Taxi driver hits back at card payments as he highlights cash concerns

Fuel crisis: Taxi driver calls on Brits to stop panic buying A London Taxi driver has pushed back against card payments as he warned the decline in cash was affecting his business. Cab driver Howard Taylor revealed that cash is only used for around one-tenth of his journeys every day. The rest all use cards to fund their trips which forces Taylor to make less money on every journey. Card payments take around two percent of the revenue he makes on every trip meaning he is missing out on extra income. The news is likely to be replicated across the industry with the situation only made worse with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. READ MORE Elderly drivers urged to take lessons as experts push for new rules A London cab driver has hit out at card payments Taylor told GB News: ‘What happens in the future is anybody’s guess. ‘When they’ve got the game to themselves and there is no cash, they can charge what they like – no one’s got any options. ‘I don’t like anybody to have too much control over everybody else. Especially when you’re talking about something as basic as one’s finances.’ Transport for London warns all taxi drivers must accept card and contactless payments. Meanwhile, they warn all vehicles must be fitted with a TfL-approved payment device with other tools not allowed. Earlier this year, taxi drivers in Tunbridge Wells were told off by the borough council after reports from passengers that drivers were insisting on cash. Some locals had reported being turned away by taxis after when explaining they could not pay with notes or coins. But, drivers explained the fees are ‘very high’ with added costs often not subsidised. Clayton Berry of Cleggy’s Taxis told Times of Tunbridge Wells: ‘Taxi drivers are already paying for licensing, petrol, and the vehicle, and this is another cost on top. ‘We are stuck to the meter price, set by the Council and we cannot increase our fares to cover the extra cost, unlike private hires can.’ Toni Conlon, from Tunbridge Wells 888 warned some firms could lose up to 3.5 percent of a fare by using a card. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Taxi drivers have called out the extra costs Trending