Accessible private hire in London: what passengers should know

If you have accessibility requirements, include them clearly in your journey enquiry. This gives operators the information they need to decide whether they have a suitable vehicle and can meet your needs.

Tell the operator what assistance you need

Accessibility needs vary. A passenger who can transfer from a wheelchair into a normal seat may need something different from a passenger who needs to remain in their wheelchair throughout the journey. Explain what is actually required rather than relying on a generic accessibility label.

Wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles

Not every private hire vehicle is wheelchair accessible. TfL maintains information about designated wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles and operators. If remaining in the wheelchair is essential, request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle explicitly.

Mobility assistance

TfL explains that taxi and private hire drivers have legal duties toward disabled passengers. These include carrying disabled passengers, carrying mobility aids where possible, providing reasonable mobility assistance and not adding a charge for carrying out those duties.

Assistance dogs

TfL states that taxi and private hire drivers must carry assistance dogs and cannot charge more because a passenger is travelling with one, subject to the narrow statutory exemption process that can apply to individual drivers.

Price should not punish disability

TfL's accessibility guidance notes that private hire operators have responsibilities not to discriminate when providing a service, including not charging a passenger more because they are disabled.

If something goes wrong

For a journey handled by a private hire operator, contact the operator in the first instance. TfL also provides routes for accessibility-related complaints and reports concerning taxi and private hire services.

Official sources and further reading

• Transport for London — Taxi & private hire
• TfL — Guide to taxis and private hire
• TfL — Private hire operator licensing
• TfL — Passengers and accessibility

Guides are general information, not legal advice. Licensing rules and operator requirements can change; check TfL for the current position.