Cab drivers provide a life-line for rural communities that lack public transport.

Ian Fountain started working in his dad’s cab office more than 50 years ago when he was only 12. At 21, he learned to drive his own taxi. Now he has his own company, CabSmart, in Ipswich where 24-year old Kabil works both as a driver and a controller, co-ordinating bookings and supporting the other drivers, many of whom are like him, from the Bangladeshi community in the town.

The job is particularly important to Kabil as he is helping support the family after his father had a heart attack. Unlike in Ian’s time, it's unusual and hard for youngsters like Kabil to become cab drivers because of training, regulations and the cost of insurance (anything up to £8,000). But with Ian’s support, he has achieved his dream (he admits to being something of a petrol-head).

CabSmart has won awards for its work in the community, including charity events. The taxi firm stayed open throughout covid taking NHS staff to work, delivering medication to the elderly and vulnerable, helping with the vaccination programme, as well as supporting the ambulance service by taking those who needed to go to hospital after paramedic assessment.

The company also has green credentials, as it increases the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in its 80-strong fleet of cabs – as well as working with Suffolk council on an electric taxi/bus pilot scheme to some outlying villages.

Series Producer: Sara Parker
Sound Mixer: Tom Brignell
Executive Producer: Samir Shah

A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4 Show less