HELP COMING IN APRIL: TfL signals progress on potential financial support scheme for black cab drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 28 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Transport for London (TfL) has indicated it will provide further details on a proposed financial support scheme for black cab drivers by the end of April, following scrutiny from Assembly Members during a London Assembly Transport Committee session.
The session saw Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance and Transport Commissioner Andy Lord questioned on a range of industry issues, including the affordability of new taxis and support mechanisms for drivers transitioning to cleaner vehicles.
Responding to the development, Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at Freenow by Lyft UK, said the company welcomed the commitment to provide more clarity on the proposed scheme.
“We are encouraged by the London Transport Commissioner’s commitment to provide more detailed information about the proposed financial assistance scheme for black cab drivers by the end of April,” O’Gorman said.
Freenow welcomes commitment to outline details of proposed assistance package by end of April following London Assembly scrutiny
The potential introduction of financial support comes amid ongoing concerns about the cost of purchasing purpose-built taxis, particularly zero-emission capable models such as the LEVC TX, which represent a significant upfront investment for drivers.
O’Gorman added that industry stakeholders have been pressing for intervention to address these cost pressures. “We’ve been calling on the Mayor to introduce a financial support package for black cab drivers to mitigate the high costs associated with purchasing a new vehicle,” he said.
TfL has been under increasing pressure to balance its environmental targets with the economic realities faced by drivers, many of whom are required to upgrade vehicles to meet emissions standards while managing rising operating costs.
“We’re delighted to hear that TfL is seriously considering such a scheme to support the purchase of new and second hand taxis,” O’Gorman continued. “We look forward to hearing more and are ready to work with TfL to support the development and roll out of this crucial initiative.”
While no specific funding structure or eligibility criteria have yet been confirmed, further details expected in April are likely to be closely scrutinised by drivers, vehicle manufacturers and fleet owners.
