TfL’s taxi and private hire licensing team expands by 14% over last two years as demand for minicab licences rockets

Image credit: DALL.E (AI generated)

Transport for London’s (TfL) Taxi and Private Hire (TPH) licensing department now operates with a team of 161 staff members, tasked with managing the complex process of licensing within the capital.

A Freedom of Information request made public shows this number steadily increase over the past two years, reflecting changes in licensing regulations and the growing demand for private hire services.

Twelve months ago, TfL employed 150 staff within this department, rising from 141 staff two years ago. This expansion comes in response to significant shifts within the industry. While the number of licensed taxi drivers has declined, the private hire vehicle (PHV) sector has experienced rapid growth, particularly following the pandemic.

The role of a licensing authority like TfL’s TPH department is crucial. It ensures that all taxi and private hire drivers and vehicles operating in London meet strict safety and regulatory standards. This includes processing new licence applications, renewals, and ensuring compliance with regulatory changes.

The increase in staff within the licensing team aligns with the rising number of PHV licences. As more people seek a job offering private hire services, particularly on ride-hailing platforms, the workload for processing and overseeing these licences has grown.