London taxi drivers experience ‘pretty good’ summer demand as drivers hope for busy autumn

London’s taxi drivers have enjoyed a ‘pretty good’ August when it comes to demand and are hopeful moving into the autumn months.

Sam Houston, Senior Representative at the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), reflected on a positive summer for the taxi trade in London. Speaking in TAXI newspaper, Houston noted that August was particularly busy, especially during evening rush hours, which provided a hopeful outlook for September.

While demand has been high, Houston reminded drivers that the number of taxi drivers has dropped compared to five and ten years ago. This reduction in workforce doesn’t necessarily equate to an increase in overall business, despite the busy streets.

Houston observed that activity at airports held steady during August, which is typically quieter, with shorter wait times for drivers than in previous years. As the industry heads into September, Houston expressed optimism that airport demand will remain strong, as it often does during this period.

Houston said: “Looking back on it now, August seemed pretty good to me, and for our trade, with some properly busy days, especially in the evening rush. I’m hoping this leads us into a good September.

“It’s always worth remembering that even if we feel busy, there are fewer taxi drivers than there were five and ten years ago, so it does not mean the overall size or turnover of our collective business has increased. But there is demand out there, and plenty on the street, not just apps.

“I read a thing in the newspaper saying there are fewer tourists, but I don’t believe that myself, London has been heaving this Summer and it’s been great to see.

“Demand also held up pretty well at the airport, August is usually a quiet month but wait times have been better than in some previous years. Once we get through August, September is often busy at the flyers, so fingers crossed we have another good one out there.”