Taxis and Taxi Touts
Remember the golden rule for using taxis anywhere in the world - ALWAYS AGREE THE FARE (or at least get a good estimate) BEFORE YOU GET IN!
When you come to London you really must ride in one of the capital's famous black cabs but just do a short journey so you can say that you've done it. Maybe get a photo taken by a friend as you step out. Longer journeys though, can be very expensive!
On the subject of POLLUTION, it has been said that black cabs are responsible for a great proportion of the dirt that Londoners have to breath in every day and that pollution levels could be slashed at a stroke by banning taxis from the capital. This is, of course, something which will never actually happen. Buses churn out great clouds of dirty exhaust smoke just like the black cabs but at least they can carry about 80 people. Taxies usually run around town with only one passenger aboard or even empty and still pump out the smog! That said, there are three types of taxi in London that you should know about...
Black Cabs (A.K.A. Hackney Carriages)
London's famous black cabs are licensed by the police. The drivers must first show that they are up to the job by spending months doing "The Knowledge". They ride around the city on mopeds learning where each and every road leads, what route is shortest between A & B and how best to annoy other drivers. Once they have passed the test they are given a badge and can officially ply their cab for hire on London's streets. But beware! Just because they know the shortest route does not necessarily mean they will take you that way.
The price you pay is determined by a meter onboard which counts time as well as mileage. The longer the journey, the more the driver makes. Watch out for "... I'm taking you this way to avoid the traffic/roadworks/one way system/Notting Hill Carnival/etc.... If they pick you up from an airport they will know you have just arrived and are fair game. Some of them are bound to try it on so be warned.
Most London Black cab drivers tell me they hate their taxis. The design is quite old and comfort is not high on the agenda for the drivers. The passenger area is however, generally quite comfortable. You may be perturbed when riding in a black cab, to find that the doors are locked as soon as you get in! Is this to stop you from running off without paying? Apparently not! The doors are locked automatically when the cab is in motion to stop you from falling out! A likely story!
Mini Cabs
These are not licensed by anybody. Anyone can be a mini cab driver without taking any taxi tests. You just need a driving licence. Black cab drivers will always put them down but mini cabs are generally cheaper than black cabs and sometimes more comfy. However, they are not allowed to stop for you on the street. You have to ring them and they will then collect you. Mini cab company numbers abound in public telephone booths and can also be found in the yellow pages. Having used both types for many years I would say that if you are able to call a mini cab you will get much better service and pay far less than if you use a black cab. Now, for really bad news taxis, read on.....
Taxi touts
Avoid these like the plague. They are bad news and are completely illegal. They are found mainly at airports and railway stations, waiting for unsuspecting tourists who they think do not know any better. As you come through the barrier into, say, a railway station from your train, they offer to get you a cab and carry your bags to a car outside. Remember, mini cabs can not pick you up on the street so if the cab in question is not a big black cab and if it looks like a private car you should refuse to get in. Take your bags back and leave. There are many stories about tourists being charged about $60 or more to go a couple of blocks. If you then refuse to pay, you're in big trouble and may need to acquire a taste for hospital food!
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