I happen to know the answer to this question for several reasons:

First: In many developed countries, taxi drivers must be locals or at least permanent residents, which means a large number of foreign labor cannot engage in this industry. This policy is intended to protect basic employment but also directly limits the entry of young labor. After all, the taxi industry is characterized by low growth and limited upward mobility, making it very unattractive to young people. Once the participation rate of young outsiders decreases, the positions will naturally be taken over by older individuals with fewer employment options.

Second: The marginal returns of the taxi industry in developed countries are very low, but for older people, the cost-performance ratio is just right. Young people prefer higher-paying, more respectable, or more developmentally promising jobs, while taxi driving is a typical stable profession with a low ceiling. Older individuals do not face career advancement pressure, have lower mortgage burdens, and have ample time, so they are more willing than young people to exchange their free time for a stable and decent cash flow.

Third: The taxi industry itself requires higher stability, experience, and emotional control, while the demands for physical strength and innovation are low. This leads to a structural preference where the older one is, the more they meet the industry's expectations. Many companies are more willing to rent cars to older drivers because older drivers have lower accident rates, stable temperaments, do not change jobs frequently, do not chase after market fluctuations, and require less management. In contrast, young drivers often view taxi driving as a transitional job and leave as soon as they find better opportunities, naturally leading the industry to favor middle-aged and older individuals.

Fourth: Developed countries are experiencing serious population aging, with a relatively decreasing number of young people and an increasing proportion of older labor. Older individuals, due to pension disparities, purchasing power pressures, medical expenses, and consumption habits, are psychologically and economically more inclined to continue working in a semi-retired mode. The taxi industry, which has no bosses, does not consider age, and does not require long-term commitments, is one of the most suitable professions for older individuals to continue working.

Fifth: The emergence of ride-hailing services like Uber and Grab has further siphoned off young drivers. If young people really want to be drivers, they will first choose ride-hailing platforms that offer more flexibility and lower barriers to entry, rather than traditional taxis. Especially since more young people now own cars, it is easier for them to take on part-time jobs, making it unnecessary to work as full-time taxi drivers.

Therefore, it is normal for the number of older drivers to increase. I estimate that in some time, not only in ride-hailing but also in food delivery, there will be more middle-aged individuals joining the workforce.

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