02 Mar Travel safely at night: Tips to ensure the safe taxi travel of passengers

Are you a driver?

As a taxi driver, your passenger’s safety is your top priority. This is especially important when passengers are travelling at night, when visibility is limited and the risk of crime is higher. Below are some tips for taxi drivers to help them ensure their passengers travel, courtesy of Transport for London (TfL).

1. Keep your vehicle in good condition.

Regularly check and maintain your vehicle to ensure that it is in good condition. This includes checking brakes, lights and tires but also keeping the interior clean and tidy. 

2. Display your TfL ID card.

Display your TfL ID card on the dashboard of your vehicle so that passengers can see it. This helps reassure passengers that you are a licensed driver and increases their trust. 

3. Offer assistance.

You can offer assistance to passengers especially the elderly or disabled. This can be done by offering a helping hand to get in and out the vehicle and to load or unload any luggage they may have. 

4. Be courteous and professional.

Greet passengers with a smile and ask them how their day has been. If they have any special requests, do your best to accommodate them.

5. Keep passengers informed.

Keep your passengers informed about their journey, including the route you will be taking, ETA and fare. This helps reduce any anxiety they might have about their journey. 

6. Offer to wait with passengers

If a passenger is travelling alone, you can offer to wait with them until they have safely entered their destination. This helps ensure that they arrive safely and can reduce any concerns about travelling alone. 

7. Report any suspicious activity.

If you notice any suspicious activity or behaviour, report it to the police or TfL immediately. This helps ensure that any potential threats to passengers and your safety are addressed as quickly as possible. 

Police number: 999

TfL number: 0343 222 4000

By following the above tips, you can help ensure your passengers that their safety is of top priority and enhance their trust. As a driver, you play a vital role in ensuring that passengers arrive at their destination safely and securly. 

Are you a passenger?

Travelling by taxi is often a convenient and reliable way to get around, especially at night when public transport options are limited. It is therefore important to take some precautions to ensure that you stay safe while travelling in a taxi at night. Transport for London (TfL) provides some tips for passengers to help them travel safely at night. 

1. Plan your journey in advance.

Before you start your journey, it is helpful to plan ahead. This inclused knowing the route you will be taking, as well as the estimated ETA and fare. You can use TfL’s Journey Planner or a Taxi and Private higher page to help plan your journey. 

2. Use a licensed Taxi or Private Hire.

Always use a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle when travelling at night. Licensed vehicles are regularly checked and maintained to ensure they meet the required safety standards. You can check if a vehicle is licensed by looking for a TfL license on the windscreen or on the back of the vehicle. 

3. Check the driver’s identity.

Before you get into the taxi, check the driver’s identity. Licensed drivers should have a TfL ID card displayed in the vehicle. You can also check the driver’s identity by requesting from the private hire firm their information (unless not already provided) or the TfL app.

4. Sit in the back seat.

When travelling in a taxi at night it is advised to sit in the back seat. This gives you more space and reduces the risk of any unwanted physical contact with the driver. 

5. Keep valuables out of sight.

Keep your valuables like your phone or wallet out of sight to reduce the risk of theft or robbery.

6. Share your journey details.

Consider sharing your journey details with someone you trust, such as a friend or family member. You can use TfL’s app to share your journey details and receive real-time updates on your journey. 

7. Stay alert.

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings when travelling in a taxi at night. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, ask the driver to stop in a well-lit busy area or call the police. 

By following these tips, you can ensure that you travel safely at night when using taxis. Remember, it is important to take precautions and always use a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle when travelling at night. 

To sum up, as a driver, your passenger safety is your top priority, especially when they are travelling at night. On the other hand, as a passenger, you can take some safety measures prior to travelling by taxi to ensure your safety. 

Remember, your private hire, TfL and the police are always available to provide support if something goes wrong.