Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
I've never met a crabby cabbie in London. They love to talk, and they know every
nook and cranny in town. I ride in a taxi each day just to get my London questions
answered (drivers must pass a rigorous test on “The Knowledge” of London geography to
earn their license).
If a cab's top light is on, just wave it down. Drivers flash lights when they see you
wave. They have a tight turning radius (on new cabs, the back tires actually pivot), so you
can hail cabs going in either direction. If waving doesn't work, ask someone where you
can find a taxi stand. Telephoning a cab will get you one in a few minutes, but costs a little
more (tel. 0871-871-8710;
£
2 surcharge, plus extra fee to book ahead by credit card).
Rides start at
£
2.40. The regular tariff #1 covers most of the day (Mon-Fri
6:00-20:00), tariff #2 is during “unsociable hours” (Mon-Fri 20:00-22:00 and Sat-Sun
6:00-22:00), and tariff #3 is for nighttime (22:00-6:00) and holidays. Rates go up about
15-20 percent with each higher tariff. All extra charges are explained in writing on the cab
wall. Tip a cabbie by rounding up (maximum 10 percent).
