The Cab Chat Show

Cab Chat 300th Show Part 2

The first Epsiode of Cab Chat was published on Monday 27th October 2014 with Supercabby & MacTheCab.

Jamie had been producing podcasts from around 2011 and changing the name to Cab Chat was a natural progession.

We cannot beleive that 12 years have passed since that first ever pilot episode went live on the internet and although we were a little inconsistent after the pandemic Cab Chat has now resumed a regular weekly schedule.

In this episode we have gathered some of the old crew back together along with a new member of the team.

We have split the podcast into 2 parts, as you can imagine there was lots to chat about.

We must say a massive thanks to Dean at Wizan Knowledge School for the use of his premises and for allowing us free access for any future episodes that we would like to record there.

If you are considering doing the Knowledge of London then please take a look at https://www.wizann.co.uk/

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

The Cab Chat Show Episode 300 Part 1

The first Epsiode of Cab Chat was published on Monday 27th October 2014 with Supercabby & MacTheCab. Jamie had been producing podcasts from around 2011 and changing the name to Cab Chat was a natural progession.

We cannot beleive that 12 years have passed since that first ever pilot episode went live on the internet and although we were a little inconsistent after the pandemic Cab Chat has now resumed a regular weekly schedule.

In this episode we have gathered some of the old crew back together along with a new member of the team. We have split the podcast into 2 parts, as you can imagine there was lots to chat about.

We must say a massive thanks to Dean at Wizan Knowledge School for the use of his premises and for allowing us free access for any future episodes that we would like to record there.

If you are considering doing the Knowledge of London then please take a look at https://www.wizann.co.uk/

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

The Cab Chat Show Episode 303

He went from private hire and Uber to the green badge, the yellow badge, and back again—and the result is one of the most honest London cab stories you’ll hear.

If you’re a private hire driver wondering whether the Knowledge is worth it, or a Knowledge student deciding whether to keep going, this conversation with Jamie the Cabby, Tom the Taxi Driver, and CabbieOO7 is packed with hard-earned answers.

John opens up about a 30-year driving career that started in 1994, why a Channel 4 documentary pulled him back into the Knowledge, and how a turbulent route through private hire, yellow badge work, and the long green badge journey shaped his view of the trade.

He talks candidly about the pressures, the mindset, and the reality behind the badge—including the parts most drivers never say out loud. In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why private hire can feel “free” but still leave drivers at the mercy of apps and algorithms The differences between Uber, yellow badge work, and being a green badge driver Why John says the yellow badge can be a quicker route out of private hire, but still demands serious graft How rank work, events, and sector knowledge shape the work

What John learned from his “KK George” moment—and why he believes the Knowledge system should test Blue Book knowledge more effectively Jamie, Tom, and John also explore the psychological side of the Knowledge: imposter syndrome, burnout, the lonely Blue Book phase, and why some candidates give up before the breakthrough.

If you’re thinking about starting, restarting, or finishing the Knowledge, this episode offers an honest reality check and plenty of encouragement. The big theme is freedom—not the kind that disappears when an app switches you off, but the freedom to choose your work, build your own client base, and drive on your own terms.

Honest, funny, and full of hard-won insight, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand what the job really offers—and what it takes to get there.

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK

The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby 💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd

GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band

Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

He went from private hire and Uber to the green badge, the yellow badge, and back again—and the result is one of the most honest London cab stories you’ll hear.

If you’re a private hire driver wondering whether the Knowledge is worth it, or a Knowledge student deciding whether to keep going, this conversation with Jamie the Cabby, Tom the Taxi Driver, and CabbieOO7 is packed with hard-earned answers.

John opens up about a 30-year driving career that started in 1994, why a Channel 4 documentary pulled him back into the Knowledge, and how a turbulent route through private hire, yellow badge work, and the long green badge journey shaped his view of the trade.

He talks candidly about the pressures, the mindset, and the reality behind the badge—including the parts most drivers never say out loud.In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why private hire can feel “free” but still leave drivers at the mercy of apps and algorithms
• The differences between Uber, yellow badge work, and being a green badge driver
• Why John says the yellow badge can be a quicker route out of private hire, but still demands serious graft
• How rank work, events, and sector knowledge shape the work
• What John learned from his “KK George” moment—and why he believes the Knowledge system should test Blue Book knowledge more effectively

Jamie, Tom, and John also explore the psychological side of the Knowledge: imposter syndrome, burnout, the lonely Blue Book phase, and why some candidates give up before the breakthrough. If you’re thinking about starting, restarting, or finishing the Knowledge, this episode offers an honest reality check and plenty of encouragement.The big theme is freedom—not the kind that disappears when an app switches you off, but the freedom to choose your work, build your own client base, and drive on your own terms.

Honest, funny, and full of hard-won insight, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand what the job really offers—and what it takes to get there.

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

The Cab Chat Show Episode 299

A 120-vehicle taxi convoy, a five-mile ribbon of cabs, and one unforgettable mission to Disneyland Paris — this is the inside story of the Magical Taxi Tour for children with life-limiting illnesses.

Jamie the Cabbie and Tom the Taxi Driver pull back the curtain on the logistics, the emotion, and the community that turns a weekend trip into something that feels bigger than a lifetime.

Jamie, who has been involved since 2000, and Tom, now on his fifth year, break down how the tour actually works — from the Canary Wharf Big Breakfast and police escort, to the ferry crossing, to the extraordinary stop in France where a whole town comes out with bands, face painters, balloon artists, sandwiches, and costumes. It sounds impossible on paper. Somehow, every year, the cab trade makes it happen.

You'll discover:

• How the Magical Taxi Tour grew from a small first trip in 1994 into a massive annual operation
• Why the drivers insist on making every family feel like VIPs, not just passengers
• What it takes to move dozens of taxis, support vehicles, and families through Dover, Calais, and into Disneyland without letting anyone down
• The role of the City of London Police, Metropolitan Police, Kent Police, French gendarmes, London Ambulance Service, and P&O Ferries
• Why the social bond between drivers is almost as powerful as the charity mission itself

The episode also reveals the scale behind the goodwill: thousands of taxis, thousands of children, tens of thousands of gallons of fuel, and a volunteer effort that runs all year long.

At the heart of it all is the dedication of people like Phillip Davis, whose commitment helps keep the entire operation alive.Essential listening if you love stories of community, charity, and the kind of teamwork that makes the impossible look effortless.

If you've ever wondered how a convoy of London cabs can create pure magic for families who need it most, this episode gives you the full picture — and it might just restore your faith in people.

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

Cab Chat Show Episode 298

A brand new London cab is finally on the way - but will it fix the biggest problems drivers are facing, or just keep the waiting game going?Jamie DeCabby and Tom the Taxi Driver react to LEVC’s fresh announcement, break down the early images and rumors, and ask the question every cabbie wants answered: is this the TX6, the next-gen TX family, or something more radical? From luggage space and driver comfort to turning circle, battery range, and whether Apple CarPlay will finally make it into the cab, this conversation gets into the details that matter on the road.You'll hear Jamie and Tom unpack:

• what LEVC has actually revealed so far
• why the side profile suggests a longer, lower cab
• the reported range extender version with 120 miles of battery life
• how the new model could affect used TXE prices and the secondhand market
• why the current shortage of cabs makes timing just as important as design

They also dig into the bigger trade implications, including Transport for London’s conditions of fitness, the pressure from fleet owners and unions, and the concern that a new license for rival vehicles could change LEVC’s future in London. If you’ve been following the London taxi market, training for the Knowledge, or wondering whether the next cab will be worth the upgrade, this episode gives you the smartest take yet.Jamie brings the driver’s-eye view from behind the wheel of a TXE, while Tom pushes back with the practical realities of pricing, fleet pressure, and what a modern cab absolutely must include. Together they weigh up whether LEVC has done enough to reassure the trade - and whether the new model could be the one drivers have been waiting for.Essential listening for London cab drivers, Knowledge students, and anyone who wants the inside story on the future of the black cab.

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

The Cab Chat Show Episode 297 with Cabbie Karen J

oin us for an insightful London Black Cab chat as we sit down with Karen to discuss life behind the wheel.

The Cab Chat Show has been the voice of the taxi industry since 2014, providing a unique look into the lives of those navigating the streets of the UK.

In this episode, we sit down with Karen for an open conversation about her experiences and the realities of being a driver in the capital. Whether you are a fellow professional or just interested in the UK taxi trade, this discussion offers a genuine perspective on the daily challenges and stories that define the profession.

We break down what it really takes to manage the knowledge and serve passengers across London.

Subscribe for weekly insights into the taxi world, and let us know in the comments what topic you want to hear us cover next.

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

Cab Chat Show E296

Jamie the Cabby and Tom the Taxi Driver break down Heathrow Airport’s new taxi dispatch system, why drivers say it has struggled since launch, and how it compares with the old tag-based setup. They also dig into the practical impact on feeder park queues, local-job turnaround times, and whether the new app actually works for the people who use it every day.

• - Co-host, explains the Heathrow system changes, rollout timeline, and driver complaints

• - Co-host, questions the system design, compares queue times, and adds examples from the rank

• the old Heathrow tag system is replaced by an app-based dispatch system, but the rollout was delayed and the new setup repeatedly crashed.

• the old system relied on a card, booster box, and reader at the South feeder park, with terminal allocation handled through a small screen and rank agents.

• the new system was promised as app-based, GPS-aware, and able to remove the need for drivers to keep visiting the office unless there was a problem.

• local journeys were supposed to be handled without a strict time limit, but in practice drivers are still being given an hour to get back.

• the app seems to punish drivers for using the quickest route back if that route briefly leaves the geofenced area.

• the app reportedly has to stay open continuously, which creates problems if signal drops or GPS availability changes.

• the system was switched off on 21 July, but the app was not properly ready, and payment functionality was still being handled manually at the barrier.

• manual paper-ticket handling and batch dispatch can actually move cabs faster than the app, even if the old process seems less modern.

• reported queue numbers on the app do not always match what drivers physically see in the North and South parks.

• whether the system is being used to exclude drivers who should not be working Heathrow, since the parks filled rapidly when the system went down.

• concerns raised publicly about technical failures, geofencing, and whether the app was properly tested with real driver scenarios before launch.

• the project has cost roughly two and a half million pounds and came from money drivers had no direct control over.

00:00 - Introducing Heathrow’s new taxi system and why it matters

00:41 - The rollout was delayed and the first launch crashed

02:26 - How long the system has been in development

04:33 - What the old Heathrow tag system actually did

05:57 - The app-based replacement and the switch-off date

07:55 - The app was not ready when the old system was removed

09:17 - Manual payment at the barrier replaces the planned payment flow

10:50 - What drivers were promised the new system would do

11:45 - Local journeys, time limits, and why drivers object

13:11 - Geofencing problems and routes that trigger logouts

14:09 - Public concern over technical failures and driver restrictions

15:29 - Why testing should have involved real drivers

16:58 - The app’s designers are too far removed from taxi work

17:40 - Keeping the app open and the problem with phone coverage

18:24 - Why a dedicated device would make more sense

19:29 - The advice to leave phones in the cab

20:41 - Testing the system against real Heathrow driving patterns

21:44 - Friday night feeder park times and a live example

24:26 - The feeder park filled up after the system went down

25:47 - Why some drivers think the system is excluding the wrong people

27:18 - How the app code slows dispatch at the barrier

30:30 - Waiting times shown in the app versus what drivers see

31:05 - Queue numbers that do not seem to match reality

32:20 - Being forced to specify a terminal on local jobs

33:05 - The difference between coding an app and designing one well

34:42 - Why architecture and usability matter more than the code itself

35:31 - Reports that the same app has failed at other airports too

36:57 - Heathrow’s funding and lack of driver input

37:24 - A possible charge-point scam and how people exploit loopholes

39:45 - A brief tangent on rank etiquette and the Japanese taxi system

40:22 - Current success rate and why they want to revisit the topic

41:41 - Why Heathrow cannot simply open to every driver

42:56 - More drivers could mean longer queues, not fewer problems

43:29 - Closing thoughts, the old system’s “funeral,” and deposit questions

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

Jamie the Cabby and Tom the Taxi Driver return from holiday with a practical, opinionated look at TfL’s licensing of up to 15 Wave-operated Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles in London. They unpack what “autonomous” means when a licensed private hire driver still has to sit in the front seat, and why that makes the whole thing feel more like a trial than a true driverless rollout.

• - shares a recent Disneyland Paris trip, argues the licensing is effectively just another private hire vehicle, and raises concerns about safety, passenger support, disability access, and the inconsistency of TfL rules.

• - returns from Mallorca, explains what he saw on the road, reads from Taxi Point, questions the legal and practical implications, and pushes the argument that the public-facing “driverless” label is misleading.

• In this episode: Jamie and Tom open with holiday stories, including Jamie’s trip to Disneyland Paris and Tom’s week in Mallorca, before moving into the main topic.
• They discuss TfL’s licensing of up to 15 Wave-operated all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles as a one-year trial.
• Tom explains that the vehicles are described as autonomous-capable, but must be supervised by a licensed private hire driver sitting in the front seat.
• Jamie argues that if a human is responsible for offences, steering intervention, and passenger safety, then the vehicle is not truly driverless in any meaningful sense.
• They question who is actually liable if the vehicle drives the wrong way down a street, commits an offence, or is involved in an accident.
• The pair highlight the confusion around Wave, Waymo, Uber, and what platform is actually operating these vehicles.
• They compare the relative openness of this licensing with the heavy scrutiny faced by cab and private hire drivers over issues like turning circles, cameras, and vehicle equipment.
• They debate whether autonomous vehicles would work better on buses, trains, or fixed routes rather than in complex city streets.
• Jamie makes the case that drivers provide more than transport, including assistance for blind, elderly, or vulnerable passengers, which autonomous vehicles cannot replicate.
• They close by arguing that the trial mostly delays the real decision for a year while TfL gathers more evidence and public opinion.

00:00 - Welcome back after the holiday break

02:30 - Mallorca heat, Dubai-style nights, and camper van wheel upgrades

03:46 - TfL licenses 15 Wave-operated autonomous-capable vehicles

04:41 - Right-hand-drive vehicles and spotting one on the road

06:31 - Why left-hand drive would raise safety concerns

07:21 - The supervision caveat that changes everything

09:18 - A one-year trial that kicks the issue down the road

11:34 - Why the wider public and politicians are also sceptical

12:22 - London Assembly questions whether TfL has rushed this

14:14 - Why the London trial may be about optics as much as function

16:44 - Is it really driverless if someone sits behind the wheel?

18:38 - What exactly has TfL licensed?

20:14 - Camera, radar, and compliance double standards

21:39 - Recording in public versus TfL approval rules

23:10 - Privacy labels, QR codes, and inconsistent vehicle standards

24:37 - Conclusion that this is basically another private hire vehicle

25:35 - The supervising driver must be licensed and DBS checked

27:12 - Blind passenger assistance and why human drivers still matter

30:33 - Accessibility, cycle lanes, and the limits of automation in London

33:03 - Why knowledge students and cab drivers are less exposed than app-based drivers 35:13 - American guests and why many people distrust driverless cars

36:01 - The social cost of pushing people further apart

37:51 - Final wrap-up: the trial is mostly spin for now

39:03 - Subscribe, watch time, and channel growth update

“Is it driverless or isn’t it driverless?”

“They’ve licensed an autonomous capable vehicle, but they are being supervised for a year.”

“You are the supervisor of your cab.”

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.

The Cab Chat Show Episode 294

Jamie the Cabby is stepping in solo with a quick but important update: Cab Chat is back next week, and if you want to make sure you do not miss the return, this is the moment to subscribe. He explains why this week’s episode looks a little different, what the schedule means for the coming weeks, and why the show’s next stretch includes a packed autumn lineup, guest episodes, and plenty of topics already in the works.

Jamie also opens the door to the audience in a big way. He asks listeners to suggest what they want covered next, share feedback through comments or social media, and even send voice messages through the Cab Chat app so they can potentially be played on the show. If you have ever wanted to shape the conversation, this is the episode that tells you exactly how.

Along the way, Jamie gets candid about the realities of keeping the show running, the costs behind producing it each month, and why subscriptions matter as the show heads toward major milestones - the 12th anniversary of Cab Chat and 15 years of Jamie making podcasts. It is a refreshingly honest behind-the-scenes update that makes the case for why listener support helps keep the wheels turning.

The Cab Chat Show is a podcast mainly centred around London and it's Iconic Black Cab Trade but also including the Hackney Carriage trade around the UK The Cab Chat Show has been running since 2014 and is the longest running Taxi related podcast in the UK.

Visit the Cab Chat YouTube Channel http://cabchat.uk

Visit Jamie the Cabby YouTube Channel / @jamiethecabby

Vist Tom the Taxi Driver Channel / @tomthetaxidriver

CHECK ME OUT:

💌 Sign up to our newsletter - https://jamiethecabby.com/newsletter

🌍 My website - https://www.cabchatshow.uk

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/cabchatuk

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/cabchat

🚕 To book a Wedding Taxi - https://weddingtaxis.co.uk

🚕 To book a Tour of London - https://jamiethecabby

💍 Wedding Transport

🎬 Filming Hire

✈️ Airport Transfers

📢 Promotions

🚕 Taxi Advertising

🎥 Studio Tours

📩 [email protected]

📸 @cabchatuk

🌍 Link in bio

Equipment I use:

Sony a6700 https://amzn.to/4j76Nnk Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/4iPvZze

Macbook Air 13" https://amzn.to/444ndZr

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/3DMBgIH

DJI Osmo Pockt 2 https://amzn.to/43yF4Yw

DJi Osmo Action 5 https://amzn.to/4j9ZHPd GoPro Hero https://amzn.to/3Y0y8jl

Rode Wireless Go 2 https://amzn.to/446OtGP

Rode Podmic USB https://amzn.to/3Rfzenz

Call me a Cabbie by Phil Nelson & Mark Bird

We are London by The Knowledge Band Don't forget to Like & Subscribe. And hit the notification bell too, so you'll never miss any future videos.