Hull operator Drive moves into Doncaster with double takeover deal and rebrand

Hull-based taxi operator Drive has built a regional powerhouse in East Yorkshire following the acquisition of two operators in Doncaster, giving it a total fleet of more than 800 cars.

The takeover of both Doncaster firms, Mick’s Mini Cabs and Alpha Mini Cabs was completed in January, and both firms have been rebranded under the Drive brand. The combined Doncaster fleet is around 350 cars, according to the company’s Facebook page.

Announcing the Doncaster deals on social media, managing director Chris Hall said: “What a January! Two acquisitions in two weeks and a full rebrand of our Doncaster fleet. Five years ago when this journey started I would have laughed at the suggestion of having a fleet of over 800 drivers!”

Drive is Hull’s Largest private hire and taxi firm, created through mergers of a number of local operators. The business was initially branded Ride in 2017, but changed its name to
Drive two years later.

Headed by former Amber Cars and Veezu director Chris Hall since 2017, Drive has acquired Hull operators 57 Cars, 65 Cars, 70 Cars, 706 Cars, Sutton Cars and, most recently Five O Cars in June 2020, to create a taxi firm with 550 cars and operating across the whole city of Hull and surrounding areas.

The Drive name was adopted on July 1, 2019, following a local radio competition to choose a new name. The company says it carries out around 40,000 jobs a week in Hull.