TfL’s black cab Action Plan still ‘lacks a clear vision for the future’, says FREENOW UK boss
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
FREENOW UK General Manager Danny O’Gorman has criticised the latest TfL Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, warning that it fails to offer a credible route forward for the capital’s black cab industry.
Following a meeting of the London Assembly Transport Committee on Tuesday, O’Gorman said: “Yesterday’s meeting was another missed opportunity to provide the clarity and leadership the taxi trade urgently needs. The Action Plan, as it stands, lacks a clear vision for the future of the black cab trade in London.”
O’Gorman pointed to the lack of firm timelines, measurable targets, and funding commitments within the plan. He questioned how TfL intends to tackle the decline in licence numbers, which he says has now dropped to below 15,000, and called for more substantial backing to make the trade viable for new and existing drivers.
One key issue is the cost of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. Since 2017, the purchase price of a new electric taxi has jumped by 39%, a rise that is not being matched by continued public support. O’Gorman urged TfL and City Hall to make use of the Mayor’s Green Finance Fund to ease the financial burden on drivers. He said this funding route has “real potential” and should have been prioritised.
During the Committee meeting, TfL acknowledged the rising costs and difficulty in funding further support, despite previous de-licensing schemes and central government grants. Assembly Members also criticised the slow processing of licensing applications and poor communication with drivers, with hundreds of cases still delayed.
In a further criticism, O’Gorman addressed the recent move to ban taxis from Oxford Street, arguing it would harm vulnerable groups who rely on cabs for accessible door-to-door transport. He warned the decision would not only limit passenger access but also reduce earnings for drivers.
The meeting also saw frustration from Assembly Members and trade bodies over what they described as a lack of firm action in the plan. Many said the document relies too heavily on future consultations, with few practical steps in place to reverse declining driver numbers or make the profession more appealing.
TfL officers defended their approach, stating that while the plan sets a five-year direction, they are open to accelerating elements of it. They confirmed that steps such as reviewing knowledge requirements, improving training materials and exploring marketing options are already under way. However, they admitted that timelines were not included for many actions due to limited resources and the need for further engagement.
O’Gorman added: “Yesterday’s meeting was another missed opportunity to provide the clarity and leadership the taxi trade urgently needs. The Action Plan, as it stands, lacks a clear vision for the future of the black cab trade in London.
“Without timelines, tangible targets or clear funding commitments, it remains unclear as to how TfL intends to reverse the decline in taxi licences - which have plummeted to well below 15,000 in the last year, while ensuring the profession remains an attractive and viable career.
“Drivers need greater support in making the switch to greener vehicles, particularly as public subsidies come to an end and vehicle costs continue to rise - since 2017, the cost of purchasing a new electric cab has surged by 39% in cash terms. We believe the Green Finance Fund has real potential to help more taxi drivers go electric, and we have been actively campaigning hard for this support in recent months. It’s disappointing that this wasn’t addressed as part of a joined-up approach to support the trade’s future.
“Black cabs have a vital role to play as part of a sustainable and accessible transport network within the capital. To safeguard its future, the trade now needs clear, practical support and policy action to match its ambitions.
“At the same time, the now approved plan to ban taxis from Oxford Street undermines the role of black cabs as one of the most accessible transport options in the capital. A blanket ban will disproportionately impact disabled passengers, older citizens and visitors who rely on door-to-door travel while also impacting drivers' earnings. We urge City Hall and TfL to work with the trade on solutions that balance pedestrian access with inclusive transport.”
