CityFleet Networks acquires Chesterbased KingKabs and Abbey Taxis

Mark Bursa

CityFleet Network has strengthened its presence in the north-west by acquiring the company that runs two major private hire fleets in Chester.

In a letter to drivers, CityFleet Networks Limited confirmed that it had acquired Vedamain Ltd, which trades as KingKabs and Abbey Taxis, two long-running Chester taxi businesses.

KingKabs was established in Chester in 1968 and also provides services in Ellesmere Port on the Wirral. It describes itself as “Cheshire’s largest private hire taxi service” and has a fleet of more than 500 vehicles. Abbey Taxis has served the area for more than 40 years and has a fleet of 140 vehicles.

In the letter to drivers, CityFleet regional general manager Karen Long wrote: “We would like to take the opportunity to welcome Drivers that provide its drivers with access to more than 4,000 rapid chargers across London.

Addison Lee CEO Liam Griffin said: “We’ve made great strides in transitioning our standard fleet to electric by 2023, recently hitting the milestone of 1,000 EVs on the fleet in just over 14 months. With access to reliable charging infrastructure still the main barrier for drivers switching to electric, we remain committed to investing in these innovative partnerships, working together to tackle the ongoing infrastructure challenges across the capital.”

Richard Holden MP, Minister for Roads and Local Transport said: “Companies like Addison Lee and ChargePoint can play a vital role in the UK’s transition to cleaner vehicles while supporting economic growth, and we continue to work closely with industry on the path to all new cars being zero-emission by 2035.”

Tanya Sinclair, senior director of public policy, Europe at ChargePoint, said: “Our cooperation with Addison Lee makes it easier for drivers to confidently locate, initiate and pay for charging, not only here in Heathrow, but throughout London and the UK using ChargePoint’s own stations and partner stations accessible via roaming. Inter network roaming must be encouraged at all levels if we are to enable fleets and commercial drivers to seamlessly transition to EV.” to the Group and look forward to developing the business further in the years to come.” She added that CityFleet would be asking drivers for feedback and suggestions on how the current service can be improved.

CityFleet is owned by Singapore-based transport giant Comfort Delgro. It is already a major player in Merseyside, operating the ComCab taxi fleet in Liverpool. In 2020, it acquired Argyle Satellite, the biggest private hire fleet in the Wirral, in a seven-figure deal. CityFleet also operates black cabs as ComCab in Aberdeen, and provides coach hire services under the Westbus UK brand.