TfL reviewing mandatory magnetic card swipe requirement for taxi drivers, says London Mayor

Transport for London (TfL) are reviewing mandatory magnetic card swipe requirements for taxi drivers says Mayor of London.

London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon raised concerns about the differing rules regarding magnetic card swipes for taxi drivers compared to other modes of public transport, including private hire. Pidgeon questioned Mayor Sadiq Khan about this issue and called for a review of the current condition.

In response, Mayor Khan explained that the requirement for magnetic card swipe payment option was initially implemented across the Transport for London (TfL) network, including taxis, in 2016. This decision aimed to cater to the large number of tourist bank cards that were not yet compatible with chip and pin or contactless payment methods at that time.

However, considering the feedback received from taxi stakeholders, TfL is currently conducting a review of card payments in taxis.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “The magnetic card swipe payment option was a design requirement across the Transport for London (TfL) network and was included in the taxi card payment device requirements when they were introduced in 2016. As set out in the 2016 TfL Board paper, this was to accommodate the high volume of tourist bank cards which were not able to use chip and pin or contactless functionality at the time the mandate was introduced.

“TfL is currently undertaking a review of card payments in taxis as a result of feedback from taxi stakeholders, and as part of this is seeking views as to the required functionality of payment devices.

“Please note that private hire vehicle fares, and thus the means of collecting those fares, are not regulated.“