Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
A ramp and secure wheelchair space ensure passengers can board and travel safely without leaving their wheelchair.
Grab handles and seating edges
All grab handles and seat edges are yellow for high visibility to assist passengers with limited mobility or vision impairments.
Flip-Down Seats
Flip-down seats offer flexible seating for up to 3 persons, allowing space for carers or additional passengers when not needed for a wheelchair.
Partition Between Driver and Passenger
A partition provides privacy, enhances safety, and reduces noise for a more comfortable journey.
Seat restraints
Each taxi is fitted with a full three point seat-belt for passenger safety whilst travelling.
Hearing Induction Loop
The hearing induction loop system helps passengers with hearing aids hear the driver clearly by reducing background noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wheelchair Accessibility
Yes, all black cabs are wheelchair accessible. They are equipped with ramps and a designated secure space to accommodate passengers who use wheelchairs.
The taxi is equipped with ramps that allow wheelchair users to board comfortably. Once inside, there is a spacious area where the wheelchair can be secured safely using seatbelt restraints.
If you use a wheelchair, the taxi fare meter should not start until you are safely secured in the vehicle. The only additional cost than the metered fare may be the TfL-approved booking fee of £2.00 (inclusive of VAT), if applicable. It is unlawful to apply additional costs for wheelchair users.
All London taxis include features to aid passengers with limited mobility or vision impairments:
- Swivel Seat: Assists passengers with limited mobility by extending to the exterior of the vehicle, facilitating easier movement into the taxi.
- High-Visibility Grab Handles: Large, brightly colored grab handles offer extra support and stability.
- Low-Level Floor Lighting: Illuminates the taxi floor to aid passengers when boarding or alighting in low-light conditions.
Intermediate Step: Provides an additional step to assist passengers when entering or exiting the vehicle.
Note: Intermediate Step is only available on Vito and Nissan taxis, it is not a universal feature.
Yes, London taxis are equipped with an induction hearing loop system. This system reduces background noise and enhances communication between the driver and passengers who use hearing aids.
Safety features include:
- Partition Between Driver and Passengers: Provides privacy and enhances safety during the journey.
- Secure Wheelchair Restraints: Ensure that wheelchairs are safely secured during transit.
Unless the driver carries a disability exemption certificate themselves, all taxi drivers are legally obligated to assist passengers with disabilities, including helping wheelchair users board and exit the vehicle and securing the wheelchair safely. They are also required to carry assistance dogs at no extra charge. The fare meter must not be started prior to the safe boarding of a wheelchair user.
Absolutely. Taxi drivers must carry assistance dogs accompanying passengers at no additional cost. The assistance dog should be seated with their owner at all times.
If you encounter any problems, such as a driver refusing to assist with a wheelchair or denying access to an assistance dog, you can report the incident to Transport for London (TfL) for investigation and appropriate action.
Yes, the Taxicard scheme provides subsidised taxi travel for people with serious mobility impairments or those who struggle to use public transport. The scheme allows members to take trips at reduced fares.
These features and services demonstrate London's commitment to making its taxi services inclusive and accessible to all passengers.
