London Black Cabs September 24, 2008
Posted by Linda in : advice , add a commentHow to hire London black cabs and what to expect.
Big, black, taxi cabs, in London you see them everywhere but how easy is it to actually travel in one and just how expensive are they? It can be daunting getting around the city if you don’t know London well. London taxi drivers are famously well trained in getting around the maze of city streets. So grabbing a cab seems the obvious solution. However, people visiting the city are often wary of the possible expense and how exactly do you hire one anyway?
London Cabs Have an Agreed Fare Structure.
London taxi cabs fares are regulated. The current tarrif (from the TFL web site)
|
Distance |
Approx |
Monday to Friday |
Monday to Friday |
Every night |
|
1 mile |
5 – 12 mins |
£4.40 – £8 |
£4.60 – £8 |
£4.80 – £8 |
|
2 miles |
8 – 15 mins |
£6.80 – £10.60 |
£6.80 – £10.60 |
£7.40 – £11.60 |
|
4 miles |
15 – 30 mins |
£11 – £18 |
£12 – £18 |
£14 – £21 |
|
6 miles |
20 – 40 mins |
£17 – £27 |
£18 – £27 |
£23 – £32 |
|
Between Heathrow |
30 – 60 mins |
£40 – £70 |
£40 – £70 |
£40 – £70 |
There is a minimum fare of £2.20 at all times.
How it works:
The meter calculates the maximum fare based on:
- Time of day
- Distance travelled
- Taxi speed
The passenger will be expected to pay the full fare displayed on the meter at the end of the journey unless the driver and passenger agree on the final fare to be charged before the start of the journey.
The cab can take up to 5 passengers. There is no additional charge for passengers or luggage.
Where to find a Black Cab? Ranks and Hailing Passing Cabs
Cab ranks can be found at all the major railway stations. They really are the simplest way to get to and from your hotel if you arrive in the capital by train. Travelling by tube with luggage is not a pleasant way to start or end your break. If you can possibly afford it take a taxi!
If your hotel is a distance from the theatre you may want to organise a cab to take you there and back. If you organise this through the hotel staff make sure they order you a licensed taxi cab with a meter rather than a ” car service” or unlicensed mini-cab. These can work out much more expensive and are not regulated in the same way. Many of the larger hotels have their own taxi ranks.
You can also hail a black cab, just like they do in films 
If a cab has its FOR HIRE sign lit, even if it is going the other way, just stick out your arm and shout ‘Taxi’!
They Are Not All Black But Make Sure Yours is Licensed!
Surprisingly enough not all London taxis are black, some are red, but they all have that unmistakable cab shape and they MUST have a yellow “FOR HIRE” sign.
WARNING – Unlicensed Cabs
Unlicensed cabs are frequent in Central London. These are unmarked vehicles. They are unregulated and uninsured. The drivers pass themselves off as legitimate minicab operators. These fake cab drivers are common in the major tourist areas like Leicester Square, Theatreland, and Soho, and if you look lost they may approach you. It really is not worth the risk!
Use your phone to get a legitimate cab
Just about the easiest way to get a cab or licenced mini-cab is to use the Cabwise Service run by Transport for London. Simple text HOME to 60835 and they will send you the number of one taxi and two licensed mini-cab firm in the area you are texting from. It cost just 35p plus the cost of the text. Just be aware there can be an extra charge of up to £2.00 for a telephone booking.
Useful Links
London Taxis – site run by a London cabbie
Fancy a rickshaw ride after the theatre? 5 things you should know. May 25, 2008
Posted by Linda in : advice, attractions , 10comments
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
BugBugs
London Rickshaws
If you want to know anything else leave a comment and I’ll do my best to find out for you.
See also: London Black Cabs
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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