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The taxicard scheme

Taxicard scheme

The taxicard scheme offers reduced fares in black cabs for people who have a long term or permanent illness or disability, which prevents them from using or significantly limits their use of public transport.

The licensed London taxis and private hire vehicles in the scheme carry ramps and are accessible to wheelchair user. Please note that the scheme is not available to people who suffer temporary disabilities, for example a broken leg.

What can a Taxicard be used for

The taxicard may be used for any type of journey, for example shopping, visiting friends, GP appointments, but should not be used for hospital appointments, for which the health authority should provide transport. Found out more about Taxicards.

Who can apply for a Taxicard?

Automatic eligibility

You are automatically eligible for a Taxicard if you:

  • are registered blind - confirmed by CVI form or LBTH registration letter
  • receive the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance - confirmed by a current award letter
  • receive a war pensioner's mobility supplement - confirmed by a current award letter.

Assessed eligibility

If you do not meet the automatic eligibility criteria, you may qualify with further assessment by an expert assessor.

Assessments for Taxicard

You will be placed on the waiting list for an assessment to be carried out by our independent expert assessor (SHA Disability consultancy Limited), who will arrange an appointment for you with a qualified assessor.

Due to the large number of applications being submitted, the current the waiting time for assessments is within 12 weeks.

Once the assessment has been completed the mobility support team will review the therapists report and provide a decision on the application submitted. To be able to apply for a taxicard you must score 24 points or more in total on the assessment.

Taxicard Banding System

Tower Hamlets have a banding system for the taxicard scheme, which provide a total number of journey available with the scheme per month. The banding is based on the applicant’s requirements which are assessed by an officer or expert assessor.

The banding are as follows:

  • Band 1 gives up to 4 journeys a month
  • Band 2 gives up to 8 journeys a month
  • Band 3 gives up to 12 journeys a month
  • Band 4 gives up to 16 journeys a month.

Payments

For each trip you take in a cab with your taxicard, you will have to pay the first £1.50. The council will then pay up to £10.30. If the trip costs more than the total of these amounts - £11.80 - you will have to pay the extra. In other words, you will have to pay anything over £11.80, plus another £1.50. If you wish to tip the driver this will have to be paid for by you.

Application Process

You will be required to fill out an application and send off to the address outlined on the form. You must ensure to provide all required information and supporting evidence in order for your application to be processed.

You application can take up to 14 working days to process.

Apply for a Taxicard

Appeals Process

You have the right to appeal if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your application. You will need to submit your appeal within 8 weeks from the date of the outcome.

Your appeal will be investigated by the Mobility Support Team leader who will make the decision on your appeal. If the decision requires a further assessment an appointment will be arranged by out independent expert assessor. Once the assessment is complete a final decision on your application will be provided by the Head of Parking and Mobility.

If your appeal is unsuccessful, you will not be able to reapply for 6 months (from the date of the final decision outcome), unless there is a significant change in your mobility.

Submit an appeal

Expired, Lost, Stolen, Damaged or faulty card

If your taxi card is due to expire or has expired you will need to contact London Councils. To renew your account you will need to provide the below:

  • Proof that you continue to meet the automatic eligibility criteria (as above)
  • New application for assessment – this applies if you do not meet the automatic eligibility criteria and have long term mobility difficulties which restrict the use of public transport.

If your taxicard has been lost, stolen, damaged or faulty taxicard you can contact London councils on 02079349791 (option 2). When contacting London councils in relation you’re your lost, stolen, damaged or faulty taxicard your will be required to have certain information at hand.

Charges apply to replace a lost, damaged or faulty taxi card.

Change of address, name or circumstance

If there is a requirement to make changes to your taxicard for example name, address or in circumstance you will be required to update London Councils. You can visit the London councils website or contact them on 02079349791.

Taxicard holder Terms, Conditions and Responsibilities

There are terms, conditions and responsibilities of the Taxicard holder, please ensure the terms and conditions are followed.

If there is a case of misuse of a taxicard it may result in the taxicard being withdrawn.

How to use your Taxicard

For more information on how to use the taxicard please visit London Councils webpage.