London taxi drivers are renowned for their navigational prowess, and those driving traditional black cabs are considered some of the best in the world. They are so good because they have to pass a rigorous exam called "The Knowledge".
The "Knowledge" test requires drivers to be able to accurately describe the fastest route from one location to another. In the test, the examiner will give two locations, and the driver needs to describe the specific driving route from memory, including thousands of streets in London and the location of many landmarks, such as streets, buildings, parks, hotels, shops, theaters and restaurants etc. This means drivers must have an in-depth knowledge of London's geography and spend years studying and preparing to pass the test.
Since the introduction of 'The Knowledge' test in 1864, it has raised the bar for taxi drivers in London. Not only did they become living maps, able to skillfully navigate passengers to their destinations, but they also constituted a huge barrier to entry into London's taxi industry, which is difficult for ordinary people to enter.
However, with the advent of Uber and the ubiquity of mobile phones and GPS technology, navigation has become incredibly simple. Anyone with a driver's license can enter the taxi industry by using a navigation app on their phone, eliminating the need for "The Knowledge" required expertise.
This technological advancement has had a huge impact on London taxi drivers. With a flood of new players entering the industry, the taxi market has become more competitive and drivers are facing declining earnings. Average earnings have fallen by 10%, and the livelihood of traditional taxi drivers is threatened.
The democratization of new technologies has made specialized knowledge generally available, thereby greatly closing the gap between novices and professionals. Expertise that once required years of study and preparation is now easily accessible with an app on your smartphone. This change raises a series of questions, such as how the industry's standards and quality are maintained, whether the value of traditional skills still exists, and so on.
Despite the competition and challenges posed by the rise of Uber, taxi drivers in London have retained their unique value. Equipped with years of accumulated expertise and experience, they are able to provide high-quality services in complex urban environments. And they remain an irreplaceable resource for commuters who really need an in-depth look at London's street network.
Taken together, the advent of Uber and the ubiquity of mobile phones and GPS technology has had a profound impact on London taxi drivers. Although traditional navigation skills have become less scarce, good taxi drivers still occupy an important position in the industry with their professional knowledge and experience.