[edent]

That's not been the case for some time. All licensed cabs must have a working card reader. See https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/accepting...

They can be sanctioned by TfL if they don't.

[chrisseaton]

They just say the machine's broken!

You might say 'you don't have to pay if it's broken' or 'you can report them' but I don't want to have an argument with an aggressive cab driver! I just want to pay by card in the first place, which Uber lets me do 100% of the time without hassle.

[Angostura]

Report them after your transaction is finished and do us all a favour.

[chrischen]

I suppose that's what Uber and Lyft fixed. They made "reporting" bad drivers and credit card transactions mandatory so no one has to do anyone favours.

[sametmax]

Exactly. What's bettter than a solution is not having a problem.

[charlesdm]

I guess the problem is that some charge a 10%+ fee for card usage. That shouldn't happen, honestly.

[edent]

No, they can't do that either.

From the TfL link above

"Since 13 January 2018 it has been an offence for companies, including private hire operators, to charge their customers a surcharge, or extra, because they are paying by credit or debit card."

Or see this news story.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40648641

[charlesdm]

Seems to be quite a new rule. Last time I was in town was in December last year. Good improvement I’d say!

[corobo]

Honestly had no idea this was in place. Black cabs are back on the menu! As with OP I never used them due to the requirement to have cash on hand