Londoners feel more comfortable in a taxi over other forms of public transport, says YouGov data

The capital’s taxi service is currently seen as the most comfortable form of public travel when thinking about the risk of COVID-19, according to latest YouGov research.

According to latest data from YouGov, taxis are seen as the safest form of public transport by Londoners. Based on the results, just over three in five people feel either ‘fairly’ or ‘very’ comfortable travelling in a black cab, whilst a third still remains hesitant.

The YouGov survey polled a cross section of 1,132 people living in the capital, and in comparison found that Londoners were least comfortable travelling on the Underground. Just one in ten felt ‘very comfortable’ using the Tube and a further third felt ‘fairly comfortable’.

The data also highlighted over half of those polled still remain uncomfortable using the Underground to get around the capital. Just under half of those polled remain uncomfortable using buses and 42% of those asked still felt anxious travelling on overground train services

The findings come as the Prime Minister confirms the Government Roadmap is on track and planned Step 3 easements will go ahead on 17 May.

The Government’s “four tests” for easing restrictions have been met. Infection rates are at their lowest level since September, while hospital admissions and patients in hospital continue to decrease, with levels now similar to July last year.

According to Government sources, hospital admissions and cases of severe illness also remain in line with modelling provided by scientific experts for the Roadmap.

From the 17 May, the majority of the indoor and remaining outdoor economy can reopen, and gathering limits will increase indoors and outdoors. Guidance for close contact between friends and family will be updated, with people exercising their own personal judgement in line with the risks.

Transport for London (TfL) will be offering a ‘near-normal’ service across the public transport network and are still pushing active travel options which includes Santander Cycles and walking routes.

Taxi drivers in the capital offer segregated cabins for passengers and drivers in purpose built black cabs. Drivers and passengers must continue wearing face coverings whilst travelling and contactless payment is widely available in all vehicles.

Taxi receiving deep clean outside the Brit Awards event (credit: ComCab)

Hundreds of black cabs recently received a free electrostatic deep clean in London’s Russell Square in light of the further lockdown restrictions being lifted. A similar event also took place this week at the Brit Awards event outside the O2 in Greenwich.

TfL has also offered taxi drivers PPE packs containing 50 medical grade face masks, a bottle of Dettol hand sanitiser and a sticker that can be displayed in licensed vehicles reminding passengers that they are required to wear a face covering.