London's Traditional Black Cabs May Be Fading Away?

In the heart of the British capital, London, a legendary icon is facing a potential extinction by 2045. Over the past decade, nearly 10,000 Black cabs have vanished from the city's streets, leaving a void that the ride-hailing services are eager to fill.

The profession of a Black cab driver is not just a job, but a badge of honour, requiring an extensive knowledge of London's 27,000 streets and over 10,000 buildings. Known as "The Knowledge," this training program is one of the toughest courses in the world, demanding a level of commitment that few are willing to undertake.

However, times are changing. In response to technological advancements and regulatory changes, the training requirements for London's Black Cabs have been updated. The new licensing and knowledge program now focuses on skills such as electric vehicle operation and digital navigation tools, alongside the traditional "Knowledge of London" mastery.

The industry is raising alarm bells due to the phase-out of subsidies, scheduled for next year. Gert Kretov, the director of the school for Black cab drivers, admits that the profession is at risk. "The high cost of vehicles for Black cab drivers is a significant hurdle for graduates," he says, "and the phase-out of subsidies could lead to the extinction of Black cabs."

The current rate of new Black cab drivers passing the test each year has significantly decreased. Last year, only around 100 new drivers passed, compared to a thousand per year previously. This shortage of candidates is a worrying sign for the future of the Black cab industry.

A passerby in London expressed concern about the potential disappearance of Black cabs, stating, "I don't take taxis, but I can't imagine them disappearing." The sentiment is shared by many, who see the iconic Black cabs as a symbol of London's rich history and culture.

Despite the challenges, the school for Black cab drivers, The Knowledge, is planning to modify the training to reduce the required knowledge compared to ten years ago. This move is aimed at making the profession more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.

The potential disappearance of Black cabs by 2045 is a concern for many. As the city moves towards a more digitised and competitive transportation landscape, it remains to be seen whether the iconic Black cabs will be able to hold their ground.