LETTER TO THE TOP: Black cab leaders seek ministerial meeting as concerns grow over taxi trade decline after TfL say no to immediate support
- Perry Richardson
- 8 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Freenow by Lyft and the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) have jointly written to Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood seeking urgent discussions on the future of the UK’s black cab trade, warning that falling vehicle numbers and rising costs threaten the long-term sustainability of the sector.
In a letter sent to the Roads Minister, Danny O’Gorman, General Manager of Freenow by Lyft UK, and Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA, requested a meeting to discuss what they describe as the continuing decline in licensed taxi numbers and the implications of the Government’s proposed Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Bill.
The pair said they wanted to discuss “the ongoing decline in black cab numbers across the UK and our shared ambition to safeguard the future of this iconic trade in light of the proposed Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Bill”.
The intervention comes at a time of growing concern within the taxi industry over fleet numbers, vehicle affordability and the pace of transition towards cleaner vehicles. In London alone, licensed taxi numbers have fallen significantly over the past decade, with industry leaders repeatedly highlighting the financial challenges facing drivers looking to replace ageing vehicles.
The letter also references the recent decision by Transport for London (TfL) not to proceed with a proposed financial support scheme designed to help drivers purchase new zero-emission capable taxis. That decision prompted criticism from both organisations, with the LTDA describing the outcome as a major setback and Freenow warning it could accelerate the decline of the capital’s black cab fleet.
For the first time, however, the issue is being framed not solely as a London challenge but as part of a broader national discussion around the future of the licensed taxi sector and its place within upcoming legislation.
The letter argues that the cost of vehicle replacement remains one of the most significant barriers facing drivers. Modern purpose-built taxis offer wheelchair accessibility and lower emissions but come with substantially higher purchase costs than many drivers have historically faced.
O’Gorman and McNamara warned that without meaningful intervention, taxi numbers are likely to continue falling.
“Whilst we recognise the difficult financial decisions the Department and local authorities have to make, we believe that without financial support for vehicle costs, the cab trade will continue to decline in numbers,” they wrote.
The organisations stressed that their concerns extend beyond direct financial assistance, with the proposed meeting also intended to explore the future regulatory framework for taxis as ministers prepare reforms through the forthcoming Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Bill.
“However, our ambitions extend beyond funding,” the letter continued. “We want to work collaboratively with the Department to shape a regulatory environment that establishes a clear, sustainable framework for accessible transport.”
The reference to accessibility is likely to be key as policymakers examine the future balance between taxis and private hire vehicles. Unlike most private hire vehicles, black cabs are required to be fully wheelchair accessible, a distinction that taxi representatives frequently argue should be recognised and protected within future legislation.
Whether the Government is prepared to consider financial support measures remains uncertain. However, the joint approach from one of the industry’s largest booking platforms and London’s largest taxi driver association signals a growing effort to place the future viability of the black cab trade firmly on the national policy agenda.
