It brings to an end years of marginalisation on the most important transport team in the city. Black taxis have kept London moving for years and were effectively sidelined in the decision making process from everything to traffic lights to bus lanes.

Two appointments

There is one board member for each trade. Here us the full list of the black cab and private hire appointments:

Bob Oddy

Bob Oddy has been a licensed taxi driver since 1966.  He is currently General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association – which has a membership of over 8,000.  He has been actively involved in many issues affecting the taxi industry. He is Director of LTDA Enterprises Ltd and a non-executive Director of Computer Cab Company Ltd.

Steve Wright

After an early career with London Underground Steve Wright became involved in the Private Hire Trade and successfully ran a Private Hire Company for over 25 years. Steve is currently chair of the Licensed Private Hire Car Association.  This organisation comprises of 150 companies representing 15,000 drivers, with a further 1,000 companies registered.  In 1999 Steve was awarded an MBE for services to transport in London.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

"I am thrilled that we have been able to assemble a board of quite staggering expertise. Each and every member of the board is chock full of the ideas, enthusiasm and energy that will propel the improvements we intend to make to the capital’s public transport system."

Photo: Wikimedia