Jump app could succeed where other start-up taxi apps stalled thanks to existing tech and 6,000 driver reach
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 21
A new taxi app, Jump, is attracting strong interest from a section of London’s black cab trade by offering a no-commission alternative to existing platforms. Backed by established taxi tech firm Taxiworld, the app could prove to be one of the first trade-led platforms with the right ingredients to stick.
London’s black cab drivers have seen a steady flow of app-based options appear over the years. While platforms like FREENOW, Gett and ComCab have all established themselves within the market, some cabbies remain cautious around the potential for rising commission fees and shifting business models.
Jump’s model works slightly differently to others on the market. Instead of taking a cut of the fare, it charges only the existing card processing fee drivers already pay via Taxiworld’s in-cab payment system. That means cash jobs are commission-free, and card jobs are no more expensive to the driver than they would have been without the app. This approach means a Jump booking mirrors a street hail or rank job in earnings—something that’s not offered by other platforms.
Another factor working in Jump’s favour is its potential coverage. More than 6,000 black cabs are already fitted with Taxiworld’s technology, meaning drivers are automatically able to receive Jump work without needing to sign up or download another app. For new taxi apps, getting enough drivers active to meet customer demand is a common problem. Jump appears to sidestep that hurdle by piggybacking on existing tech already in widespread use.
Driver support is crucial, but customer uptake will ultimately determine success. To bring in bookings, Taxiworld says it is promoting the app across London and working to build partnerships with businesses, venues and hotels. However, as seen in the past, passengers will only continue using an app if they can reliably get a cab when needed. The driver base will need to actively accept work through Jump for it to gain traction.
For now, only drivers using Taxiworld’s system can access the app. That may limit medium-to-long-term growth but could also help maintain focus in the early years and give them a slice of the market share.
In a recent article in TAXI Newspaper, London Taxi Drivers’ Association’s (LTDA) Lloyd Baldwin said Jump feels different to other new entrants. He points to the long-standing presence of Taxiworld in the trade and their interest in supporting cabbies.
While cabbies are right to approach new apps with caution, Jump’s structure, lack of commission, and ready-made driver network give it a platform that many others have lacked in the past. With enough driver engagement and a push for passenger awareness, Jump may just find the balance needed to succeed where others have struggled.
