FREE NOW's Mission to Boost Cabbie Numbers in London
The London taxi industry is iconic. Renowned the world over for their knowledge and professionalism, black cab drivers are part of the capital's lifeblood. However, the taxi industry in London has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. With a significant decline in licensed drivers due to the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the rising cost of living, the industry has been struggling to recover.
In an attempt to boost driver numbers, FREE NOW, is now offering a financial lifeline to aspiring black cab drivers to help them through the Knowledge of London.
What is the Knowledge of London?
The Knowledge, a test first established in 1865, demands drivers memorize thousands of roads and destinations within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross. The test has changed dramatically since it was first introduced, but it still takes on average around 2 years to complete and can cost several thousands of pounds.
In recent years, the time and money needed to be invested to become a London cabbie has been a huge obstacle to entry into the industry. Something that has desperately needed addressing considering the current state of the industry in the capital.
Current State of the London Taxi Industry
The industry has witnessed a startling decrease in licensed taxi drivers. Government statistics indicate a reduction of 14,000 licensed Hackney carriage drivers since 2019, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic. The collapse in passenger demand led many drivers to seek alternative employment whilst many older drivers decided to retire early.
This shortage poses not just an economic challenge but a public safety concern, as highlighted by Steve Wright of the Licensed Private Hire Car Association (LPHCA). Speaking to the BBC, he said:
“If policies don't change, people are going to be sexually assaulted, drivers attacked, fist fights outside of pubs and special needs children who can't get to school ...People already can't get home, they're stranded and at serious risk."
The fear of increased violence against women and girls is a key concern echoed by many advocacy groups.
FREE NOW's Knowledge Subsidy Initiative
In response, FREE NOW has launched an ambitious program to subsidize The Knowledge training for minicab drivers. This initiative, as Mariusz Zabrocki, FREE NOW UK's general manager, explains, is "the biggest recruitment push since preparations for the Olympics." With more than 820 applications received and 181 drivers already enrolled, the initiative covers all costs associated with The Knowledge - typically amounting to £4,000 to £5,000 - over two years.
With the cost of living, this is an expense that many aspiring drivers just can’t meet at the moment, so this initiative is a lifesaver for them.
There are certain eligibility criteria that need to be met before being accepted onto the initiative. Drivers must:
Be registered as a PHV Driver on the FREENOW app.
Have completed at least 100 trips in the last 12 months before you apply.
Have a driver rating of 4.6 or above at the time of your application.
Further to this, they have to maintain the following to continue being eligible:
Complete at least 90 trips every month (including your first month).
Cancellation rate can't be higher than 8%
Need to be an active student at the Knowledge school
The initiative has been well-received within the industry. Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association commends the increase in applicants studying The Knowledge, noting the high demand for taxi services. This positive sentiment is echoed across the industry, with many seeing it as a vital step in preserving London's world-renowned taxi service.
The Future of London's Taxi Industry
Is this initiative going to be enough to help driver numbers recover? That remains to be seen. But by alleviating financial and educational barriers, it does open the doors for a new generation of taxi drivers. This is particularly important considering that the average age of a drive is 51 years of age. Only 21% of UK taxi and private hire drivers are under the age of 40.
More initiatives removing barriers to the profession are going to be fundamental in ensuring the long-term survival of the industry. But if the industry has proven one thing, it is resilient.