[johnnycab]

>Genuine street hire only black cabs still exist, but they're pretty damn rare now.

They are not rare in city centres, which is their natural habitat eg. take a trip into Central London/Westend/City of London etc., you will find them everywhere. Unless, you are talking about the suburbs, where they have always been as rare as hens teeth.

https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing...

[NeedMoreTea]

They used to be more common and a higher proportion of the total. Lots have moved into minicab-like firms that add bookings, despatch etc.