Travellers in London turn to safety of ‘black cabs’

Travellers in London are increasingly turning to the safety of "black cabs" in the wake of the horrific bombings targeting the capital’s transport system.

A survey released this week showed that nearly two-thirds of Londoners now felt unsafe on public transport and have shied away from the Underground and buses since the July 7 terrorist attacks.

In other parts of the country, half the population said they now felt unsafe on public transport, according to the information from research agency Synovate.

The findings correspond to a noticeable increase in the numbers of travellers in London now opting for the relative security of the traditional "black cabs" rather than venturing onto the buses and trains.

"Many people are seeing London’s fleet of black cabs as being the safest way of getting around in the wake of the devastating bomb attacks," said Matthew Cheyne, Sales and Marketing Director with LTI Vehicles, the Coventry-based firm that manufactures the famous black cabs.

"Those from outside the capital, particularly, are more wary of using the Tube and buses and so are using the familiar black cab to get around.

"They know it is safe and the professionalism of the drivers will ensure they get to where they need to go with no problems.

"The findings from this survey come as no surprise and mirror what we have been hearing from drivers about the demand for their service."

London’s fleet of black cabs was instrumental in the rescue efforts in the immediate aftermath of the bombings as the rest of the transport system was frozen.