Helen Chapman to leave TfL after more than two decades of service overseeing taxi and private hire industry change
- Perry Richardson
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Transport for London’s (TfL) Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging, Helen Chapman, has announced that she will leave the organisation in early 2026 after 23 years of service.
Chapman, who has overseen taxi and private hire licensing during a period of major change, confirmed her decision in a LinkedIn post. She said her departure came after “an incredible 23 years working for TfL” and that it was “time for a change.”
Reflecting on her career, Chapman said: “Since I started in 2002, I have been incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work on some amazing things and with some very talented people. I am truly grateful for these opportunities.”
She added: “There are so many standout moments for me that have helped to define the person I am and right at the top of the list is the people, past and present, that I have been blessed to work with.”
Her departure marks the end of a long chapter for one of TfL’s most senior figures involved in taxi and private hire regulation. During her time at TfL, she was instrumental in leading licensing reforms, implementing safety initiatives, and managing the evolving relationship between regulators, app operators, and the trade.
The news has prompted swift reaction from across the taxi industry, with trade leaders paying tribute to her professionalism and contribution.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), described Chapman as “the one stabilising factor in the taxi trades’ relationship with TfL.”
He added: “Your depth of knowledge on all matters regulatory, licensing and how all aspects of both Taxi and PH operate is second to none. You will be a massive loss to TfL, but a bigger loss to us.”
Grant Davis, Chairman of the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC), echoed those views, calling Chapman “ultra professional” and a respected figure within the trade. “You will be sorely missed by the taxi trade organisations and unions,” he said. “TfL will be worse off for not having you onboard.”
Chapman’s time at TfL saw the regulator steer through a series of high-profile challenges, including the growth of app-based private hire operations, the introduction of new licensing standards, and the rollout of cleaner vehicle policies.
Her leadership within TfL’s licensing division has been regarded as a key factor in maintaining dialogue with the trade through often contentious periods.
With her departure set for early 2026, attention will turn to who will take over one of TfL’s most demanding roles.
