DWINDLING NUMBERS: City Hall urged to review shortage of black taxis and its impact on people with disabilities

London’s iconic black cabs, a vital mode of transport for disabled residents and visitors, are becoming increasingly scarce on the capital's streets.

For over two decades, taxis have been a lifeline for those with extra mobility needs, thanks to their accessibility features. However, a significant reduction in their numbers is now threatening the independence of wheelchair users and others with mobility difficulties.

The impact of this decline is far-reaching. As the number of black cabs continues to fall, disabled individuals find it harder to navigate the city, affecting not just their daily lives but also the wider economy. Fewer accessible taxis could led to fewer visitors, less business, and a slower economic recovery for London, already under pressure from the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Dom Hyams, a prominent disability consultant and the founding editor of the Disability Power 100, highlighted the critical nature of this issue. "Accessible transport in London is not just a convenience; it is critical to inclusion and independence," Hyams stated. He pointed out that without sufficient accessible cabs on the road, disabled individuals are losing their freedom to move around the city, calling for immediate action to reverse this trend.

The statistics paint a stark and worrying picture. Since 2011, the number of licensed black cabs in London has plummeted by 37%. In contrast, the number of private hire vehicles, of which only a tiny fraction are wheelchair-accessible, has surged by 57% over the same period. This decline has led to a significant drop in the availability of black cabs, with just 1.7 per 1,000 Londoners in 2024, compared to 2.7 in 2013.

For those with mobility difficulties, this reduction is particularly concerning. Data from 2022 shows that disabled individuals rely heavily on taxis, averaging 17 trips per year, compared to just eight for those without mobility issues. The reason is clear: while other forms of public transport, such as the London Underground, remain largely inaccessible—with only 33% of stations offering step-free access—black cabs have provided a reliable alternative.

The London Assembly is set to address transport concerns in a meeting scheduled for Thursday 5 September, where Mayor Sadiq Khan and TfL Commissioner Andy Lord will face questions about the future of accessible transport in the city. As London grapples with these challenges, the future of its black cab fleet remains uncertain, raising critical questions about the city’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all.

Dom Hyams, Founding Editor of the Disability Power100 and a disability consultant, said: “Accessible transport in London is not just a convenience; it is critical to inclusion and independence. London’s black cabs are specially designed to be accessible and take wheelchair users, so the fewer there are on the road, the less we are free to move around the city. As a society, we must address this decline in accessible transport and start a real conversation with disabled people to create solutions that work for everyone.”

Sam Pooke, Senior Policy Manager at FREENOW UK, said: “The decline in the number of black cab drivers is a serious issue, having a significant impact on the inclusion and accessibility of London. We are calling on all London Assembly members to raise this with the Mayor and Commissioner at the upcoming London Assembly transport-focused plenary session, and would strongly urge Transport for London to address the drop in London taxi supply as part of their new Taxi and private hire vehicle Action Plan.”