leicester come from Muslim backgrounds. Their contribution to urban mobility is crucial year-round, and their right to observe religious festivals is widely respected within the industry.

Some taxi operators have responded by adjusting rotas in advance and offering incentives for non-celebrating drivers to cover additional shifts. However, with the scale of participation in Eid ul-Adha being so widespread, a full replacement of services is not always feasible. Many drivers also operate independently and manage their own schedules, further impacting the availability of vehicles during the holiday period.

Despite the delays, the mood remains largely understanding among passengers who recognise the cultural importance of the festival. Most delays are expected to ease after the official end of Eid ul-Adha. In the meantime, passengers are advised to factor in extra time for their journeys and show patience as the transport sector balances service demands with the observance of an important religious occasion.