There are approximately 23200 black taxis in London and they are usually four-door ‘saloon’ vehicles; over the years, including Fiat, Peugeot, Volkswagen and even Mercedes. They can usually accommodate six to eight passengers, and most of them are wheelchair-accessible. According to several surveys conducted worldwide, London taxis are considered to be the safest – and the most expensive – in the world.
Taxi drivers have to take a rigorous examination called ‘The Knowledge’ to qualify to drive them. In addition to competent driving skill, the test also requires drivers to have an in-depth knowledge of London’s street routes and well known landmarks.
A significant number of taxi drivers have decided to welcome tourist i style by offering services such as Wifi internet access. One taxi driver has even gone so far as to turn his taxi into a hotel for one person, which can be rented out for one night at a time. Called the ‘Cab-o-tel’, its features include a memory foam mattress, covered with an official Olympic bedspread, a solar powered fridge, a radio and an iPad.
By Haroon Rashed