RANK OR NOT TO RANK? London cabbies reveal how they find passengers throughout the day in the capital
- Perry Richardson
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Finding regular work as a London black cab driver takes more than simply switching on the for-hire light. In today’s trade, many drivers use a blend of street hails, ranks and booking apps to maintain steady demand. One working cabbie shares how he tackles and average shift and keeps his work consistent across the year.
Like most cities, London has clear seasonal shifts in demand. The driver notes that Easter school holidays often bring some of the slowest weeks of the year. Other quieter periods include the August Bank Holiday, especially for those who operate in west London. “I tend to avoid working around Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove during the carnival weekend,” he says. “People living there tend to leave the area in the lead up and the roads are restricted during the event.”
Christmas is a different story. Although quieter in terms of passenger numbers, the limited number of drivers on the road means steady earnings can still be made.
The driver runs long shifts over fewer days to reduce the impact of a long commute into London from the west. He typically starts work in the Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove area, using apps like FreeNow and Gett to pick up early work linked to school runs and commuters. That pattern keeps things flowing up until around 10am.
From mid-morning, demand tends to drop off slightly. “That’s when I adjust where I place myself,” he explains. “I move just west of Marylebone, where there’s decent app activity, and still the opportunity of street work, but fewer cabs driving around. That’s the key – finding high-density areas with light cab coverage.”
While some drivers prefer to sit on ranks, this one rarely does. “I only stop if there’s a visible queue and no cabs. Paddington Station can be alright at weekends but otherwise I prefer to keep moving.”
From lunchtime onwards, central areas tend to stay busy with steady street work. By 4pm the evening run picks up as workers and students head home or to rail stations. The quieter period between 8 and 9pm offers a natural break, though some drivers push through by targeting large offices or app users linked to business accounts.
Late-night trade isn’t what it used to be. With the decline in nightclubs, the early hours are no longer as productive. However, the final wave of work around the last trains still brings opportunity.
“There’s no single right way to work a cab in London,” he says. “Some sit on ranks all day, others rely fully on the apps. I do a bit of both and keep it flexible depending on what’s around me.”
Not every cabbie is chasing back-to-back jobs through apps. For some drivers, especially those easing into semi-retirement, the ranks at mainline train stations and luxury hotels still offer steady work, a sense of routine and valuable flexibility.
One driver, now working part-time after decades in the trade, shares how the ranks help him keep earning without the intensity of full-time shifts. “I tend to start early, around 6am, and head for the mainline stations,” he says. “Paddington, Victoria, King’s Cross – these always bring a reliable start to the day, especially with early commuters and long-distance travellers.”
Beyond the work, there’s a strong social element to the morning shift. “You tend to see the same faces at that time of day. It’s a good chance to catch up and swap a few stories before the day gets going.”
Once the initial rush fades, this driver moves across to some of the larger high-end hotels, particularly those with popular restaurants and concierge services that frequently book black cabs for guests. “Some days it’s steady, some days slower, but the hope is to get a longer run out to Heathrow, or even better for me Gatwick, as I live out that way. That’s always the bonus.”
Unlike some of the more app-focus drivers, this cabbie prefers a more measured pace. “I’m not chasing every job. I know my spots, and I know the type of passengers I’ll get from them. It works for me.”
While the cost of operating a cab has risen in recent years, he admits it has pushed him to do a few more hours than before. “Fuel, insurance, fees – it all adds up. But I still control when and how long I work. That’s a big plus.”
He sees the job as ideal for those looking to scale back gradually without stepping away entirely. “I’m not retired, but I’m not working full tilt either. It’s a good balance. The trade’s still here for people like me.”
