London takes steps to support black cabs

LONDON said yesterday it would introduce new measures to support its iconic black cabs including giving access to more bus lanes and boosting the number of taxi ranks, just as private hire firms such as Uber face stricter rules in the UK capital.

The city’s traditional cabs have been hit by competition from a number of firms such as ride-hailing app Uber and private hire taxi firm Addison Lee, which have grown in popularity due to their often lower fares.

Under measures announced by the mayor of London, regulator Transport for London (TfL) will allow black cabs to access a further 20 of its bus lanes, provide journey details on its popular online journey planner tool and ensure all cabs accept card payments.

The number of taxi ranks will also increase by 20 percent to 600 by 2020.

“The taxi trade is an icon of our city and should be supported,” London mayor Sadiq Khan said. “While the legitimate private hire trade is an asset to London, we must not be complacent in ensuring it is safe for passengers. The need for greater enforcement and compliance, as well as stricter entry requirements, is clear for all to see.”

In June, TfL unveiled a series of proposals to regulate the private hire sector, prompting Uber, whose investors include GV, formerly known as Google Ventures, and Goldman Sachs, to launch legal action.

Legal review

The smartphone app won the right earlier this month for a legal review against written English tests for its drivers, the need for a London call centre and rules forcing it to inform TfL of major changes to its service.

TfL said yesterday that private hire drivers would also need to pass an advanced driving test prior to being licensed by the summer of next year, but did not provide details of what the additional testing would involve. – Reuters