Taxi Driver Online

04/2008 12:47:22
London Taxis
Dear Boris
After all the changes in the UK regarding our attitude to unions and closed shops, I don't understand why London is still being 'strangled' by the closed shop of the black cabs?
Surely there is some way of opening up the taxi system in London to more competition. The prices are ridiculous.
OK. I have never studied the theory of capital cities and taxi systems, but surely we need to be more imaginative. It hurts the city in so many ways that the taxis are so overpriced.
I love the tradition of London but change can be good! How miserable it is that those of all ages and professions, and our visitors are fleeced on their trips around town. Not all mini-cab drivers are rapists as the union would have us believe. The knowledge is now redundant. If taxis and minicabs were cheaper, I would use them so much more. I would leave my car at home and use them. I could go on. It drives me mad, and plenty of other people seem to write about this in the papers but nothing ever seems to happen.
I look forward to your thoughts.

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View Profile 16/04/2008 14:14:50
Re:London Taxis
You are right that the prices are high - but they are set by the carriage office and Transport for London.

I think the taxis do a wonderful job for London, and they need support. That's why I am going to allow black cabs in all bus lanes, scrap the six monthly inspection, and put a member of the cab trade on the board of TfL.