Are you choosing jumbo taxis or minibus taxis simply because they’re ‘cheap’? Behind that low price lie factors such as roll calls and operational management,“They are cutting back on ”safety costs’There might be a hidden agenda. Are you sure the company you’ve booked your jumbo taxi with is really trustworthy?
‘White taxis’ even with green number plates — the reality of the rampant practice of lending out vehicle registrations
Since the start of 2026, there has been a spate of crackdowns on vehicles that, whilst displaying legitimate green number plates (for commercial use), were in fact operating as illegal ‘white taxis’. The methods used are becoming more sophisticated every year, making it increasingly difficult for passengers to distinguish them simply by their appearance.
The sales pitch: ‘No roll calls, and you can earn as much as you like’
According to media reports, in a case involving the misuse of a Tokyo-based hire car company’s name, drivers were recruited via social media with the promise that “there are no roll calls here, and you can earn as much as you like”. The drivers are alleged to have paid a portion of their takings as a ‘name-use fee’ and transported passengers without a licence. The former representative and others from the company that lent its name have been arrested on suspicion of violating the Road Transport Act (lending a company’s name and operating without a licence). In Osaka, too, a case has been uncovered in which the name of a legitimate taxi company was misused for a fleet of around 100 vehicles to generate substantial profits.
Instructions to state that they were ‘under training’ in the event of an accident
The main issue is that,They had instructed staff to explain that they were ‘undergoing training’ when an accident occurredThis is the crux of the matter. It is nothing less than proof that the parties involved themselves are aware that neither the roll call, nor the operations management, nor the insurance are functioning as they should. It is a classic example of ‘cutting safety costs to keep prices low’—a phenomenon that transcends time.
In operations where pre- and post-journey checks (including alcohol tests, health checks and vehicle inspections) are omitted, and where there is no operations manager to oversee the service—allowing drivers to “earn as they please”—the systems designed to protect passengers in the event of an accident will not function. If the true cost of low fares is ‘compromised safety’, it is the passengers who will bear the brunt of the consequences.
5 Key Points to Look for When Choosing a Safe Jumbo Taxi Company
When travelling with your loved ones or friends, or booking a private hire for airport transfers or sightseeing, it is important to choose a service based not only on price but also on its ‘safety measures’. Please check the following five points before making a booking.
- Does the green number plate match the company name?——The name of the operator and the location of its business premises must be clearly disclosed, and the green number plate on the vehicle must correspond to the operating company.
- Are pre- and post-journey roll calls being carried out?——Alcohol checks, health checks and vehicle inspections carried out by the transport manager are implemented as part of the system.
- Does the driver hold a Category 2 driving licence?——A formal licence to carry passengers for a fee. Be wary of companies whose job adverts emphasise that ‘anyone can earn money easily’.
- Are you covered by voluntary insurance for passenger transport by road?——Comprehensive cover must be in place for personal injury, property damage and passenger compensation in the event of an accident.
- Are the vehicles undergoing regular maintenance and inspections?——Vehicle condition is managed through statutory inspections and routine checks.
The difference between licensed jumbo taxis and ‘unlicensed taxis’ is this
| Comparison items | Licensed jumbo taxis | Borrowing a name / Unlicensed taxis |
|---|---|---|
| Roll Call and Operations Management | Conducted every time by the operations manager | None / At your own discretion |
| Driver’s Licence | Holds a Class 2 driving licence | Unspecified / Standard driving licence only |
| Compensation in the Event of an Accident | Covered by voluntary business insurance | Risk of not being compensated |
| vehicle maintenance | Carry out statutory and routine inspections | Inadequate management |
| Transparency of charges | Clear, upfront quotes | Verbal agreements; lack of transparency |
Why Jumbo Taxi.com is the preferred choice
Jumbo Taxi.com handles tasks such as roll call, operations management, vehicle maintenance and insurance cover,Do not cut corners when it comes to safetyWe provide airport transfers, private sightseeing tours, transport for weddings, funerals and other special occasions, and group transport services as part of our regular operations. Rather than simply competing on price, our top priority is to provide transport in which you can feel confident entrusting your loved ones.
Even when travelling in large groups, you can do so comfortably without having to change trains
With a jumbo taxi or minivan, whether it’s an airport transfer with lots of luggage, a sightseeing trip for a large group, or a golf or skiing holiday, you can all travel together in a single, chartered vehicle. The appeal, which public transport cannot offer, lies in the fact that there is no need to change vehicles, and you can enjoy chatting as a group throughout the journey. That is precisely why you should choose the company you entrust with that vehicle based on whether it is ‘safe and reliable’.
If you’re looking for a safe and reliable jumbo taxi,
Enquire and book via Jumbo Taxi.com*This article has been compiled as a guide to choosing a safe jumbo taxi, based on publicly available information—including reports from 2026 on the crackdown on unlicensed taxis misusing green number plates. Please refer to the original reports from the respective media organisations for details of the incidents.
