The black cabinet industry is exposed to the risk of fully disappearing by 2045 if the current trends persist, according to a new report issued by the London Center.
The research highlights a significant decrease in the number of taxis on capital roads and its warning that urgent intervention from the government and the London mayor and the transportation of London (TFL) to prevent trade from vanishing.
The number of licensed black taxis has decreased by more than a third (34.5 %) in the past decade, as it decreased from 22,810 in 2013-14 to only 14,470. On the contrary, private rental operators (PHV), including Uber, Bolt, and AdDison Lee, witnessed significant growth, as the number of licensed drivers increased by 82 % since 2010 to reach 107884 in 2023-24.
The results of the London Center indicate that without immediate procedure, black taxis can become something of the past, despite their continued popularity. A survey found that two -thirds of (66 %) of London residents believe that more should be done to support trade, and 78 % expect that black taxis are still in 100 years.
The report determines the high costs and financial support is diminished as major factors in the conflicts of the black cabinet industry. The introduction of electrical taxis in 2017 has increased costs significantly, with the price increased by 39 % of a new cabin.
Government support also shrinks. The TFL SCRAPAGE scheme, which provided taxis 10,000 pounds for retirement from old vehicles that did not meet low emissions standards, ended in 2022. Meanwhile, the Ministry's additional components grant was reduced from 7500 pounds to 4000 pounds, and it will be completely overcome by 2026. As a result, the grant is the grant. The total available for buying a new taxi in 2017.
Financial pressure contributed to a dramatic decrease in the numbers of new drivers. In 2024, 104 new taxi licenses were issued only, compared to 101010 in 2016.
The world-famous knowledge of the London-required test to qualify as a black taxi driver-is also seen as a great obstacle for employment. The test, which takes at least three years to complete it, deter many possible drivers.
A survey in the industry found that although 52 % of PHV drivers considered a black driver, 44 % said that the operation took a long time, and 29 % felt that the exam was very difficult.
The London Center has suggested several measures to reflect the decline, including: repairing the London test knowledge to encourage more drivers to qualify and reduce the rate of leakage by 66 % and enter a newly qualified interest loan plan for drivers to help them buy new taxis, similar to the taxi loan program in Scotland.
Antonia Gennings, CEO of the London Center Company, stressed the situation: “Black taxis are an essential part of the city's view in London. We should not allow them to part of the history of the capital. Besides its cultural status, taxis offer what London needs today – can be reached, and a safe and safe pillow.
“It is simply unimaginable for taxis in London to become extinct by 2045. The government must go up to support the black cabin industry and turn this deliberate path before it is too late.”
Sam Bok, head of public policy at Freenow, supported the report's recommendations and called for immediate intervention by politicians, saying: “Taxi is an integral part of the London transport network, as it provides high -quality and safe trips, and can be accessed for millions of people every year.
“Despite the high costs of taxi drivers, financial support from TFL and the central government have almost not exist. Freenow has the strength of the recommendations mentioned in this report, and we call the mayor to TFL instructions to determine a clear strategy to employ taxis drivers and keep them as part of the upcoming work plan.”
“This important report highlights many of the challenges facing licensed taxi drivers in London, especially the lack of roads, and high costs in vehicles,” Steve McKina, Secretary -General of the Ltda taxi drivers (LTDA).
“We have been here since the era of Oliver Chromewell, and we will not go anywhere soon. But the famous taxi trade in London at a crossroads – with the right support, we can claim its decisive role as part of reaching the London transport mix and the best service in the world.
With the fate of the black cabinet industry in London in the balance, the pressure on the government, TFL and City Hall to take decisive measures before one of the most purchased symbols in the capital disappears from its streets forever.
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