TfL Ref: FOI-2760-2021 Thank you for your request of 30th March 2021 asking for information about London black taxis. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. Specifically you asked: “1) How many passengers get on a London black cab per ride? 2) What is the utilisation rate of the London black cab? (meaning how much time does it serve passengers per day)? 3) Is the digital taxi topper screen still active and permitted in London?”. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. In answer to questions 1 and 2, TfL does not hold comprehensive information to answer these questions as taxi drivers and taxi companies are not required to provide us with such data. However, we do carry out surveys from time to time which provide some insight, the results of which are published on the TfL website here (under the ‘General Information’ heading, where you may also find other related information that may be of interest): https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/taxi-and-private-hire Note also that our regular “Travel in London” report contains information about the taxi trade in London which may be of interest. The reports are published online here (the latest issue is No.13): https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/travel-in-london-reports In answer to question 3, I can confirm that taxi top signage is still permitted and a number of vehicles still have this type of roof top signage. Further details are available on our website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/taxi-top-advertising If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. Yours sincerely, David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London