Post by The Dark Knight on Nov 18, 2023 9:27:19 GMT
Measures announced to Save London’s Iconic Black Cab Industry
FREENOW UK is announcing today that the 20,000+ London Private Hire Vehicle drivers on their app will have the chance to expand their careers by accessing a unique financial subsidy that will support them in completing the Knowledge of London and becoming black cab drivers.
In industry-first, FREENOW will be funding 100% of the application cost, tuition fee, exams and licensing required to the value of over two thousand pounds per driver over a minimum period of two years. The company will be working in partnership with two leading schools, Knowledge Point School and WizAnn, which are also hosting information sessions for PHV drivers interested in pursuing this career.
The announcement comes as an internal FREENOW survey of all PHV drivers in London revealed that:
Over half (52%) have considered becoming a black cab driver
Nearly half (49%) think the Knowledge should be made simpler
40% think passing the Knowledge should take less time
34% stated they would consider doing the Knowledge if financial support was available
This FREENOW initiative aims at helping to tackle the continuous drop in the number of black cab licence applications – licence applications dropped by almost 95% in the last decade** – and while demand has bounced back, the number of licensed black cab drivers continues to fall (27% decrease in the number of licensed black cab drivers in London, from over 21K in 2013/2014 down to 15K+ in October 2023)***putting this iconic and safe mode of transport and the industry at risk.
Introduced in 1865, the Knowledge requires taxi drivers to memorise thousands of roads and routes within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, including a range of popular destinations, including hospitals, nightclubs, and theatres. The Knowledge takes an average of three to four years to complete, requiring a significant financial investment over this period of time, which, including all costs associated with it, can reach up to 10,000 pounds.
londonlovesbusiness.com/measures-announced-to-save-londons-iconic-black-cab-industry/
FREENOW UK is announcing today that the 20,000+ London Private Hire Vehicle drivers on their app will have the chance to expand their careers by accessing a unique financial subsidy that will support them in completing the Knowledge of London and becoming black cab drivers.
In industry-first, FREENOW will be funding 100% of the application cost, tuition fee, exams and licensing required to the value of over two thousand pounds per driver over a minimum period of two years. The company will be working in partnership with two leading schools, Knowledge Point School and WizAnn, which are also hosting information sessions for PHV drivers interested in pursuing this career.
The announcement comes as an internal FREENOW survey of all PHV drivers in London revealed that:
Over half (52%) have considered becoming a black cab driver
Nearly half (49%) think the Knowledge should be made simpler
40% think passing the Knowledge should take less time
34% stated they would consider doing the Knowledge if financial support was available
This FREENOW initiative aims at helping to tackle the continuous drop in the number of black cab licence applications – licence applications dropped by almost 95% in the last decade** – and while demand has bounced back, the number of licensed black cab drivers continues to fall (27% decrease in the number of licensed black cab drivers in London, from over 21K in 2013/2014 down to 15K+ in October 2023)***putting this iconic and safe mode of transport and the industry at risk.
Introduced in 1865, the Knowledge requires taxi drivers to memorise thousands of roads and routes within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, including a range of popular destinations, including hospitals, nightclubs, and theatres. The Knowledge takes an average of three to four years to complete, requiring a significant financial investment over this period of time, which, including all costs associated with it, can reach up to 10,000 pounds.
londonlovesbusiness.com/measures-announced-to-save-londons-iconic-black-cab-industry/