The two most common types of vehicles licensed to be used as London Taxis are the TX made by the London Taxi Company and the Vito made by Mercedes. Both vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible and offer a host of other comfort and safety features. Service dogs may travel in all taxis at no extra charge and all drivers (providing they do not have a medical condition, which prevents them) will provide assistance with luggage and entry into the taxi.
The TX by The London Taxi Company
The London Taxi Company (formerly London Taxis International) have been building taxis for over 60 years. Their latest model is the TX4 but there are many TX1s and TX11 around. The TX4 embodies the traditonal qualities of the London taxi and is fitted with the latest generation of Euro IV compliant common-rail diesel engine, ABS brakes and a host of safety features.
Some of the TX4s features:
- Voice intercom
- Five seats as standard
- Three-point seatbelts
- Toughend partition window
- Swivel seat to assist people with reduced mobility
- Adjustable centre rear seat belt harness for children (18kg upwards)
- Contrasting grab handles and seat edges
- Swing door mechanism
- Hearing loop
- Intermediate side step
- Wheelchair ramp
The Vito by Mercedes-Benz
Adapted by Mercedes to conform with the 'Conditions of Fitness' set out by Transport for London which ensure that all taxis operating in London are safe and fit for purpose, the Vito is the newest vehicle to be licensed for use as a London Taxi. With six seats and passenger air-conditioning as standard, the Vito is a spacious and comfortable ride and is perfectly suited to passengers travelling together with luggage.
Some of the Vito's features:
- Electrically operated sliding doors
- Six seats as standard
- Three-point seatbelts
- Toughend partition window
- Payment window
- Passenger controlled air-conditioning
- High visability handles
- High visability seat trims
- Voice intercom
- Electric side steps
- Wheelchair ramp
- Hearing loop
Whichever model of London taxi you travel in, you can rest assured that it has been designed with your ultimate comfort and safety in mind.
