The Curious Case of the London Black Cab: A Number on the Move
Ah, the London black cab. A cultural icon as reliable as a cuppa tea and twice as twisty as the River Thames. But how many of these trusty steeds are actually roaming the streets these days? Buckle up, because this, my friends, is a number on the move!
The Glory Days (and There Were Many)
Once upon a time, black cabs ruled the roost. We're talking thousands upon thousands, a veritable sea of black in a city that wouldn't be the same without them. In fact, back in 2013, there were a whopping 22,200 black cabs navigating the city's labyrinthine streets.
The Great Ride-Sharing Ripple
Then came the ride-sharing revolution. Those sleek, app-summoned cars started popping up everywhere, offering a different kind of taxi experience (and let's be honest, sometimes a cheaper one). This, as you might expect, caused a bit of a rumble in the black cab jungle.
Black Cab Numbers: A Taxi-ing Tale
The number of black cabs has been, well, taking a taxi itself – steadily downwards. As of 2023, the figure sits around 15,100. That's still a fair few taxis, but it's a significant drop from the halcyon days of yore.
So, what does this mean for you, the curious London explorer?
Fear not, black cabs aren't disappearing into the night (well, not literally, thanks to their signature colour). You'll still find plenty on the streets, especially if you hail one the old-fashioned way (by sticking your arm out like a human semaphore).
Here's a handy dandy bonus fact: Did you know that over half of London's black cabs are now zero-emission? That's right, you can cruise around the city in a black cab with a clean conscience (and maybe even impress your fellow passengers with your eco-warrior cred).
Black Cab FAQs: Your Mini-Guide to London's Taxis
How to hail a black cab? The classic arm-out method still works a charm. Alternatively, you can find taxi ranks around the city or use a black cab app.
How much does a black cab ride cost? Fares vary depending on distance and time, but metered rides are the norm.
How can I tell a black cab from a private hire vehicle (PHV)? Black cabs are traditionally black (shocker!), have a yellow taxi sign on top, and display their license plate on the front. PHVs, on the other hand, come in all colours and don't have the yellow taxi sign.
How do I become a black cab driver? The Knowledge beckons! Aspiring black cab drivers need to pass the infamous London taxi driver knowledge test, which requires memorizing an incredible amount of streets and landmarks.
Are black cabs wheelchair accessible? Since 2000, all black cabs have been fully wheelchair accessible.
