London’s iconic black cab trade is facing a potential collapse, industry leaders have cautioned, just one year after the Greater London Authority introduced its Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Action Plan.
Organisations such as FREENOW and the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association have stated that a lack of meaningful financial support has left drivers struggling with rising costs, leading to a continued exodus from the profession.
The plan, backed by Mayor Sadiq Khan, aimed to increase the number of drivers, modernise the Knowledge of London, improve safety, and enhance the passenger experience.
However, critics argue that little has been accomplished.
In fact, the number of licensed black cab drivers has significantly decreased. Data show that this total has dropped from 14,540 last year to just 13,784—a decline of over 5% in a single year.
Over the past two decades, the trade has been in steady decline, with no indication that the downward trend is slowing despite interventions from City Hall.
Industry representatives warn that the repercussions are already being felt across the capital, especially among vulnerable passengers. Approximately 23% of taxi and private hire users have disabilities, and government data indicates that disabled adults depend on taxis considerably more than the general population.
As the fleet diminishes, those who rely on fully accessible, door-to-door transport risk being left with no viable options.
Safety concerns are also rising. Black cabs are generally considered one of the safest ways to travel at night, but a reduction in the number of drivers means fewer options for passengers, particularly in the outer boroughs and late at night.
While the private sector has attempted to provide support, such as FREENOW launching financial assistance for trainees studying for the Knowledge industry, leaders warn that such initiatives cannot substitute for what they term systemic policy failures.
Without urgent intervention, they assert, one of London’s most recognised and trusted transport services risks being permanently undermined.
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager, Freenow by Lyft UK said: “One year after the Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan was announced, the number of taxi drivers is still declining
“Financial support from TfL and central government has become almost non-existent, while new drivers face increasing costs related to the Knowledge of London and licensing.
“Existing drivers also face rising licensing fees, vehicle purchase prices, surging EV charging costs, and often uncertain incomes.
“We are calling on the Deputy Mayor and TfL Commissioner to update City Hall on the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.
“It is time to turn rhetoric into results by providing concrete financial support that ensures the taxi trade remains a viable and attractive profession”
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association from LTDA, said: “The Mayor’s Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan 2025 was launched to bolster our industry through four key pillars: driver recruitment, safety, passenger experience, and sustainability. However, time is running out.
“To remain a vital, fully accessible part of London’s transport mix, we need more than just a plan—we need action and more financial support to help cabbies with the growing costs of EVs.
“If policymakers continue to ignore the industry’s needs, they are ignoring a crisis that threatens the very survival of the trade”
