Request ID: FOI-2974-2223 Date published: 14 March 2023
You asked
Card payments in taxis:
I request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:
• The date when the Policy was last subject to review and the key changes.
• The date when the Policy will next be reviewed.
In respect of the TfL card supplier approval process:
• The frequency and criteria used to sign off new suppliers.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2974-2223
Thank you for your request received on 14 February 2023 asking for information about accepting card payments in taxis.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:
• The date when the Policy was last subject to review and the key changes • The date when the Policy will next be reviewed • In respect of the TfL card supplier approval process: o The frequency and criteria used to sign off new suppliers
The decision to mandate card payments in taxis was taken by TfL’s board after extensive stakeholder discussions and a public consultation. The board’s decision is available in the published board meeting papers (https://content.tfl.gov.uk/board-160203-item07-card-payments-taxis.pdf) and supporting regulations which created the card payment mandate are available on our website (https://content.tfl.gov.uk/london-cab-order-2016-fare-tariff-and-card-mandate.pdf).
Although the policy has not been fully reviewed since it’s phased implementation in 2016, we have explored various aspects of the policy in recent years.
We also regularly review the list of approved devices, in response to applications from card payment device providers and in line with regulatory changes introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority to improve consumer protection, make payments safer and more secure.
We currently have no plans to review the card payment mandate.
With regards to the frequency and criteria used to sign off new suppliers, please see our existing online guidance:
We review new devices as and when an application for approval is made. The last update was completed in February 2022 following the receipt of an application.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
