TAKE A TAXI: Freenow by Lyft urges Londoners to plan ahead as Tube strikes drive demand for black cabs
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Freenow by Lyft has urged Londoners to consider booking black cabs during this week’s London Underground strikes, as disruption across the capital is expected to significantly increase demand for road-based transport.
The warning comes as Transport for London (TfL) looks set to run reduced Tube services between Tuesday 21 April and Friday 24 April following strike action by RMT drivers. With key lines either suspended or running limited services, passengers are expected to shift towards buses, rail alternatives and taxis.
Sam Pooke, Head of Public Affairs at Freenow by Lyft UK, said the platform is encouraging passengers to plan ahead and consider licensed taxis as part of their travel options during the disruption.
“As strike action is expected to impact travel across London, we encourage people to consider alternative travel options, such as booking a black cab, to reach their destination safely and comfortably,” Pooke said.
Ride-hailing platform highlights role of licensed taxis in maintaining mobility during widespread Underground disruption.
The company said its focus is on helping maintain mobility across the capital by connecting passengers with licensed taxis that can continue operating efficiently despite congestion and network disruption.
“Our focus is on helping Londoners plan ahead and stay on the move. By connecting passengers with licensed taxis, which can use bus lanes and navigate congestion more effectively, we aim to provide a reliable option for getting around the capital, especially during times of disruption across the transport network,” Pooke added.
Licensed taxis in London have access to bus lanes and the ability to pick up street hails, which can provide a competitive advantage during periods of disruption. These features are expected to play a key role during the strike as passenger demand intensifies in central areas where Underground services are reduced or unavailable.
Industry conditions during previous strike action suggest taxi supply will be under sustained pressure, particularly in central London. High demand is likely to result in rapid turnover, with taxis quickly hired immediately after completing journeys. This dynamic can limit availability on ranks and reduce the number of empty vehicles circulating.
