TfL urged to introduce fresh targeted grants as £70,000 electric taxi costs threaten WAV fleet numbers
- Perry Richardson
- 40 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Transport for London is being urged to introduce targeted financial support for black cab drivers to address rising vehicle costs, as industry figures warn that recruitment efforts alone will not halt a decline in wheelchair-accessible vehicle numbers.
In an exclusive interview with TaxiPoint, Freenow by Lyft UK General Manager Danny O’Gorman said the cost of entering and remaining in the trade is now a central barrier to sustainability. He said: “Recruitment is only half the battle; the high cost of vehicles is one of the biggest pain points for drivers. If we want new drivers to stay, TfL must provide the financial support needed to handle rising vehicle costs to make the job sustainable for the long haul.”
London’s licensed taxi fleet is the only 100% wheelchair-accessible transport network in the capital. However, the transition to zero-emission capable models such as the LEVC TX has significantly increased upfront costs for owner-drivers. The latest TX electric taxi is priced at more than £70,000, according to industry estimates, placing pressure on both new entrants and existing drivers replacing ageing vehicles.
O’Gorman said: “London’s black cab trade remains the only 100% wheelchair-accessible transport network in the capital, but we are reaching a breaking point. While every new TX electric taxi is designed for total inclusivity, the sheer cost of these vehicles, now exceeding £70,000, is driving a steady decline in the number of cabs on our streets.”
Freenow’s UK general manager calls for urgent financial support to stem decline in wheelchair-accessible black cabs and secure long-term driver recruitment
The warning comes amid continued concern over falling wheelchair-accessible vehicle numbers and an ageing driver workforce. Although applications for the Knowledge of London have shown signs of recovery, overall fleet numbers remain below historic levels.
O’Gorman called on Transport for London to introduce a targeted grant scheme covering both new and used TX taxis. He referenced support introduced in Greater Manchester, stating that similar measures could help bridge the affordability gap in the capital.
“We are calling on TfL to introduce a targeted grant for both new and used TX taxis, similarly to what was done in Manchester through the Clean Air Greater Manchester Hackney Support Fund,” he said. “By bridging the funding gap and addressing the VAT burden on purpose-built WAVs, we can ensure that being a taxi driver remains a viable career and, more importantly, that London remains a world leader in accessible transport.”
The Clean Air Greater Manchester Hackney Support Fund was introduced to assist hackney carriage drivers upgrading to compliant vehicles as part of local clean air plans. Industry stakeholders argue that a London equivalent, tailored to zero-emission capable taxis, would provide immediate relief while supporting environmental and accessibility objectives.
Alongside vehicle costs, the trade faces demographic pressures. With an ageing workforce and historically low entry rates following the pandemic, operators and representative bodies have sought to stimulate interest through training and outreach initiatives. Freenow has introduced a Knowledge subsidy covering 100% of Knowledge costs for eligible drivers, while the London Taxi Drivers’ Association has increased its presence at recruitment events.
O’Gorman said: “London’s taxi trade is at a crossroads. While interest in the Knowledge is rising, we’ve seen the taxi fleet shrinking significantly. At Freenow, we’re removing the first barrier by supporting drivers with our Knowledge subsidy which covers 100% of Knowledge costs, and we applaud and support LTDA’s proactive work, such as presence at job fairs to find the next generation.”
However, he maintained that financial intervention on vehicle acquisition remains critical. Without measures to reduce capital expenditure and ongoing tax burdens, industry figures warn that accessibility standards could be compromised by continued fleet contraction.
For TfL and City Hall, the debate carries operational and regulatory implications. The black cab network plays a statutory role in providing wheelchair-accessible services across the capital, complementing other modes. Any sustained reduction in fleet numbers could place additional strain on accessible transport provision, particularly for spontaneous travel where pre-booked alternatives may not be available.
The extent and structure of any future grant scheme remain uncertain. TfL has previously operated plug-in taxi grants in partnership with central government, but funding levels and eligibility criteria have evolved over time. With electric vehicle mandates and accessibility obligations continuing to shape the sector, calls for renewed, targeted intervention are likely to intensify in 2026.
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