POPPY CABS: London taxi drivers prepare to transport war vets during Remembrance Sunday events

London’s taxi drivers have begun annual preparations to transport war veterans ahead of what could be a difficult and different Remembrance Sunday in central London.

Whilst no one really knows what measures will be put in place on the day as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, cab drivers remain determined to help attendees travel safely on the day.

“Poppy Cabs”, an organised group of proud London taxi drivers, will aim to make it easier for veterans to travel, across the capital in black cabs for free.

Started in 2009, the Poppy Cabs service is seen as an integral part of Remembrance Sunday, involving hundreds of London taxi drivers coming together to support the country’s veterans. For the last ten years London’s licensed cabbies have delivered over 10,000 free taxi journeys for veterans on Remembrance Sunday as part of the “Poppy Cabs” initiative.

In recent years over 5,000 veterans have used the free service funded entirely by the drivers themselves, alongside events organised by The Taxi Charity.

Mike Hughes, Independent Coordinator Poppy Cabs and London taxi driver, said: “The Remembrance Sunday free taxi service, Poppy Cabs, is preparing to meet the challenges of COVID-19, for the 2020 service on Sunday 8 November. Poppy Cabs has become an integral part of the annual Service and Parade. Indeed, especially for those wheelchair users, it would be almost impossible to attend without the help provided by London’s taxi service.

“There are usually more than 1,000 free taxi journeys in just 2 hours for the veterans going to and from the Cenotaph service with drivers, knowledge students and family members helping to marshal the event. Many drivers give up their day entirely for this service with others providing free service from normal taxi ranks.”

A specially designed Poppy Cab badge is available for a minimum donation of £5 by emailing mike@mikehughes.org.uk

The Poppy Cab badges raise funds for The Taxi Charity For Military Veterans and the Royal British Legion.