Lee DaCosta takes control of Unify London Taxis and prepares rebrand as blackcab.com
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Lee DaCosta, founder of Cabvision Network Limited, has finalised the acquisition of Unify London Taxis and announced plans to relaunch the service as blackcab.com. The new platform is set to go live in August 2025.
The revamped service will remain exclusive to licensed Black Cab drivers and will not charge commission fees. In a move aimed at increasing driver involvement, the platform will also introduce voting rights on selected trade policy issues, including pricing decisions and custodianship.
DaCosta said the decision to buy Unify came from concerns about the direction of the industry. He confirmed the service will follow the regulated fare system set by Transport for London and continue to serve the trade exclusively.
Unify was originally founded by Michael Harris and his late wife Barbara. The couple launched the platform with the goal of uniting the Black Cab community and ensuring drivers earned the full metered fare, without additional fees or dynamic pricing.
Though linked to Cabvision Network Limited, blackcab.com will operate separately. The platform will focus on driver representation and transparent pricing for passengers.
DaCosta’s background includes a career in finance and a long-standing connection to the Black Cab trade. He played a key role in Cabvision’s support of TfL’s shift to card payment systems and has been active in the United Trade Action Group’s legal campaigns.
Further details on blackcab.com’s launch and features are expected in the coming weeks.
Lee DaCosta said: "I'm delighted to have completed the acquisition of Unity. With Michael's support, I look forward to relaunching as blackcab.com in the near future. I have completed this purchase as I have grave concers about the direction of travel for the industry, and I hope this acquisition and rebrand reassures drivers of our commitment to them and to the trade. Just like Cabvision, we are committed to working exclusively with Black Cab drivers and will continue to operate strictly within Transport for London's regulated fare structure."
Michael Harris, Founder of Unify, said: "I've been a long-time customer of Cabvision and am well aware of Lee's commitment to the trade through his work with UTAG. I'm proud to have built a business that honours Barbara's legacy, and equally pleased to have found a principled successor who shares our values and vision."
