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. 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?
Eligibility criteria
You are eligible for a Taxicard if you:
- are registered blind - confirmed by a CVI form or LBTH registration letter
- receive the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA) - confirmed by a current award letter
- receive personal independence payment (PIP) - 8 points or more "moving around" activity under the mobility component - confirmed by current award letter
- receive a war pensioner's mobility supplement - confirmed by a current award letter.
If you are unable to provide the above documents, then we will not be able to process your application.
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. Applicants who meet the eligibility will be automatically placed on Band 1.
Applicants who require further journeys will need to complete the contact form and provide new evidence (that has not been provided with the application). You will be placed on the waiting list for an assessment to be carried out by our independent expert assessor, who will arrange an appointment.
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 assessment and provide a decision.
The banding are as follows:
- Band 1 gives up to 4 journeys a month (automictic eligibility)
- Band 2 gives up to 8 journeys a month (assessed by expert assessor)
- Band 3 gives up to 12 journeys a month (assessed by expert assessor)
- Band 4 gives up to 16 journeys a month (assessed by 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, who will arrange an appointment for you.
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 expert assessors 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.
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.
We will aim to process your application within 14 working days, but can sometimes take longer.
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 28 days from the date of the outcome.
Your appeal will be investigated by the a senior officer who will make the decision on your appeal within 8 weeks. If the decision requires a further assessment, an appointment will be arranged by our independent expert assessor. Once the assessment is complete a final decision on your application will be provided.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you will not be able to reapply for 9 months (from the date of the final decision outcome), unless there is a significant change in your mobility where you will be required to submit new supporting evidence in line with the eligibility criteria.
An appeal will not be considered if you do not meet the eligibility criteria or your application has not been processed. If you do not meet the PIP or DLA criteria, you must contact Department for Work & Pension (DWP) and inform them of your change in circumstance.
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 following:
- Proof that you continue to meet the automatic eligibility criteria (as above).
If your taxicard has been lost, stolen, damaged or faulty taxicard you can contact London councils on 020 7934 9791 (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.