Fancy a rickshaw ride after the theatre? 5 things you should know. May 25, 2008
Posted by Linda in : advice, attractions , add a comment
Take a casual wander round any part of the West End and you will soon see the rickshaws, parked up outside the theatres or whizzing through the traffic. They look like an interesting way to get from your restaurant to the theatre or to end an evening at the theatre in London.
Five Things You Should Know About Bicycle Rickshaws
Here are five things you need to know before you get into a bicycle rickshaw in London.
Safety - are they safe?
There have been no major collisions involving rickshaws. However the ride can be a bit hairy when traffic is busy, during the rush hour for example. The rickshaws owned by the large companies have regular safety checks and are well maintained.
They all carry lights but not all them use them.
The community police make regular checks on this issue. If you are getting into a rickshaw at night make sure yours has its lights switched on.
They have seat belts, usually lap belts. Please use them.
Bicycle rickshaws are not designed to carry more than three passengers. If there are four of you use a second rickshaw.
Insurance - are they insured?
Contrary to popular belief, the rickshaws run by the main companies definitely carry full public liability insurance. This is part of their voluntary code of practice. However, see above, if you exceed the stated number of passengers you may invalidate the insurance.
Expense - what do they charge?
The fare is a matter of negotiation between the driver and the passengers. Most of the rickshaw companies charge a basic flat rate fare per passenger (between £3.50 and £4) and then the driver negotiates his fee on top of that. How much more you pay is dependent on your negotiating skills and how far you are going. It’s hard physical work so they expect something worthwhile for their efforts. Agree a fair price before you get in the cab and then stick to it.
You will find they expect a tip as well. If you are pleased with your ride a 10 - 15% tip is adequate.
Drivers - who are they?
The drivers are mostly young foreign students trying to make a bit of money to help fund their studies. A few may have shadier backgrounds. They don’t have background checks. They do receive training via the London Pedicabs Operators Association and there is a voluntary Drivers Code of Conduct. Your driver should be wearing a name badge.
Booking - can I book one in advance?
If, like many Brits, you aren’t comfortable haggling you can book your ride in advance - expect to pay more though and your driver will still expect a tip. Your rickshaw will be waiting for you at the theatre at the end of the show. You can get contact details from the web sites mentioned at the bottom of this post.
Distance - how far will they go?
Realistically you do not want to go very far in a rickshaw. They are not wonderfully comfortable and it’s a bumpy ride. Whilst the rickshaws are fine in the West End and Soho areas you definitely don’t want to travel much further out that way! Once you are into fast moving London traffic the rickshaw becomes a much less attractive mode of transport. In their element though the rickshaws are a quick way of getting around and a bit of fun to end your evening after a trip to the theatre.
Companies - who are the major companies?
The major companies who run the rickshaws (pedicabs) are all members of the LPOA and abide by their code of conduct.
Three of the major operators in the West End are:
Inwheelswetrust.com
If you want to know anything else leave a comment and I’ll do my best to find out for you.
Theatre Management April 4, 2008
Posted by admin in : advice , add a comment 
Theatre Management
The sign reads:
Caution!
Ticket touts operate outside this theatre
Tickets bought from touts do not guarantee admission
The Box office is unable to validate any tickets bought from unauthorised sources.
Theatre Management
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