Black Cab drivers are calling on the new London Mayor to prioritise affordable vehicle options, according to recent findings from FREENOW UK, London’s No. 1 Taxi app.
The research highlights the urgency of addressing the financial strain faced by drivers as almost all (94%) cabbies said the cost of purchasing or renting a black cab impacted their finances since becoming a taxi driver. Additionally, 71% said providing cheaper vehicle options should be a priority for the new Mayor.
An area of contention in the industry is electric vehicles (EVs) and how the candidates will plan to ensure widespread adoption of EVs. The financial constraints are proving to be a barrier to adoption, as 9 in 10 respondents said that making EVs more affordable is important to support drivers with the transition. As such, legislation such as the recently extended Plug-in Taxi Grant, which provides grants to cab drivers looking to switch to electric models, is hugely important in supporting drivers.
With 69% of the respondents currently driving an EV, the results also demonstrate the need for more charging points, as 41% said introducing additional EV charging points around the city can assist drivers with the switch.
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Another concern amongst drivers is the current road conditions in the capital. Almost 100% (95%) of black cab drivers agree that the state of roads in London has worsened due to issues such as the increasing number of potholes.
Additionally, to enhance customer service, 87% of respondents stated that ensuring black cab drivers have access to all Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) should be a priority for the winning candidate, as 95% agreed it makes dropping off/picking up passengers more difficult.
With the recent drop in driver applications, it is also no surprise that 35% of respondents said that highlighting the benefits of the trade and encouraging young people to join is important to ensure the taxi trade continues.
The study also shows that:
· 39% of respondents said they do not have an EV charger at home, with 17% citing the cost as being too high
· 31% said speed restrictions was the biggest challenge when providing a good service to passengers
As a result of these issues, FREENOW is working with drivers to create greater benefits that will make a difference, such as food and fuel discounts, health insurance with Onsi, and a substantial discount when buying a new LEVC from Marshall.
Mariusz Zabrocki, General Manager at FREENOW UK, comments:
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“London’s mayoral elections are a significant moment for the black cab industry. We conducted this study to give drivers a voice, highlighting the real issues they face every day. We hope that the winning candidate actively listens to these concerns and takes positive action.
“At FREENOW, we are committed to supporting drivers through these challenges and are dedicated to implementing meaningful solutions. By working closely with drivers and offering a range of benefits, we remain dedicated to improving the livelihoods of all drivers in our community so they can continue servicing London’s communities.”
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
