JOIN THE RANKS: LTDA floods careers show with hundreds of interested new cab driver recruits in just two days
- Perry Richardson
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has reported a surge in interest from potential new entrants after attending the What Career exhibition at Olympia, positioning the event as part of a broader effort to stabilise driver numbers and promote the long-term viability of the London taxi trade.
Writing in the LTDA’s TAXI Newspaper, executive Anthony Street said the association’s presence at the two-day exhibition exceeded expectations, with hundreds of visitors engaging directly with representatives about becoming London taxi drivers. Street said the response validated the decision to invest in proactive recruitment rather than relying on organic interest alone.
“By the end of the two-day exhibition, the impact was clear. We had 598 requests for more information,” Street wrote. “That’s 598 potential new Knowledge students in just 48 hours.” He added that the level of engagement demonstrated that “people still respect our trade and want to be a part of it”.
The LTDA framed the exhibition as a response to sustained pressures on the trade, including falling driver numbers, vehicles leaving service and a decline in Knowledge students reaching the badge. Street acknowledged that while demand for professional, regulated taxi services remains strong, the pipeline of new drivers has not kept pace.
Trade body reports strong engagement from prospective Knowledge students at London showcase event
“London still needs us, but the next generation is not coming through fast enough,” he said. He argued that traditional methods of promoting the trade are no longer sufficient, particularly as younger audiences increasingly rely on social media for career information.
Street said misconceptions about the trade remain widespread, with some potential entrants wrongly believing cab drivers work for companies rather than operating as independent professionals. He said conversations at the stand frequently centred on independence, career control and self-employment, which he described as core strengths of the profession.
“Many were surprised to learn that we do not work for a company, but instead operate as independent professionals,” he wrote. “This sparked many conversations about freedom, independence and career control.”
The LTDA stand featured support from a range of industry stakeholders, including Transport for London, FREENOW, JUMP, WizAnn and The Taxi Academy. Street singled out the contribution of LTDA staff and partner organisations, saying their “hard work, insight and enthusiasm made a strong impact on everyone who visited us”.
Looking ahead, Street said the exhibition should be viewed as part of a longer-term strategy to rebuild interest in the trade. While acknowledging that overall driver numbers have declined in recent years, he said rising engagement from prospective entrants offered grounds for cautious optimism.
“The exhibition was more than just an event, it was a statement of intent,” he wrote. “When we reach out, when we explain the value of our trade, and when we show the pride behind the badge, the response is incredibly positive.”
