Zac Goldsmith today set out plans for London’s 22,500 black cabs to accept all types of cards - including contactless - to try to level the playing field with Uber.
The Tory mayoral candidate would require all cabbies to install card terminals at no extra cost to themselves within six months if he wins next year’s election.
Almost nine in ten Londoners say they want to pay by card, according to research, but currently only half of cabbies accept them due to rental charges as high as £30 a month as well as commission fees.
Mr Goldsmith said he would use Transport for London’s buying power to negotiate a deal with card terminal operators to keep costs down.
It would be the first step in the Tory MP’s plan to ensure black cabs can thrive in a world of on-demand apps and greater consumer choice.
Under the proposal, cabs would not be forced to use one payment system – but every Londoner who uses one must be able to pay by card.
Mr Goldsmith said: “If elected as Mayor, I will stand up for black cabs and help them do what they do best – provide one of the safest and most convenient forms of transport in London.
“More Londoners would use black cabs if they could pay by card, so I’ll make sure they can. This is an important first step in levelling the playing field and delivering greater choice and convenience for Londoners.”
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