Tips on choosing a reputable Taxi

Working as a taxicab driver for Gawick Taxi, I wanted to share some experienced advice on what to check for when selecting your taxicab abroad or in the UK.

1. Look for a Taxi Rank
You can usually find a taxi stand close to the exit of all Airport Terminals - even if you can't read the words, you'll observe cabs congregating near the cab sign...

Working as a taxicab driver for Gawick Taxi, I wanted to share some experienced advice on what to check for when selecting your taxicab abroad or in the UK.

1. Look for a Taxi Rank
You can usually find a taxi stand close to the exit of all Airport Terminals - even if you can't read the words, you'll observe cabs congregating near the cab sign. In General, only taxi's with a (Hackney Carriage in the UK) license are allowed to wait at these taxi ranks, meaning the taxi is as safe as that country mandates. Look for these taxi ranks at foreign airports, too: finally, don't let aggressive drivers or their "helpers" direct you into a cab without sussing out the sign scene first.

2. Look for Taxi SimilaritiesLook for Similarities cabs
Near the taxi rank, notice the types, logos, colouration or 'TAXI' light on top even if your not booking a taxi right now -- you can avoid a "gypsy" or fake taxi afterward when you become knowledgeable with the city's taxi car style.

3. Does the cab have a phone number or logo
All good business' need to advertise. Legitimate taxis commonly have the taxi company's phone number covered on the roof, doors and luggage compartment. A taxi without a phone number doesn't want to promote -- why would that be? Don't get into a taxi without a company phone number advertised plainly somewhere on the taxicabs exterior unless all the taxis are clearly the same (see above).

4. Does the car have a Taxi meter or a Radio
Recognised taxi's will usually have a radio and or a Taxi Meter; see for either before you get in the cab and wave the taxi on if you don't notice either. Does the taxicab have a taxi light on top? Use your commen sense and you can't go far wrong, be conscious and sure.

5. Know Where You're Going
Gain an idea of where you are headed - look on a local map, or Google maps if you get the chance, so that you can be sure you don't end up someplace inhosbitable. If you do finish up going the wrong way, ask the driver to stop somewhere safe and get out the car as soon as possible. Give the driver the fare anyhow, just to make sure your not given chase.

6. Are they wearing a Taxi License Badge
To be a taxi driver you must be licensed by your local governing body, in the UK or where I am from near Gatwick Airport, my local council in Crawley issue a license with Hackney Carriage. It has a photo and expiry date, I am bound to hold it whenever transporting passengers in the taxi.

7. Be Conscious of Sharing
Sharing a cab with strangers can help you stay safe and save money, but it's a swindle in some places. Doubtful so call drivers might try to charge you twice if you are sharing and get out at separate locations. Make sure of the cost before you get in and make it clear what the whole fare will be.

Article Tags: Phone Number

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR