Many vacationers, especially those who will be going to London for the first time, feel it is convenient to go around the city by using taxis. If you are vacationing in London soon, here are some pointers when traveling in taxis.
Black taxis
If you are like most tourists, it is likely that you are planning on riding the city’s official taxis, which are more commonly known as black cabs. Even though they are named black cabs, they actually come in a wide variety of colors. Black cabs are the only taxis you can get from the streets. You would know if the cab is available if the yellow TAXI sign at the front is illuminated. Black cabs are required by law to take on any job for journeys up to 12 miles, or twenty miles for cabs stationed at Heathrow airport. Apart from hailing black cabs on the streets, you can also hire them from designated ranks close to points of interest, as well as metro and bus stations.
Black cabs make use of metered billing method, and the minimum fee is £2.40. The majority of black cabs accept credit or debit card payments, but just to be sure, check with the driver prior to entering the cab.
Registered private hire vehicles and minicabs
In addition to black cabs, vacationers can also travel around London using private hire vehicles and minicabs. Unlike black cabs which you can hire from the road, these two kinds of taxis have to be reserved at an office, online, or through phone or email. Riding minicabs can be a less expensive subsitute to using black cabs, especially when traveling long distances, as they are not using a meter, instead, they follow a predetermined rate which is established upon booking. Minicab fare is generally negotiable.
Take care when selecting minicabs though because there are unlicensed ones that will offer their services. Several minicabs line up outside pubs and clubs, but they will be disobeying the law if they take your fare without being booked. Nearly all pubs and clubs have approved representatives inside who can facilitate your booking. Unbooked minicab rides are dangerous because there will not be any record saved of your travel, your driver, and the cab used. Hence, when there are problems, the driver cannot be traced.
Your hotel or inn will also have a list of dependable, approved operators. If you require a taxi from London City Airport, for instance, the front desk staff can assist you. Alternatively, you can book on the internet by visiting the minicab company’s website.