In 2023, there were 89,600 Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) licensed in London, up from 49,900 in 2013. In comparison, the number of black taxis in London has fallen from 22,200 in 2013 to 15,100 in 2023.[1]
With a sharp increase in the number of PHV options for Londoners to choose from, what role will the iconic black taxi play in London’s future transport network?
Transport for London (TfL) is the licensing authority for London’s taxi and private hire industries. TfL sets the conditions PHVs and black taxis have to meet through the Taxi and Private Hire policy, which was last updated in December 2021.
The London Assembly Transport Committee will meet tomorrow to examine the role of black taxis and PHVs in London’s transport network, looking at why there has been a decline in taxi drivers and seeking an update on electrifying PHVs and black taxis.
The Committee will also seek to understand the workforce challenges affecting taxi and PHV drivers and to review the impact of the current licensing requirements.
Guests at the meeting include:
- Helen Chapman, Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging, TfL
- Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, TfL
- Steve McNamara, General Secretary, Licensed Taxi Drivers Association
- Mariusz Zabrocki, General Manager, Free Now
- Steve Wright MBE, Chair, Licensed Private Hire Car Association
- Asher Moses, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sherbet The Electric Taxi Company
The meeting will take place on Tuesday 23 January from 10am, in The Chamber, at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
Follow us @LondonAssembly.
Notes to editors
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- Department for Transport Data on Taxis, private hire vehicles and their drivers TAXI0101
- Full agenda papers.
- Keith Prince AM, Chairman of the Transport Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Transport Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Tony Smyth in the Assembly Media Office on 07510 488715. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.