London Black Taxis.net

London’s black cab drivers can now benefit from an additional service and repair facility thanks to the opening of a new LTI Vehicles Service Dealer.
Ascott Cab Co., based in London SE8, provides the capital’s licensed black taxis cab trade with routine servicing, unscheduled repairs and now LTI warranty work for the world famous purpose-built London [...]

London’s black-taxi fares will increase 3.4% starting April 4th to help London licensed black taxi drivers meet higher costs.
The average fare for a taxi trip on a weekday during working hours will rise 33 pence to £10.16.
The change was prompted by a 3.7% increase in operating costs this year, with diesel fuel 4.1% more expensive.
London [...]

I just received an urgent text from KPM Taxis (UK) Plc telling me that they are still trading normally. Apparently,there is a malicious rumour going around that they have ceased trading. Lets hope that all is OK with KPM, as the taxi trade needs them to compete with Mann and Overton. Otherwise buying and selling [...]

The problem with TX4’s catching fire has been hopefully diagnosed and rectified (don’t hold your breath).
Yesterday I noticed an unbelievable add by Mann and Overton offering £5000.00 discount on all new TX4’s.
Business must really be bad for M & O to offer such huge discounts.
It makes you wonder why they were selling the TX4’s for £5k [...]

Its absolutely unbelievable that 8 of LTI’s fleet of TX4’s have caught fire.
Actually, from a well informed source I understand the number to be nearer 22 cabs catching fire.
This is outrageous.
Paying £34K for a vehicle that could catch fire doesn’t exactly breed confidence in taxi drivers or the general public.
I predict that LTI will behave in their usual arrogent manner [...]

The new breed of Mercedes Benz taxis are now on the road.
Thankfully, there only a handfull visible.
It is almost shocking to encounter one of these newly passed PCO vehicles.
My first instinct is to run them off the road thinking they are scabs.
Then reality kicks in and I realise that they are the newly passed Mercs. [...]

I worked on Tuesday and I must say that I was amazed by the sheer number of people now riding bicycles.
I just couldn’t believe it.
It ran into hundreds.
I guess its a great way to beat the congestion charge and the high price of fuel. Plus, it keeps you pretty fit too!
It’s not so good for [...]

Although I’m only working 2-3 days a week I can’t help noticing how busy it is out on the streets.
With all the “doom and gloom” being publicised each and every day it comes as quite a relief that the punters are still willing to hire our black cabs and still offer up tips.
Long may it [...]

Santa Claus is alive and well and living in Lapland. I should know I picked him up today. A nicer person it would be difficult to find. He and his wife were in London for the Easter weekend to buy presents for their grandchildren.
So good to know Santa has a regular family like the rest of [...]

Well it’s here! The dreaded “kipper” is upon us.
Saturday saw plenty of punters around earlier, and business seemed buoyant up till approx 9pm.
After dinner the streets were deserted and it seemed like the kipper” had struck.
Sunday confirmed my feelings.
It was probably my worst Sunday of all time, with the streets emptied of all living [...]