A survey of Taxi and Private Hire passengers conducted by the London Assembly Transport Committee, which is currently chaired by Caroline Pidgeon, has found that less than half of passengers know whether a minicab is licensed, while only two thirds of black cab passengers know how to identify whether their taxi is licensed.
85 per cent of taxi and private hire passengers say it is important to know if a taxi or minicab is licensed in order to feel safe travelling in it.
Over the past six months, the London Assembly Transport Committee has conducted an in-depth investigation into the London taxi and private hire industry – surveying both passengers and drivers – and has highlighted some worrying problems.
You can read the full report, "Future Proof", here.
Speaking as chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline said
“The interest in and focus on the arrival of Uber in London has become a distraction from some very serious issues facing the Taxi and Private Hire industries. Transport for London’s performance as regulator and enforcer has been woefully inadequate and the interests of the passenger are being largely ignored. A strategy and vision for the future is essential in order to support the industry and provide the service that passengers require.
“TfL needs to get to grips with the basics – such as improving signage, installing more taxi ranks and staying ahead of the rapid technological advances, putting the passenger first – which is what Londoners and our visitors expect and deserve.”