Taxicard scheme

The London Taxicard scheme offers reduced fares in licensed black taxis to London residents with mobility impairments. To qualify you must have a long term or permanent disability or illness, which prevents you from using or significantly limits your use of public transport. The scheme is not available to people who have a temporary disability (eg. a broken leg).

The taxis that take part in the scheme carry ramps and are accessible to wheelchair users. The Taxicard may be used for any type of journey, eg shopping, visiting friends or GP appointments. The service should not be used for hospital appointments; this is a responsibility of the NHS.

The Taxicard can be used any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, subject to taxi availability and trip limits.

A total of 144 trips is allocated to each Taxicard holder on the 1 April each year. There is no restriction on the frequency of trips taken but it is the responsibility of the Taxicard holder to budget their yearly allocation. Unused trips cannot be carried over to the next financial year.

The scheme is managed by the Association of London Government (ALG), and is jointly funded by Ealing Council and Transport for London.

Fares
You will pay a minimum fare (usually £1.50), and can travel up to a maximum fare, which is variable depending on the time of day your journey is taken.

Who can use this service?
To qualify to use the service you will need to show that your current transport needs, due to your disability, will last for at least two years.

You will be automatically eligible if:

you are registered blind/partially sighted
you receive the higher rate mobility part of the Disability Living Allowance
you receive higher rate Attendance Allowance
you receive a War Pensioner's mobility supplement

If you do not receive any of the above allowances, your disability will still be considered and should be included on your application form. Social services may need to ask your GP to confirm your mobility problems when you apply for this service.

How to apply
To apply for a Taxicard telephone (020) 8825 8585 (out of office hours tel: (020) 8825 8664 and leave a message). We will send you a form to complete.

You will need to provide proof that you qualify automatically. This can be:

a copy of the first two pages of your benefit book or a copy of the official letter confirming your entitlement
proof of registration if you are registered as blind or partially sighted
proof of your permanent residence in the London Borough of Ealing i.e. recent utility or council tax bill.

Return the completed application form with proof of entitlement and two passport-sized photographs to:

Ealing Council, Contracts Team, 2nd floor South West, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2HL.

What should I do if my details change?
You should inform ALG TEC Taxicard on (020) 7484 2929 if you change your address, phone number, name or any other personal details. You also need to inform us on (020) 8825 8585.

Please note if you move out of Ealing into another participating London borough you will have to re-apply for a Taxicard from your new borough and send your old Taxicard back to us.

My Taxicard has been lost, stolen or damaged - how can I replace it?
If you need a replacement Taxicard for any reason contact the ALG on (020) 7484 2929. If ALG Taxicard has a spare photograph of you on file your new card will be posted to you on the same day or next working day at the latest. If they do not have a spare photograph you will be requested to send one to them, as a Taxicard cannot be issued without a photograph. Please note that if you choose to travel before you receive your replacement Taxicard you will have to pay the full fare.