Londoners call on Mayor to protect iconic black cabs
Over 70% of cabbies believe that the affordability of black cabs should be a priority for London’s next Mayor, and 72% state the high cost of vehicles impacted them financially
90% of drivers also said that making EV taxis more financially accessible is important to support them in making the switch
65% of Londoners feel the need for greater support from the Mayor and TfL to support the iconic black cab industry
1 in 3 frequently use black cabs on nights out to restaurants and bars, supporting London’s night-time economy
April 2024, London: New research from FREENOW UK, London’s No. 1 Taxi app, reveals that 65% of passengers feel the Mayor and TfL (Transport for London) should do more to support the city’s iconic black cab industry, particularly following the drastic drop in the number of black cabs available, which has a direct impact on residents and visitors to the capital.
Ahead of the upcoming London mayoral elections, candidates are anticipated to focus on plans to re-ignite the capital’s night-time economy following the recent concerns raised. FREENOW’s research reveals that black cabs play a crucial role in the fabric of the city, supporting the high street shops and venues and enabling Londoners to enjoy all the city has to offer after dark, with one in three passengers taking a cab to get to a restaurant, pub, or bar on a night out.
As a staple of the city’s transport infrastructure, just over half (51%) of passengers travel by black cab multiple times a week, with some as frequently as every single day. Over 40% complement their black cab trips with public transport and by walking or cycling revealing how black cabs are an integral part of London’s transport offer.
The study also shows that:
Over 40% of passengers value the convenience of travelling by black cab, given they are easy to hail and book,
Over 35% of passengers feel London’s cabbies are the most professional, knowledgeable, and reliable in getting people from A to B quickly and safely.
Ensuring maximum safety and comfort is also a priority for passengers, with nearly 30% citing wheelchair accessibility as the most important aspect of travelling by black cab.
However, the city’s black cab drivers themselves are under pressure to deliver the best service possible for London’s communities. According to a survey of over 750 London black cab drivers, almost all drivers (95%) said that the impact of both the city’s road conditions from potholes and the restrictions imposed by low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) is making it increasingly difficult to pick up and drop off passengers. 87% feel that the winning mayoral candidate should address this issue and ensure black cab drivers have access through all LTNs.
Additionally, the city’s cabbies are feeling the pinch of the cost of both purchasing and renting a black cab with 72% of those surveyed saying the high cost of the vehicles has impacted their finances. The cost currently sits at approximately £100k for drivers to purchase a black cab with financing with just one model approved on the market.
The advent of EVs is seeing the taxi sector continue to thrive as it moves towards a more sustainable future, aligning with the UK’s national net zero target. However, challenges like the lack of fully electric black cabs, charging infrastructure and high costs of vehicles are hindering drivers and pose a challenge if London wants to meet its net-zero targets. FREENOW’s data affirms this, as 90% of black cab drivers said that making EVs more affordable is important to support this transition.
Revisions to The Knowledge - the infamous exam taken by London’s black cabbies - are also deemed essential by the capital’s passengers, with almost 6 in 10 (59%) agreeing it should be simplified so that it takes less time. 57% of respondents were of the mind that the exam is so complex, it simply doesn’t make sense anymore in today’s age. The Knowledge currently requires drivers to memorise 25,000 streets and 100,000 landmarks within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross with many drivers taking up to four years to complete it. FREENOW’s Knowledge subsidy seeks to alleviate the financial pressures for drivers looking to undertake the exam while also championing the profession as a viable career path for young people.
Following this research, FREENOW is calling on the Mayoral candidates to agree to the following four policies to support London’s cabbies:
To explore options for more affordable, fully electric black cabs for drivers
To work with TfL and local boroughs to ensure black cab drivers have access through Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods
To reform the Knowledge of London to make it more accessible for potential applicants
To review TfL’s Driver Penalty Policy, which unfairly punishes taxi drivers compared to other drivers
Mariusz Zabrocki, General Manager at FREENOW U, comments: “Anyone visiting or living in London knows that black cabs are a cornerstone of the capital, and our research cements this as 40% of passengers like the peace of mind travelling black cab guarantees, supplemented by the trustability of drivers. To ensure their longevity, London’s next Mayor will need to pay close attention to the concerns of black cab drivers and passengers respectively, who feel they will always be around, ensuring the trade continues to thrive as a fundamental mode of transport for the city’s citizens.
“We know that the costs of vehicles are prohibitive to many drivers; therefore, it’s critical that mayoral candidates commit to exploring options for affordable, fully electric black cabs in London in a way that supports the taxi trade and doesn’t impact black cab drivers pockets.”
ENDS
About the survey:
FREENOW conducted an internal survey with 762 black cab drivers in March 2024.
Research was also conducted by Censuswide with a sample of 1000 People in the UK who took a black cab ride in the last 1-3 months in London (Aged 16+). The survey fieldwork took place between 04.04.2024 - 09.04.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles, and is a member of The British Polling Council.
