London black cab fleet stabilises as retirements slow and Knowledge numbers rise
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
London’s black cab fleet remains below the 14,000 vehicle mark but is showing signs of stabilisation, according to the latest figures and commentary published in the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association’s (LTDA) trade newspaper.
A fleet columnist writing in the TAXI Newspaper said overall cab numbers are “holding their own”, while pointing to an increase in drivers undertaking the Knowledge of London as a notable positive for the trade.
As of 1 December 2025, total licensed black cabs stood at 13,961. While this remains short of historic levels, the columnist said there is “certainly room for optimism” as the industry moves into 2026, particularly following a prolonged period of declining driver numbers.
One of the most significant developments highlighted was a reported slowdown in retirements. Drivers are choosing to stay in work longer, with earnings described as strong enough to encourage continued participation in what the columnist referred to as a demanding trade.
Industry figures show early signs of recovery heading into 2026, with funding support and earnings cited as key factors
The article also pointed to the role of vehicle funding schemes in influencing driver behaviour. It suggested that drivers approaching retirement, particularly those whose cabs are reaching the end of their operational life, may now be reconsidering their exit plans if financial support allows them to replace vehicles and extend their careers.
According to the commentary, this could result in drivers “doing a U-turn” on retirement decisions, strengthening fleet numbers at a time when new supply from recently qualified drivers has yet to fully offset previous losses.
The columnist argued that maintaining experienced drivers on the road could help bring an end to the long-running decline in licensed taxi numbers, which has been exacerbated in recent years by low completion rates for the Knowledge and wider industry pressures.
Fleet composition figures published alongside the commentary show the majority of vehicles are now electric. LEVC models accounted for 9,118 vehicles, followed by 1,441 Mercedes Vitos and 173 Metrocab DYNamos. Legacy diesel models remain in smaller numbers, with 18 TX2s listed and 3,211 TX4s reported in the data.
While the total fleet remains constrained, the combination of rising Knowledge numbers, fewer retirements and continued driver earnings is being framed by industry voices as a potential turning point after what was described as a rocky period for London’s taxi trade.
