Survey: 96% of young wheelchair users fear falling black cab numbers will worsen travel access

# What the survey found A Whizz Kidz survey of young wheelchair users and their families, reported alongside a campaign by Freenow by Lyft, shows widespread concern about the shrinking black cab fleet. Ninety-six percent of respondents said they were worried that further declines would make travel more difficult. Current availability problems already disrupt daily plans for 84% of people surveyed.

# How wheelchair users rely on black cabs Respondents described black cabs as a primary solution when other transport options are not suitable. Over half (53%) said they used black cabs because suitable alternatives were unavailable. The survey records how accessible taxis support everyday activities:

• Social outings: 59% of respondents
• Education journeys: 36%
• Work and healthcare trips: 29%

UK black cabs are purpose-built for wheelchair users, with ramps, securement points, and larger passenger compartments. That physical accessibility explains why people depend on them when other services do not meet needs.

# Role of apps and guaranteed accessible fleets Seventy-three percent of survey respondents said booking through an app that guarantees an accessible fleet improved their travel experience. Freenow operates black cab services in cities including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh and says it offers access to the largest black cab fleet available through a single app. The article does not specify how many taxis are on Freenow's platform.

The report links to broader Transport for London research, cited by Freenow, showing disabled Londoners use taxis and private hire vehicles at almost twice the rate of non-disabled passengers. That higher reliance increases the consequences of any reduction in accessible taxi supply.

# Fundraising and awareness actions

Freenow also reports it has delivered accessibility training for drivers alongside Whizz Kidz.

# Industry context and supply concerns The article situates the survey amid wider industry concern about a contracting licensed taxi fleet. Other coverage linked to this story notes short-term black cab shortages in London, calls to relax taxi age limits while new vehicle production ramps up, and rising used black cab prices as fleets compete for newer vehicles. Those market pressures can reduce the pool of accessible taxis available to wheelchair users.

Whizz Kidz frames transport access as essential for independence and participation in education, work, and social life. One Whizz Kidz Collective member, quoted by the charity, said being able to book black cabs on an app enables spontaneity and prevents travel-related stress.

# Immediate implications If black cab numbers continue to fall, the survey suggests young wheelchair users and their families expect increased difficulty arranging travel, with knock-on effects for social inclusion, education attendance, and access to work and healthcare. App-based guaranteed accessible fleets and targeted fundraising are presented as mitigation measures, but the article notes ongoing industry debate about fleet supply and regulatory adjustments that could affect short-term availability.