Hackney Carriage
The formal legal name for licensed London taxis ('hackney' = 17th-century English for a horse-drawn cab for hire). All London Hackney Carriages are the iconic black cabs — Knowledge-tested drivers, plying-for-hire rights, TfL-set metered tariff.
Key facts
FAQs
Is Hackney Carriage the same as a black cab?
Yes — Hackney Carriage is the legal term used in TfL regulations and the 1843 London Hackney Carriages Act. Black cab is the common name. Every London black cab is licensed as a Hackney Carriage.
What is the difference between Green Badge and Yellow Badge?
Green Badge ('All-London Knowledge') drivers can operate anywhere in Greater London. Yellow Badge ('Suburban Knowledge') drivers are restricted to one of 9 outer-London sectors. Both are licensed Hackney Carriages.
How old is the Hackney Carriage trade?
London Hackney Carriages were first licensed by Parliament in 1639 — making the London cab trade the oldest regulated taxi service in the world. The 1843 Act formalised the modern rules including metered fares and the Knowledge.
Do Hackney Carriages have to accept any passenger?
Yes — by law a Hackney Carriage cannot refuse a fare within Greater London if it is for a single journey under 12 miles (or 20 miles for Heathrow), provided the driver is on duty and the passenger is sober.
Are Hackney Carriages wheelchair accessible?
Yes — 100% of London Hackney Carriages have been wheelchair accessible since 1989. Ramps, intercoms, hearing loops and high-visibility grab handles are mandatory by TfL Conditions of Fitness.