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Make A Black Cab Driver Your Guide To London
rivers of the classic
Black Cab spend most of "The Knowledge"
their daily lives trundling
through the streets of London. All of the official London cab
They are a rare breed and the drivers are required to pass a
cars they drive are just as full test called "The Knowledge". What
of character and personality as the Knowledge is, can sometimes
the cabbies who drive them. hard to define. Taking from
between 2-4 years to acquire,
Taking the sage advice of a some say it comes from having an
Cabbie is the perfect way to extraordinary memory. London taxi
locate any destination. A Cab drivers are said to have a part
driver's suggestions can uncover of the brain governing spatial
off-beat routes and help you get and visual information that is
the feel for a city. Remember, double the size of an average
they are the folks who hear and persons.
see everything!
The fact is, London taxi drivers
Travelling in a traditional taxi have a detailed knowledge of at
is a unique, convenient and easy least 25,000 streets, coupled
method of getting from place to with a general knowledge of all
place throughout the convoluted the major arterial routes running
maze of London. throughout London.
So why are Black Cab Drivers the
best travel guides to London? The
Reason; Cabbies are famed for
possessing a detailed
understanding of the city, known
simply as "The Knowledge".
route possible.
The Knowledge also stems from a
constant Interaction with Men and Women of Impeccable
London's people which means they Character
are extremely connected with what
is happening in the life of the It is no coincidence that black
city. cab drivers have a reputation for
providing the best taxi service
If it's out there, the Cabbie in the world. The credentials of
knows! each driver are a spotless
reflection of their character and
A Cabbie can find any each applicant is the subject of
Street! a criminal record check before
being issued with a cab driver's
The Cabbie's thorough knowledge licence.
of London includes the location
of streets, squares, clubs, Beware of Fraudsters and
hospitals, hotels, theatres, Hustlers
government and public buildings,
railway stations, police Beware those who claim to have
stations, courts, diplomatic passed the 'Knowledge of London'
buildings, important places of examinations, yet who's cars are
worship, cemeteries, crematoria, not marked with the official
parks and open spaces, sports and markings.
leisure centres, places of
learning, restaurants and There are many drivers who
historic buildings; in fact illegally solicit business around
everything you need a driver to prominent tourist attractions.
know in order to get you to your They operate without insurance,
destination by the most direct fare meters and often in vehicles
that are not roadworthy. a driver who knows all about the
theatre and you will arrive at
The difference between an the venue in the unique style
official Black Cab and a private only the Black Cab can afford.
taxi is that private hire
journeys must be pre-booked Museums
through a licensed operator.
Private hire vehicles are not by Looking at a map of London you
law able to ply the streets will notice that several museums
without these operators. and places of interest are to be
found scattered around the London
Take a Black Cab Journey area.
through London:
Westminster Abbey, The Royal
Buckingham Palace Academy of the Arts and Big Ben
Traditionally, the first place a are separated by a large expanse
Black Cab driver will take you to of city, which would be difficult
see is Buckingham Palace for the to navigate if it where not for
changing of the guards. The "The Knowledge" of the London cab
Cabbie always knows the best driver.
times to visit and all the
cunning ways of avoiding London's How to arrange a cab:
tedious traffic.
If the orange "for hire" light is
London's Theatreland lit up the cab can be hailed from
the street. Black Cabs can be
Go to see a musical, play or located on designated ranks,
comedy in London's Theatreland by situated at prominent places,
Black Cab. Again, you'll avoid including many mainline rail,
the traffic, enjoy the company of underground and bus stations.
Most taxis carry five people plus Cab Driver's Tip
luggage tipping at about 10% is
expected. Travel safe - It is a very
good idea to arrange a password
Remember, when requesting a cab with the dispatcher, which the
from your hotel; insist on a driver should provide you with
licensed London cab with a fare when he\she arrives. In addition
meter. Hotel staff at a few of to this, the driver should
London's hotels will attempt to already know your name and
persuade you to use a "car destination. London's Public
service" that they recommend. The Carriage Office recommends:
staff often receives bribes from "Always sit in the rear of the
unlicensed minicab drivers. cab, and always carry a mobile
phone".
About the Author:
The Draycott (http://www.draycotthotel.com/) is a five star London hotel near Harrods, replete with luxurious finishes and grand interiors. Central to the destinations mentioned above, the Draycott hotel would be more than willing to summon London's finest cabs and place them at your disposal.
Source: www.isnare.com
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