Travelling by minicab in London is fairly straightforward. Unlike London’s Black Cabs, you cannot hail a minicab on the street; you must book your trip ahead of time by phone, text, or online and then a minicab will be dispatched to your location.
Another difference between the Black Cabs and minicabs is that minicab drivers are not required to undergo the ordeal of The Knowledge in order to drive their cab.
Minicabs are licensed by the Public Carriage Office.
One advantage to the minicab is that is it usually less expensive that the Black Cab and this may make it quite appealing to travellers on a budget.
For their own safety, visitors are cautioned to never accept a ride with a minicab that you find on the street.
It is against the law for minicabs to solicit fares, and any who are doing this are most likely illegal unlicensed taxis.
You might get quoted a cheap fare, but there will be no record of your booking and thus no way to track the driver should there be a problem.
There are many licensed minicab operations in London, and most will dispatch within approximately 10 minutes, so there is really no reason to put your safety at risk by travelling with unlicensed and unregulated services.
Many minicab companies offer accounts for regular or frequent customers, and the rates offered with such accounts are often substantially cheaper than those given to other customers.
A recent innovation in minicab services is the Taxybike, where customers ride on the back of a motorcycle that weaves its way easily through the congestion that is central London without breaking a sweat.
Of course, the Taxybike only has room for one passenger, although the company does state that there is cargo room enough onboard for small suitcase.
If price is no object, perhaps you’d like to hire a chauffeured car; many minicab companies offer upgraded services such as Mercedes and drivers in livery to make your trip more enjoyable.
A minicab in London can be a bargain or a luxury, it all depends on you.
To pre-book a minicab call:
Addison Lee: 020 7387 8888
Lady Mini Cabs: 020 7272 3300
Photo courtesy: Jeppestown
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