Black cabs lined the street on Remembrance Sunday offering to provide free transport to veterans heading to the cenotaph.
Marking an annual tradition, dozens of old and new London black cabs lined up near Westminster to offer veterans rides to various locations around the capital.
Images shared to social media site X also showed Poppy Cabs, which have offered free accessible transport to thousands of military veterans since 2009.
Inspired by the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, where red poppy badges are exchanged for charitable donations, taxi drivers organise themselves under the 'Poppy Cabs' initiative.
This year, they sold hundreds of pounds worth of the badges.
Black cabs, some old, some new, all now ranked up on Westminster Bridge for Remembrance Sunday, having bought veterans from various locations with @PoppyCabs and will be taking them back after todays service. #remberancesunday pic.twitter.com/vW5lKRvlbn
— LondonTaxiPR (@londontaxi_pr) November 10, 2024
One driver wrote: “Today we gave our time and our services for those who did their service and duty when we needed them. The profession did itself proud once again, quietly going about its business of providing transport to our veterans. Thank you one and all. Good to see you all today.”
The service is known to be funded entirely by London taxi drivers themselves, who provide their time and cabs to veterans.
Like in previous years, the complimentary rides were on Sunday offered from major train stations across London, ensuring individuals arrived safely to and from the commemorative event. They took off after a briefing for staff at 6.30am.
Veterans have taken to X to express appreciation, as one wrote: “Thank you. I didn't use a cab today but you are a godsend to those less fit and mobile than me.”
“I would just like to pass on my sincere thanks to you and the cab drivers that give up your time for us. Total Respect to you all "THANK YOU,”” another said.
Alongside poppy cabs, London black cabs have become an iconic part of London, partly for grand gestures, including lining up near Buckingham Palace in rows as many as four wide in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.
One driver in 2022, Robert Caulder said, “I turned my light off and just made a beeline there, just to pay respects [for the Queen],” while fellow cab driver Michael Ackerman said, “We now know the Queen’s passed, the only woman we’ve ever known, our constant in both our lives and we’re showing our respect.”
