A LOST TAXI ART? How some taxi drivers are thriving building up their own private account work
The taxi industry has faced monumental shifts in recent years. The proliferation of ride-hailing apps and the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic have changed how most licensed taxi drivers operate across the capital.
Many cabbies, once reliant exclusively on street pick-ups, and more recently the ebb and flow of app-based work, have found themselves reconsidering how they approach their business. One approach, which has been gaining traction, is the revival of private account building—an avenue that offers a stable and consistent source of income amidst the changing landscape of the trade.
Steve Jay, a London taxi driver for almost 13 years, is one of the drivers who has successfully embraced this method. Reflecting on how the industry has evolved, Jay said on LinkedIn: “The job has changed quite dramatically since I joined this elite group of people. Covid and the ever-increasing use of apps has changed how we move around and how we work.” His experience highlights the broader challenge faced by often experienced drivers in the profession, who have been forced to adapt at an accelerated rate due to market changes and pressures.
In response to these changes, Jay began promoting himself to potential private clients. While continuing his work as a traditional London cabbie, he began to build a network of regular customers. “Since the onset of Covid, I started promoting myself on a more private level whilst still doing what cabbies do best,” he explains. What began as a supplement to his regular work soon grew into a significant part of his business, with private account jobs now comprising a large percentage of his income.
For many drivers, the appeal of private account work lies in the reliability it offers. Jay notes that his private clients include overseas customers who frequently visit London, as well as individuals who require a dependable transport service for medical appointments or everyday travel. The security of having a regular, trusted driver is highly valued by those with mobility issues or those seeking consistency, and in turn, it provides drivers with guaranteed income, often arranged in advance.
This kind of work provides several key benefits to drivers. First, it allows for a more predictable schedule. Unlike app-based platforms, where a driver’s income is tied to demand fluctuations, private account work often involves pre-arranged bookings. This not only gives drivers more control over their working hours but also helps mitigate the impact of periods of low demand.
Second, private account building offers the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with clients. A trusted driver can become indispensable to certain customers, particularly those who value reliability and safety. In an industry increasingly driven by technology, where passengers are often matched with whichever driver is closest, the personal touch of having a consistent point of contact can set traditional drivers apart.
Moreover, the financial rewards can be substantial. Regular private jobs means 100% of the fare paid by the customer, without the hefty commission fees that come with ride-hailing platforms. While the initial effort to market oneself to private clients might be time-consuming, the long-term benefits—both financial and in terms of job satisfaction—can be significant.
Diversifying income sources is becoming more crucial than ever in the face of increased competition. Many drivers are discovering that relying solely on app work or street fares leaves them vulnerable to even slight shifts in market conditions. The unpredictability of the apps’ pricing models and changes to regulations can make it hard for drivers to plan their finances long-term. Private work, however, allows drivers to maintain a degree of independence from these external forces.
The role of a London cabbie has always been one of independence and pride, but the current landscape demands adaptability. Drivers like Steve Jay, who are combining traditional street work with private account building, are discovering a way to maintain that independence while ensuring a steady, reliable income. For cabbies looking to future-proof their careers, it may be time to revisit this lost art and explore the possibilities it holds for a more secure and sustainable livelihood.
