New research has suggested that passengers think the capital's next mayor and TfL should be doing more to support the city's iconic black cabs as they are 'at risk of becoming extinct'.
MyLondon reports that the study by taxi app FREENOW UK has revealed that 65 per cent of taxi users feel that the industry needs more help.
It comes after the current Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, warned in December of an ‘exodus’ of cabbies as they could ‘go the way of the telephone box’. Now, FREENOW UK claims that there has been a drastic drop in the number of black cabs available, which has 'directly impacted' residents and visitors to the city.
The company adds that just over half (51%) of the 1,000 people surveyed in the UK who took a black cab ride in the last one to three months travel by black cab multiple times a week, with some as frequently as every single day. In addition, more than 40% are said to complement their black cab trips with public transport and by walking or cycling.
The business suggests that this 'highlights how black cabs are an integral part of London’s transport offer'. Its study also showed that:
FREENOW UK also says respondents think reform to the The Knowledge is 'essential', with almost 59% agreeing that it should be 'simplified'.
Mariusz Zabrocki, General Manager at the company, said: “Anyone visiting or living in London knows that black cabs are a cornerstone of the capital, and our research cements this as 40% of passengers like the peace of mind travelling in black cab guarantees, supplemented by the trust ability of drivers.
"To ensure their longevity, London’s next Mayor will need to pay close attention to the sentiments of passengers using black cabs, who feel they will always be around, ensuring the trade continues to thrive as a fundamental mode of transport for the city’s citizens."
A spokesperson for Mr Khan said: "Sadiq has always been clear that London’s black cabs are the envy of the world, with drivers’ unparalleled expertise and the high quality service they provide every day. That’s why Sadiq has continued to support black cabs – increasing the amount of the bus lane network they can use, funding their transition to net zero, exempting them from the Congestion Charge and ULEZ, and providing 100 more taxi ranks across London."
The Tory candidate, Susan Hall, says in her manifesto: "London’s black cabs are iconic. Not only are they steeped in history, but most of the fleet is electric and wheelchair accessible. Currently, black cabs are banned from using some bus lanes and bus gates. I will help black cabs get you from A to B quicker."
Green Party candidate, Zoë Garbett promises in her plan to 'upgrade' more of London's transport network with step-free access and 'give priority to disabled and older passengers taking non-emergency taxi journeys'. She would also support cabs and their drivers by expanding fast charging points into Outer London 'more quickly' and making sure more 'dedicated rest and toilet facilities' are provided in 'a network that provides for all drivers’ needs'.
There is no specific mention of cabs in Liberal Democrat, Rob Blackie's manifesto.
Source: https://www.mylondon.news/news/transport/next-london-mayor-tfl-told-29067275
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