London takes steps to help black cabs as private hire firms face new rules

London cab drivers protest against Uber in central London, Britain February 10, 2016. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

LONDON: London said on Sept 13 it would introduce new measures to support its iconic black cabs including giving access to more bus lanes and boosting the number of taxi ranks, just as private hire firms such as Uber face stricter rules in the capital. 

The city's traditional cabs have been hit by competition from a number of firms such as ride-hailing app Uber and private hire taxi firm Addison Lee, which have grown in popularity due to their often lower fares.