BUSINESS NEWS


MANCHESTER’S MANTAX CABS REBRAND AS COMCAB MANCHESTER JOINING NATIONAL NETWORK


On 5 June, Mantax, Manchester’s leading premium black


cab


service, unveiled its re-brand to ComCab Manchester, joining the wider ComCab network. The largest hackney fleet in Man- chester, will continue to provide a safe and reliable service across the city, provided by drivers with unrivalled regional knowledge. As part of the rebranding, customers can now enjoy app and web booking services, enabling them to book both in advance and on-demand, with real-time track-


ing for live updates on taxi availability and location. On the road, taxis will feature distinctive ComCab signage, ensuring passenger confidence that they are getting into the correct, trusted, authorised taxi. Karen Long, Northwest Regional General Manager, said: “This rebrand and integration into the wider ComCab network marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering a safe, seamless, and trusted service both locally and nationally.


“Benefitting from enhanced book- ing options, real-time tracking, and increased connectivity between Manchester and Liverpool, this change reflects our vision for a modern, integrated transport solution to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.” ComCab Manchester is part of CityFleet Networks Limited, one of the UK’s largest land transport providers and subsidiary of ComfortDelGro,


a Singapore


headquartered multi-modal land transport leader.


FREENOW EXPRESSES CONCERNS OVER LACK OF DETAIL IN TfL’S PLAN TO SUPPORT TAXI TRADE


FREENOW has expressed concerns about the lack of detail in Transport for London's (TfL) new Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, particularly regarding how it will address the declining number of taxi drivers. The taxi app believes the plan lacks a clear strategy for reversing the decline and calls for more specific measures to support the taxi trade. FREENOW,


along with other


industry stakeholders, feels that while the plan acknowledges the problem, it doesn't offer concrete steps to attract and retain drivers. Following a London Assembly Transport Committee meeting with TfL, Danny O’Gorman, FREENOW UK General Manager said: “Yesterday’s meeting was another missed opportunity to provide the clarity and leadership the taxi trade urgently needs. The Action Plan, as it stands, lacks a


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clear vision for the future of the black cab trade in London. "Without timelines, tangible targets or clear funding commitments, it remains unclear as to how TfL intends to reverse the decline in taxi licences - which have plummeted to well below 15,000 in the last year,


while


ensuring the profession remains an attractive and viable career. “Drivers need greater support in making the switch to greener vehicles, particularly as public subsidies come to an end and vehicle costs continue to rise - since 2017, the cost of purchasing a new electric cab has surged by 39% in cash terms. “We believe the Green Finance Fund has real potential to help more taxi drivers go electric, and we


have been actively


campaigning hard for this support in recent months. It’s disappoint-


ing that this wasn’t addressed as part of a joined-up approach to support the trade’s future. “Black cabs have a vital role to play as part of a sustainable and accessible transport network within the capital. To safeguard its future, the trade now needs clear, practical support and policy action to match its ambitions. “At the same time, the now approved plan to ban taxis from Oxford Street undermines the role of black cabs as one of the most accessible transport options in the capital. A blanket ban will disproportionately impact disabled passengers, older citizens and visitors who rely on door-to- door travel while also impacting drivers’ earnings. “We urge City Hall and TfL to work with the trade on solutions that balance pedestrian access with inclusive transport.”


JULY 2025 PHTM


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