Hartlepool Taxi Firm Closes as Rising Costs Bite..
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Popular Hartlepool Taxi Company Closes After Less Than Two Years
16th April 2026
A Hartlepool taxi firm set up with a community-first mission has announced it will cease trading with immediate effect, blaming rising costs and the current economic climate.
True Blue Travel, launched less than two years ago by Hartlepool singer Michael Gallagher, confirmed the closure in an emotional statement shared with customers.
The company said it was “with an extremely heavy heart” that the decision had been made, bringing an abrupt end to a business that had quickly built a loyal local following.
Community-focused from day one
From its launch, True Blue Travel positioned itself as a taxi firm — aiming to support the community as well as provide transport. The business kept fares as low as possible, raised money for local charities, and even offered free services to residents most in need.
In its statement put out on social media yesterday evening, the company said:
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved. From day one, our focus was always simple — how can we benefit the community?”
Costs force difficult decision
However, like many small businesses across Hartlepool and the wider region, rising operational costs caused by the Iran Crisis have taken their toll.
Fuel prices, insurance, licensing, and general overheads have all increased significantly in recent years — pressures that smaller, community-driven firms often struggle to absorb.
The company said these ongoing increases meant it was “no longer financially feasible” to continue trading.
In a heartfelt message, the firm paid tribute to those who supported it:
“Many of you were not just customers, but familiar faces who became part of our journey and part of our community.”
The closure will likely come as a blow to regular users who relied on the service, particularly those who benefited from its lower fares and community support initiatives, with the sudden shutdown highlighting the growing strain on small, independent businesses in Hartlepool — especially those trying to balance affordability with rising business costs.
