Freenow by Lyft recognises group of leading black cab drivers as part of annual awards
- Perry Richardson
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Freenow by Lyft has honoured a group of black cab drivers at its latest driver recognition event, highlighting high trip volumes, long-standing service and wider contributions to the taxi trade and local communities.
The awards brought together drivers from across the capital and focused on three categories: Driver of the Year, Legacy Driver and Driver’s Driver. The initiative forms part of the platform’s ongoing engagement with licensed taxi drivers operating through its app.
Seven drivers were named Driver of the Year 2025, an award recognising those with the highest trip volumes, strong customer satisfaction scores and consistent operational performance. The recipients were Chris Jones, David Arthur Porter, Andrew Keen, James Kevan Jones, Antony Hizer, Faisal Dahir and Koray Hassan.
In the Legacy Driver category, Freenow by Lyft recognised drivers who have been operating on the platform for the longest period. The award is intended to mark loyalty and sustained contribution to the trade during a period of significant regulatory and technological change. Those named Legacy Driver 2025 were Neil Chadwick, Jim Parlour, Mark Andrews, Jason Todd, Perry Richardson and Matthew Emmerson.
Platform highlights high-performing, long-serving and community-focused drivers across London’s taxi trade
The Driver’s Driver award, based on nominations from fellow cabbies, focused on contributions beyond day-to-day fares. Three drivers were recognised in this category, each reflecting different aspects of trade advocacy and community engagement.
Penesta Shanaj was named Female Driver’s Driver. A taxi driver for 11 years, she is married with three children and has been active in encouraging more women to enter the black cab trade. Female representation within London’s licensed taxi sector remains comparatively low, and industry bodies have previously highlighted the need to widen access to The Knowledge and improve diversity across the workforce.
James Kent, 74, received the Taxi Community Driver’s Driver award. A black cab driver for more than 50 years and an early partner of Freenow by Lyft, he campaigns on health issues affecting drivers, particularly prostate health. He encourages fellow drivers to attend regular health checks and has also advocated for improved access to toilet facilities and more flexible stopping arrangements to allow short breaks during shifts. Welfare concerns, including access to amenities and the health impact of long hours behind the wheel, have been recurring issues raised by trade representatives.
Ahmad Faghiri was named EV Champion Driver’s Driver. The 51-year-old, who works across Kingston and Chiswick, promotes the transition from diesel taxis to electric vehicles. London’s regulatory framework has required all newly licensed taxis to be zero-emission capable since 2018, accelerating the shift towards electric models such as the TX. Advocates within the trade argue that EVs offer lower running costs, improved passenger comfort and environmental benefits, although upfront vehicle costs and charging infrastructure remain operational considerations for drivers.
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at Freenow by Lyft, said: “Black cab drivers do far more than get people from A to B. They’re a constant presence in their communities and often go above and beyond what’s expected of them. We’re incredibly proud of the drivers being recognised, and events like this are an important way to shine a light on the wider role they play.”
Antony Hizer, one of the Driver’s of the year, said: “I love what I do as a black cab driver. It’s a job that keeps you on your toes, gives you the chance to meet people and be part of the community. Being recognised for that is really rewarding and it’s a great feeling to know the work we do everyday matters.”
