Quote:
Originally posted by EscortBiz
Taxi = Mini Cab
Funny thing is when I was there the taxis there are way bigger (those black ones) then the taxis in NY, they are not as rude there lol
|
well, that isn't fully true.
The big black ones are still taxi cabs (cabs)
A mini cab is something different. Mini cabs are cars that can be called and ordered to picked you up. They aren't the black cab's they are normal cars.
Here is something I wrote for a london travel page I did a while ago. This is from my safety tips area:
2. Black Cabs vs Mini Cabs: You won't be in London long before you see minicab offices. In London there are two different kinds of cabs. The most famous are the black cabs and the others are minicabs. Mini cabs are just people with cars that work through an agency. The attraction of a minicab is that they can be cheaper. However, they are not required to be licensed, unlike black cabs, and are not required to pass 'the knowledge' which proves they know their way around the city.
If you do take a minicab make sure you get the price to your destination before you get into the cab. Black cabs run on a meter but there should be a a clearly visible fare structure in the cab. Minicabs are not allowed to solicite buisness. In other words, you have to actively call them or go to their office to order one. Black cabs, of course, can roam the city looking for buisness.
Often in the early hours rouge minicabs will go out looking for business. Do not get in one of these cabs regardless of how good a deal it sounds. If they will break the law once who is to say they are safe?