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London Taxi
A famous landmark and an integral part of the
city, the London taxi is a wonderful addition
to history not least because of its ceremonial
black colour. The black cab is notable for its
versatility and it is every where. You just have
to look. The drivers pride themselves on being
the most knowledgeable of London's inhabitants
and they defend this reputation very well.
They will also lecture or educate you on any topic
however quaint or remote. If you enjoy a good
old shin-wagg, just name any topic and you are
go...
They will tell you about some of the oldest laws
governing the London taxi as well as some eye
opening stories about the goings-on in the back
of the taxi. In fact, there is no better place
to go for up-to-date gossip.
We even have an ex cab-driver as a member of parliament...
and yes you have guessed it, he knows more about
what is going on than most of his colleagues in
parliament.
London cabs are among the most omfortable in the
world. The design is not every one's cuppa, but
then, they are a proud race and a breed apart.
They are to be found almost around every corner
of London - you just have to hail one by putting
your hand up or just going to a taxi rank.
The minimum taxi fare is £1.40 ($2.25 approx.)
for the first third of a mile. This increases
by 20p (30c) based on distance and time. The meter
is activated once the driver accepts your destination
and continues to run even in traffic jams until
you alight from the cab. You pay 10p for each
luggage in the driver's compartment and any other
item more than 2 feet long. There is a surcharge
imposed for fares after 8.00pm and on weekends
and public holidays. All tariffs include tax at
17.5%. Tipping is recommended at about 10-15%.
London cab drivers are noted for their politeness
and helpfulness. It is usually quite entertaining
to take a taxi and you should alight more enlightened
about London and you get to know things you did
not know you did not
know.
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