How Does TfL Communicate with London’s Taxi and Private Hire Sectors?

TfL revised its policy to engage with Taxi and Private Hire stakeholders in April 2022. The latest policy is an evolved form of TfL’s earlier policy, created in 2017 and builds on lessons learnt during the COVID-19 period.

During that time, TfL conducted remote meetings fortnightly with Taxi and private hire representatives, large operators, and booking platforms.

TfL’s current policy follows a similar pattern, but in a more formal and extended manner. For instance, TfL now conducts two monthly forums:

• The Licensing and Regulatory Forum: Involves Taxi and PH representatives like ADCU (App Drivers and Couriers Union). It covers licensing issues, regulatory changes, and operational matters affecting drivers and operators.
• The Technology Forum: Involves meetings with large PH and taxi booking platforms like Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee, etc. The meetings mostly focus on digital platform regulations and emerging technologies in the taxi and private hire sectors.

In addition, TfL conducts meetings on a six-month basis. These meetings take place on two levels: One discusses strategic issues like Vision Zero and air quality with the Deputy Mayor for Transport and the Transport Commissioner. The other is led by the Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging. It focuses on regulatory matters directly affecting the two sectors.

Additional ad hoc meetings can be requested for emergencies or issues not suitable for discussion on broader platforms.

Source: https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/how-does-tfl-and-the-london-taxi-industry-communicate-and-who-is-part-of-the-stakeholder-engagement