London cabbies to provide over 1,000 free black taxi rides for war veterans on Remembrance Sunday
- Perry Richardson
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
London’s taxi drivers are once again providing the free Poppy Cabs service for veterans attending today’s Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade at the Cenotaph. The initiative, run entirely by volunteer drivers, has become a key part of the capital’s remembrance events.
Around 1,000 journeys take place within a two-hour window as drivers collect and return veterans to and from the Cenotaph. Many cabbies give up their day entirely, while others operate from main taxi ranks. Knowledge students and family members assist with marshalling duties at key sites to help coordinate the operation.
The service works on a “turn up and go” basis from several transport hubs including the Victory Services Club, Union Jack Club, and mainline stations such as King’s Cross, Paddington, Liverpool Street, Victoria, and others. Pre-booked trips are also arranged for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Most passengers are taken to Admiralty Arch for the main service, with others heading to alternative remembrance venues across Westminster.
After the ceremony, taxis line up on Westminster Bridge to take veterans back to their original pickup points. A separate area at Admiralty Arch serves wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can travel safely and comfortably.
The operation has no central funding or organisation. It is coordinated informally by Mike Hughes, who helps match volunteer drivers with veterans who have specific needs. Costs are covered entirely by the drivers themselves, who view the day as one of the most meaningful contributions the trade makes each year.
Alongside the work of The Taxi Charity and similar initiatives, Poppy Cabs highlights the London taxi industry’s long-standing support for the armed forces community.
Today, several vintage black cabs will also be taking part, adding a nostalgic touch for many veterans who remember the vehicles from earlier decades. Among those benefiting are Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital, with taxis on hand to assist those unable to march in the main parade.
Every London taxi used in the operation is fully wheelchair accessible, allowing all veterans to attend the event with ease and dignity.
The Poppy Cabs initiative remains a strong example of collective charity support within the London taxi trade. Updates throughout the day can be followed via the official X account @PoppyCabs.
