The use of handheld payment devices DOES form part of wider taxi fare payment review confirms Mayor

Transport for London (TfL) is reviewing the rules concerning handheld payment devices and other payment requirements in the city's iconic black cabs, says London’s Mayor.

The comments come after Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon raised the question of whether TfL would approve handheld card readers for black taxi drivers and, if not, what the reasoning behind this would be.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, responded to the query, stating that all licensed taxis must be equipped with a TfL-approved card payment device installed in the passenger compartment, with the ability to produce a printed receipt if requested by the passenger. While some handheld devices were previously approved as fixed devices, there are now several options for handheld solutions that could potentially be approved if they were secured into a cradle within the passenger compartment.

The rationale behind having a fixed position for the card payment device in the passenger compartment is to facilitate an easier process for passengers to enter their card details and choose their preferred payment method. Additionally, the device must be affixed to the vehicle or an approved cradle to ensure passenger safety.

Mayor Khan further explained that TfL is currently conducting a review of card payments in taxis, taking into account feedback from various taxi stakeholders. As part of this review, TfL is seeking input on the necessary functionality of payment devices.

Khan said: “All licensed taxis must be fitted with a Transport for London (TfL) approved card payment device installed in the passenger compartment which has the facility to produce a printed receipt upon request by the passenger. Some handheld devices were previously approved as fixed devices, and there are a number of devices currently being offered as handheld solutions which could become approved devices if they were to be secured into a cradle in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

“A fixed position for the card payment device in the passenger compartment enables the passenger to more easily enter their card details and the method of payment and to manage the selection decision as to how they would like to pay their fare. The device must also be affixed to the vehicle or a cradle, approved by TfL, to ensure passenger safety.

“As set out in my response to (a previous) Mayor’s Question, TfL is currently undertaking a review of card payments in taxis as a result of feedback from taxi stakeholders, and as part of this is seeking views as to the required functionality of payment devices.”