London’s black cab drivers told to stick with manual rank process as Heathrow Airport delays digital overhaul
- Perry Richardson
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The planned introduction of Heathrow Airport’s new Taxi Feeder Management System (TFMS) has been delayed, with licensed London taxi drivers instructed to continue using the current manual feeder park process until further notice.
In an update shared by the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), Heathrow confirmed that the digital system will not go live as originally planned. No revised launch date has been announced, with the airport saying one will be communicated once it has been confirmed.
The delay means the operational arrangements at the Heathrow Taxi Feeder Park remain unchanged. Drivers will continue following the existing manual process and will still pay the standard £2.20 gate fee for each journey while waiting for the new system to become operational.
Drivers have also been urged to ensure they have downloaded the Nymbl app, logged in and confirmed their account is active so they are prepared when the system is eventually introduced. Heathrow said further updates would be provided through posters and videos displayed in the feeder park canteen.
In its message, Heathrow acknowledged that the postponement may disappoint drivers but said the decision had been taken to ensure “the new system is fully ready before launch”. The airport added that it appreciated drivers’ patience, cooperation and continued support during the extended transition period.
The new Taxi Feeder Management System is expected to modernise the management of London’s black cab feeder park at Heathrow by digitising parts of the dispatch and queuing process. However, with the rollout now postponed, thousands of drivers who regularly serve the UK’s busiest airport will continue operating under the established manual arrangements for the time being.
While Heathrow has not provided a reason for the delay, the announcement suggests further testing or preparation is required before the system can be introduced.
Until a new go-live date is confirmed, drivers are being encouraged to remain ready for the transition by ensuring their Nymbl accounts are active and by continuing to monitor official communications issued at the feeder park.
