The Great Black Cab Census: A Deep Dive into London's Most Regal Rides (or are they?)
Ah, the London black cab. As iconic as a cuppa and a good grumble about the weather. But have you ever wondered, while hurtling past Buckingham Palace at breakneck speeds (okay, maybe not that fast), just how many of these legendary taxis roam the streets? Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a thrilling investigation worthy of Sherlock Holmes himself (minus the deerstalker, hopefully).
 |
| How Many Black Cabs In London 2023 |
The Black Cab Caper: A Numbers Game Gone Wild
Here's the thing: pinning down an exact number of black cabs in London in 2023 is trickier than navigating the city during rush hour. There's no giant black cab counter at Big Ben, shocker, I know. But fear not, intrepid census-seeker! We can dig up some clues:
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
-
The Whispers of the Past: In 2013, there were an estimated 22,200 black cabs. Those were the heady days, eh? Fast forward to 2023, and whispers suggest a drop to around 15,100. So, it's safe to say the number is somewhere between there, and likely on a downward trend. Maybe those whispers are coming from the ghosts of black cabs past?
-
The All-London Taxi Takeover: Not all black cabs are created equal! There are two types of licenses: the coveted All London license (letting you prowl the entire city like a black cab ninja) and the Suburban license (restricting you to the outskirts, like a black cab on house arrest). This adds another layer of complexity to the grand black cab count.
-
The Verdict: It's a Black Cab Conundrum! While we can't pinpoint the exact number with laser accuracy (blame the lack of tiny black cab trackers, probably), it's safe to say there are tens of thousands gracing the streets of London. Enough to get you wherever you need to go, with a bit of trivia and a dose of quintessential London charm thrown in for good measure.
Black Cab Fun Fact Interlude (because why not?)
Did you know that a black cab driver has to undergo a grueling process called "the Knowledge" to get their license? It involves memorizing an insane amount of London streets and landmarks. Basically, they're human GPS, only way cooler (and probably less prone to battery death).
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
So You Say You Want to See a Black Cab?
Here are some tips (because apparently, even spotting a black cab in London requires detective work these days):
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
 |
- Head to Tourist Hotspots: Black cabs are a popular tourist attraction, so your chances of seeing one increase near Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, or other iconic landmarks. Just be prepared to share the view with a dozen selfie sticks.
- Hail a Ride (the Old-Fashioned Way): Feeling adventurous? Stick out your arm and see if you can snag a black cab the traditional way. Just remember, patience is a virtue, especially during peak hours.
- Download a Taxi App: While not exactly the same, hailing a black cab through a taxi app like Hailo can be a convenient option. Who knows, you might even get a fun fact from your driver about the Knowledge!
Frequently Asked Black Cabby Questions
How to hail a black cab in London? Stick out your arm and hope for the best (during non-peak hours, that is).
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
How much does a black cab ride cost? Brace yourself for a bit of sticker shock. Black cabs are generally more expensive than ride-sharing apps.
How can I become a black cab driver? First, prepare to embark on a legendary quest known as "the Knowledge." Memorizing the intricate streets of London is no mean feat.
Are black cabs disappearing? There has been a decline in the number of black cabs in recent years, but they're still a beloved part of the London landscape.
What's the difference between a black cab and a private hire vehicle (PHV)? Black cabs can be hailed on the street, while PHVs (like Ubers) must be pre-booked through an app. Black cabs also have to pass the Knowledge test, while PHV drivers don't.
 |
