The private hire sector has no shortage of challenges — rising operating costs, driver shortages, and an increasingly competitive market led by the tech driven ride hailers. So how do  operators fight back.

One issue consistently appears at the top of drivers’ complaints: long waits to get paid. Whether working for large fleets or small family‑run bases, many drivers are still operating on weekly, or even monthly payment cycles, despite their costs being daily.

A new platform, led by Gary Jacobs is  Gigzzee. Stepping into the private hire space with a solution that is creating a noticeable stir. Its pitch is simple but powerful: give  drivers access to their earnings within minutes of completing a job.

For an industry where cashflow often determines whether a driver can afford fuel for the next shift, the appeal is obvious.

A Problem Deep in the Structure of the Industry

The founder of Gigzzee, industry commentator and long‑time private hire advocate Gary, says the idea emerged from listening to what drivers were really struggling with on the ground.

“Drivers kept telling me that waiting for payment was putting them under pressure,” he explains. “Fuel prices go up, repairs never come at a good time, and household bills don’t wait for  pay cycles. Yet the job is done — the operator has billed the customer — but the driver still has to wait. That’s the gap Gigzzee fills.”

The platform integrates with booking and dispatch systems, enabling same‑day payouts without requiring operators to change their existing financial processes. Gigzzee releases funds to drivers within minutes of the job clearing. Payments are sent through Faster Payments and generally arrive immediately.

Just Faster Access to Earnings

The most important distinction Gigzzee makes is that this is not a lending product. There are no credit checks, and no borrowing.

“Some drivers are cautious because they’ve seen products in the past that were effectively loans,” Says COO Jason Kron, “Gigzzee isn’t one of them. We’re not lending money. We’re just funding operators through technology to get drivers their money sooner.”

Drivers pay a small, flat fee per early payout. They only pay when they use it, and there is no subscription. Many use it daily; others only when cashflow is tight.

Driver Retention: A Growing Concern for Operators

For operators, the timing couldn’t be better. The industry has fought a persistent driver shortage  and retention remains a major operational challenge.

Operators report that offering faster access to earnings is proving to be a compelling recruitment advantage. Drivers value platforms that recognise their financial pressures, and many are choosing bases that offer modern benefits like same‑day payouts.

One operator remarked, off the record, “It costs us nothing, but makes a huge difference to drivers. Anything that keeps good drivers with us is worth doing.”

Private Hire First — But Not Private Hire Only

While Gigzzee works across the broader gig economy, its base is in private hire. The structure of the PHV model — reliance on fuel, daily expenses, fluctuating hours, and delayed earnings — makes the sector an ideal fit.

The platform is also big in courier and delivery fleets where similar pressures exist.

A Service Built Around the Realities of PHV Work

For drivers concerned about commitment, the answer is simple: there is none. Drivers can opt in or out at any time.

Likewise, the platform does not replace existing weekly or bi‑weekly operator payments. It simply sits alongside them, offering on‑demand access when drivers need it.

A Changing Industry — And a Window for Innovation

Offering same‑day earnings is fast becoming an expectation rather than a luxury.

Gary believes this marks a turning point.

“Drivers have always been the backbone of this industry,” he says. “If they work a full day, they should be able to access their money the same day. We’re giving them something that makes their working lives easier — and helping operators stay competitive in the process.”

Operators retain their cash flow because it is in effect driver factoring, using Gigzzee’s funds, with Gigzzee’s payments then being made in the operators pay cycle.

As the private hire industry continues to adapt to a more modern and dynamic marketplace, solutions like Gigzzee may soon become part of the standard operating toolkit.