London taxi app FREENOW has appointed Danny O鈥橤orman as its new general manager for the UK market.聽
O鈥橤orman will oversee FREENOW鈥檚 operations across the country, with a strategic focus on supporting and strengthening London鈥檚 black cab trade and expanding taxi services in key UK cities.
In London, taxis have fallen dramatically over the past decade, from 22,810 in 2013-14 to just 14,470 in 2023-24.
A new report from the Centre for London warns that black cabs could vanish from the capital鈥檚 streets by 2045 unless urgent action is taken by the government, the Mayor of London and Transport for London.
A primary focus for the firm during O鈥橤orman鈥檚 tenure will be on increasing ride demand, enhancing driver benefits and advocating for policies that protect the trade’s future, while continuing to offer passengers a safe, convenient and reliable taxi service.
O鈥橤orman joins from his role as a general manager for FREENOW in Ireland, where the company is the leader in the taxi market.
He has also held senior positions at Amazon and Catawiki and obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from Trinity College Dublin.
In his role, he will also oversee the expansion of FREENOW鈥檚 taxi services beyond its established presence in major cities across the UK, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Oxford.
鈥淚 am honoured to take on this role at such a critical time for our taxi industry. Black cabs are not just an iconic part of London鈥檚 identity; they are a vital transport service that requires protection and support,鈥� said O鈥橤orman.
鈥淢y priority is to continue to work closely with drivers to ensure that they have the tools, opportunities, and backing they need to thrive and work closely with policymakers to grow and strengthen the taxi industry for the future.鈥�
Tim Arnold, general manager Europe for FREENOW, added: 鈥淲e are delighted to welcome Danny to lead our UK business. His experience in the taxi sector in Ireland, combined with his prior experience in marketplace operations, logistics, and sales, makes him the perfect person to drive FREENOW鈥檚 next phase of growth in the UK.聽
鈥淲e are fully committed to London鈥檚 black cab trade and believe that under Danny鈥檚 leadership, we will continue to offer the best support for drivers and the best experience for passengers.鈥�
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