Types of Taxi Services in London

Various taxi services in London

 

There is a range of vehicles being used for taxi service depending upon the market choice and specifications. All over the United Kingdom, you will find scores of taxicabs that are operating on the roads yet the cab service in London is equipped with integrity and enhanced knowledge of driver. London being historical city, allures millions of visitors from all over the world every year. So, Taxi Service in London is unique in a way that its drivers possess better technical and geographical knowledge.

The taxicabs in London are regulated by the Public Carriage Office. Insurance policy are also facilitated with taxi service. This prevents the customers of taxi service from any kind of risk. Earlier only traditional taxi vehicles were available but now these are being replaced with more sophisticated vehicles with invisible distinction, everywhere in the UK. If you are visitor, you can have taxi to any London Airport.

The various apps like Uber have facilitated the customers to hire any cab just on their cell phone while sitting in their house. Broadly speaking, following taxis types are being operated in London:

Public Hire

These are also known as Hackney Carriage or London Black Cab and you are not required to book them in advance. These can be had any time when and where you are. So you can hail these in streets or get these from taxi rank. This is a trusted and reliable service having license from concerned authority i.e. the Public Carriage Office. The Public Carriage Office is a local Department or Authority of the Environment. The Public Carriage Office or PCO administers and licenses the Taxis and Minicabs or Private Hire. The PCO was switched over to Metropolitan Police and eventually became part of Transport for London in 2000. Usually Public Hire has a light on car roof indicating the availability of the taxi.

Earlier for years, purpose based vehicles were employed for public hire but now since 2008 specifically adopted vehicles named People Carrier are in practice. Various car models are used for such hire. It is ensured that ample space for luggage is available in the public hire, so sufficient space is available beside driver’s seat and in the compartment of passenger.

The turning circle is extremely small and this black cab can merely turn on a sixpence. The seating is made very comfortable for five people i.e. three on back seat and two on jump seats. Comfortable headroom is provided for entry and exit of passengers. Disabled are also given special care by the ramp from access.

Superior Chauffeur Hire

This taxi service provides you a high level chauffeur service especially for wedding ceremonies or other special events. Very special and classic vehicles are used for this purpose like classics, performance cars, executive saloons or limousines. An increased insurance policy is associated with these cars. Chauffeur driven cab in London is an imperial ride having fantastic collections in it. These are luxury vehicles on which you explore the UK in pleasurable company of your family or attend business engagements or friends gathering.

Private Hire Vehicles (PHV)

Minicabs or private hire vehicles are licensed vehicles that cannot be hailed in the street. You can have every size and style of PHV in accordance with your requirement and choice. You can choose from four door hatchbacks and saloons to MPVs. These Private Hire Vehicles can pick five and eight passengers as per license issued. It is pertinent to mention here that term minicab is synonym of private hire in London. Private hire vehicles started their operation in 1960 with the competition of hackney carriage. Best London Airport Transfers can be made by PHV.

It is required to book either by telephone, fax, internet or in person from minicab registered office. No driver is authorized to do booking but only the registered office can do this. Whereas the registration of PHV is concerned, London minicabs are licensed by London Taxis and Private Hire earlier known as Public Carriage Office.

Before hiring any taxi service in London, ensure that it is properly sanitized and wear mask before riding. Keep with you hand sanitizer and prefer such companies that have contactless payment. Before having taxi service in London, adopt all measures to remain safe from COVID-19.