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Do cabbies own the road?
This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And
not for the first time. Previously I've seen them stop suddenly in a red route to pick up a fare, sometimes blocking the road, cut up other drivers, jump red lights and almost run down some pedestrians. What is it about these guys that they think the rules of the road don't apply to them? Is it some macho compensation for having to drive around in a car that going by looks should have Noddy at the wheel? Or are they (as I suspect) just a bunch of arrogant b*stards who don't give a damn about anyone or anything else on the road? B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
Boltar wrote:
Or are they (as I suspect) just a bunch of arrogant b*stards who don't give a damn about anyone or anything else on the road? That's them alright - well a good number of them, anyway. It's the ones who stick their indicator on and pull out without actually caring that there might be someone behind them not expecting them to do that. It's plain dangerous - but you tend to notice the ones that do that are in a knackered old Fairway and probably would be pleased if you hit them. They're nearly as bad as bus drivers. D. |
Do cabbies own the road?
"Boltar" wrote in message
ups.com... This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And not for the first time. Previously I've seen them stop suddenly in a red route to pick up a fare, sometimes blocking the road, cut up other drivers, jump red lights and almost run down some pedestrians. What is it about these guys that they think the rules of the road don't apply to them? Is it some macho compensation for having to drive around in a car that going by looks should have Noddy at the wheel? Or are they (as I suspect) just a bunch of arrogant b*stards who don't give a damn about anyone or anything else on the road? And I've seen some private cars do all of the above... bang goes your "noddy" theory... B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
Boltar wrote: This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And not for the first time. Doing a U-turn is a legal manoeuvre, unless there is a no-U-turn sign. Unlike most drivers, taxis do not know where they are going to go when they start their journey. As long as the taxi did his U-turn in a safe manner I can't see why he shouldn't. Previously I've seen them stop suddenly in a red route to pick up a fare, sometimes blocking the road, Taxis are allowed to stop in red routes to pick up a fare. Obviously they shouldn't "stop suddenly" but my guess is that he indicated then slowed down and stopped. Perhaps you weren't watching properly or were tailgaiting. cut up other drivers, jump red lights and almost run down some pedestrians. True that those are not permitted. |
Do cabbies own the road?
d wrote: "Boltar" wrote in message And I've seen some private cars do all of the above... bang goes your "noddy" theory... Not nearly to the same extent given the number of private cars versus the number of black cabs. B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
Earl Purple wrote: Boltar wrote: This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And not for the first time. Doing a U-turn is a legal manoeuvre, unless there is a no-U-turn sign. Unlike most drivers, taxis do not know where they are going to go when they start their journey. I didn't see a no u turn sign on this road but I reckon its a safe bet theres one hidden somewhere given he was blocking one lane of traffic and sticking out into oncoming. Hardly safe. Taxis are allowed to stop in red routes to pick up a fare. Obviously So a red route is No Stopping At Any Time (unless you're a cabbie and then its no problem , block the traffic for as long as you like mate)? So what makes cabbies exempt? Plenty of other people have to drive in london for a living. Why shouldn't we permit delivery drivers, couriers and so forth to stop too? They need is probably even greater than the cabbies since they can't just drive further on and drop the delivery off somewhere else. cut up other drivers, jump red lights and almost run down some pedestrians. True that those are not permitted. Nice to know. B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
In message .com,
Boltar writes Earl Purple wrote: Boltar wrote: This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And not for the first time. Doing a U-turn is a legal manoeuvre, unless there is a no-U-turn sign. Unlike most drivers, taxis do not know where they are going to go when they start their journey. I didn't see a no u turn sign on this road but I reckon its a safe bet theres one hidden somewhere given he was blocking one lane of traffic and sticking out into oncoming. Hardly safe. Taxis are allowed to stop in red routes to pick up a fare. Obviously So a red route is No Stopping At Any Time (unless you're a cabbie and then its no problem , block the traffic for as long as you like mate)? Taxis are only permitted to stop on a red route for the purposes of picking up and setting down passengers. They are not allowed to wait any longer than the time it takes for this purpose. They may have to take some time if they have a disabled passenger in a wheelchair to get in and out, but they may not wait while the passenger goes to the bank to get money. Taxi driver have been done for this on several occasions and this is published in the trade press. This can sometimes cause friction with the passengers when we tell them that we have to go around the corner before stopping! So what makes cabbies exempt? Plenty of other people have to drive in london for a living. Why shouldn't we permit delivery drivers, couriers and so forth to stop too? They need is probably even greater than the cabbies since they can't just drive further on and drop the delivery off somewhere else. Most deliveries *can* be done outside the normal 'rush hours' and there are usually marked off bays for delivery vehicles to stop. -- Mike Hughes A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England |
Do cabbies own the road?
Boltar wrote:
Earl Purple wrote: Boltar wrote: This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And not for the first time. Doing a U-turn is a legal manoeuvre, unless there is a no-U-turn sign. Unlike most drivers, taxis do not know where they are going to go when they start their journey. I didn't see a no u turn sign on this road but I reckon its a safe bet theres one hidden somewhere given he was blocking one lane of traffic and sticking out into oncoming. Hardly safe. Most London roads do not have u-turn bans. Which road was it? Taxis are allowed to stop in red routes to pick up a fare. So a red route is No Stopping At Any Time (unless you're a cabbie and then its no problem , block the traffic for as long as you like mate)? No, taxis are allowed to stop long enough to pick up or set down. Any taxi driver who stops long enough for a passenger to use a cash point runs the risk of being fined, same as anyone else. So what makes cabbies exempt? The law. That's the whole reason red routes were invented, as distinct from Clearways (where not even taxis can stop). Plenty of other people have to drive in london for a living. Why shouldn't we permit delivery drivers, couriers and so forth to stop too? They need is probably even greater than the cabbies since they can't just drive further on and drop the delivery off somewhere else. Because those deliveries would take MUCH longer than the 5-100 seconds that a taxi takes to pick up or set down. There are loading bays liberally located on red routes. |
Do cabbies own the road?
"Boltar" wrote in message ups.com... This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And not for the first time. Previously I've seen them stop suddenly in a red route to pick up a fare, sometimes blocking the road, cut up other drivers, jump red lights and almost run down some pedestrians. What is it about these guys that they think the rules of the road don't apply to them? Is it some macho compensation for having to drive around in a car that going by looks should have Noddy at the wheel? Or are they (as I suspect) just a bunch of arrogant b*stards who don't give a damn about anyone or anything else on the road? B2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------- I reckon driving a black cab must be one the most crap & stressfull jobs in London,I know several cab drivers & they all hate the job,imagine having to drive around all day/night picking up strangers,I know for a fact that at night cabbies have got to have their wits about them,one cab driver told me that he picked up a fare in the West End & took him to Putney & on the way there the guy took a **** on the floor of his cab,I asked him if that was his tip but he didn't get the joke. |
Do cabbies own the road?
In message , FreddyFrith
writes "Boltar" wrote in message oups.com... This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And not for the first time. Previously I've seen them stop suddenly in a red route to pick up a fare, sometimes blocking the road, cut up other drivers, jump red lights and almost run down some pedestrians. What is it about these guys that they think the rules of the road don't apply to them? Is it some macho compensation for having to drive around in a car that going by looks should have Noddy at the wheel? Or are they (as I suspect) just a bunch of arrogant b*stards who don't give a damn about anyone or anything else on the road? B2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------- I reckon driving a black cab must be one the most crap & stressfull jobs in London,I know several cab drivers & they all hate the job,imagine having to drive around all day/night picking up strangers,I know for a fact that at night cabbies have got to have their wits about them,one cab driver told me that he picked up a fare in the West End & took him to Putney & on the way there the guy took a **** on the floor of his cab,I asked him if that was his tip but he didn't get the joke. Sh*t happens :-) Just like any job there are always some who hate it. Personally I love the job. I start when I feel like it, finish when I feel like it, don't have to ask anyone for permission to take holidays. I work nights. You develop a sixth sense when it comes to people. As for the money, well you'll never get rich as a London taxi driver but you'll never be poor as long as you have your health. -- Mike Hughes A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England |
Do cabbies own the road?
Mike Hughes typed
Just like any job there are always some who hate it. Personally I love the job. I start when I feel like it, finish when I feel like it, don't have to ask anyone for permission to take holidays. I work nights. You develop a sixth sense when it comes to people. As for the money, well you'll never get rich as a London taxi driver but you'll never be poor as long as you have your health. Quite. The cabbie who drove me home from Waterloo was about to take a few months off work and working much less as his wife was expecting their first baby very shortly. He was taking the opportunity to help his wife and get to know the child. -- Helen D. Vecht: Edgware. |
Do cabbies own the road?
John Rowland wrote: Boltar wrote: Most London roads do not have u-turn bans. Which road was it? Farringdon road (or whatever its called) down near Blackfriars. So what makes cabbies exempt? The law. That's the whole reason red routes were invented, as distinct from Clearways (where not even taxis can stop). I still don't see why taxis are a special case. Taxis are a virtual irrelevance when it comes to a list of relative importance of vehicles on the road since there is always the public transport alternative. Shops and businesses HAVE to have deliveries, people do not have to travel by cab unless they're going way out into the sticks (and then the cabbie probably wouldn't accept the fare anyway) where there might not be public transport. Because those deliveries would take MUCH longer than the 5-100 seconds that Not necessarily. Depends what it is. If its just a parcel in might only take a minute if they've phoned ahead and someone is waiting to collect. B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
"Boltar" wrote in message
oups.com... d wrote: "Boltar" wrote in message And I've seen some private cars do all of the above... bang goes your "noddy" theory... Not nearly to the same extent given the number of private cars versus the number of black cabs. I guess we could try to come to some conclusion by just grabbing numbers out of our asses, but what would that achieve? This is a pointless endeavour. Some cabbies drive like ****s because some PEOPLE drive like ****s, regardless of what vehicle they're driving at the time. It's not the vehicle but the fact they're people which condemns some to driving like ****s. B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
In message .com,
Boltar writes John Rowland wrote: Boltar wrote: Most London roads do not have u-turn bans. Which road was it? Farringdon road (or whatever its called) down near Blackfriars. So what makes cabbies exempt? The law. That's the whole reason red routes were invented, as distinct from Clearways (where not even taxis can stop). I still don't see why taxis are a special case. Taxis are a virtual irrelevance when it comes to a list of relative importance of vehicles on the road since there is always the public transport alternative. WRONG. Trains, buses, planes, ships all stop at some time or other either through breakdown, planned maintenance, no late night service or a variety of other services. That's when the taxis fill in the gaps. Indeed, London transport couldn't get their staff in and out of work when the tubes are shut without taxis, many local authorities wouldn't be able to get their disabled residents to and from hospital, etc. without having to provide expensive alternatives to taxis which are available 24/7 Shops and businesses HAVE to have deliveries, Agreed, but they can have them outside the 'rush' hours. people do not have to travel by cab unless they're going way out into the sticks (and then the cabbie probably wouldn't accept the fare anyway) where there might not be public transport. Because those deliveries would take MUCH longer than the 5-100 seconds that Not necessarily. Depends what it is. If its just a parcel in might only take a minute if they've phoned ahead and someone is waiting to collect. B2003 -- Mike Hughes A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England |
Do cabbies own the road?
d wrote: "Boltar" wrote in message I guess we could try to come to some conclusion by just grabbing numbers out of our asses, but what would that achieve? So you don't think there are far more private cars than taxis? This is a pointless endeavour. Some cabbies drive like ****s because some PEOPLE drive like ****s, regardless of what vehicle they're driving at the time. It's not the vehicle but the fact they're people which condemns some to driving like ****s. Taxi drivers are supposed to be professional drivers. So if they carry out stupid or dangerous manouveurs on the road a number of times they should be barred from driving a cab , just like a bus driver wouldn't be hired by any bus company if he had been sacked for some driving offense even if he still had his PSV license. B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
Mike Hughes wrote: Indeed, London transport couldn't get their staff in and out of work when the tubes are shut without taxis, many local authorities wouldn't be able to get their disabled residents to and from hospital, etc. without having to provide expensive alternatives to taxis which are available 24/7 I'm talking about black cabs , not minicabs. I can't see many black cab drivers working at 3 in the morning without charging an arm and a leg. Agreed, but they can have them outside the 'rush' hours. So limit black cabs to outside rush hours too if they're only important when public transport isn't running. B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
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Do cabbies own the road?
Martin Underwood wrote: So when public transport is running, people who are making a door-to-door journey should be forced to make a less convenient journey from start address to departure station (bus/railway) to destination station (maybe with changes along the way) to destination address? Even when they are disabled or have large amounts of shopping? Even if a taxi may provide a quicker journey? No I don't. BUT - neither do I think black cabs are so much more important than other vehicles on the road that they should be given special dispensation to stop on red routes. Theres no reason there can't be set places to hail cabs just like their are bus stops (not a taxi rank as such but somewhere cabs can pull in briefly) instead of the cabs just pulling over where they please and frequently holding up the traffic. B2003 |
Do cabbies own the road?
In message .com,
Boltar writes Mike Hughes wrote: Indeed, London transport couldn't get their staff in and out of work when the tubes are shut without taxis, many local authorities wouldn't be able to get their disabled residents to and from hospital, etc. without having to provide expensive alternatives to taxis which are available 24/7 I'm talking about black cabs , not minicabs. I can't see many black cab drivers working at 3 in the morning without charging an arm and a leg. So am I. As far as pricing is concerned London's taxis have a meter fitted. Paradoxically, since the Private Hire (minicabs) have become licensed their prices are now often more expensive - they've found out that regulation means their costs have gone up! Agreed, but they can have them outside the 'rush' hours. So limit black cabs to outside rush hours too if they're only important when public transport isn't running. B2003 -- Mike Hughes A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England |
Do cabbies own the road?
Mike Hughes wrote: So am I. As far as pricing is concerned London's taxis have a meter fitted. Paradoxically, since the Private Hire (minicabs) have become licensed their prices are now often more expensive - they've found out that regulation means their costs have gone up! Minicab fares are usually based on distance only, no time factor, but sometimes there are higher minimum charges for short journeys. Short journeys are therefore often cheaper by taxi as long as the taxi does not get caught in a major traffic jam. Account fares are usually a lot higher for the company. Any major company such as London Underground that has staff picked up by private hire company would be paying account fares, and would probably be using one of the bigger (and more expensive) companies. Black cabs could well be cheaper. In my opinion, the whole system would work better if they got rid of all the little cab operators and centralised the whole system. The operators could still be there to take calls but they would not regulate the particular drivers. When someone wants a cab, they can simply call one number and a cab nearby will be able to pick them up. When a cab driver finishes a job they will usually pick up the next fare where they are and not return to base empty. There may be some exceptions to that rule in the evening rush hour where most of the pickups are in town and they may head back to town empty because there is a high demand there. Driver hours should also be regulated. You say you enjoy it because you can choose your hours and know you are not going to get rich, but there are some drivers (both black cab and minicab) who work all the hours they can or are even forced by their operators to work longer hours than they are able. |
Do cabbies own the road?
On Wed, 25 Oct 2006, Boltar wrote:
Earl Purple wrote: Boltar wrote: This morning I saw a black cab do a u-turn on a busy 4 lane road. And not for the first time. Taxis are allowed to stop in red routes to pick up a fare. Obviously So a red route is No Stopping At Any Time (unless you're a cabbie and then its no problem , block the traffic for as long as you like mate)? So what makes cabbies exempt? Plenty of other people have to drive in london for a living. Why shouldn't we permit delivery drivers, couriers and so forth to stop too? The lorry drivers delivering to shops along the Seven Sisters Road just west of Finsbury Park are one step ahead of you - they already do! tom -- Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity -- Hanlon's Razor |
Do cabbies own the road?
"Mike Hughes" wrote in message ... In message .com, Boltar writes John Rowland wrote: Boltar wrote: Most London roads do not have u-turn bans. Which road was it? Farringdon road (or whatever its called) down near Blackfriars. So what makes cabbies exempt? The law. That's the whole reason red routes were invented, as distinct from Clearways (where not even taxis can stop). I still don't see why taxis are a special case. Taxis are a virtual irrelevance when it comes to a list of relative importance of vehicles on the road since there is always the public transport alternative. WRONG. Trains, buses, planes, ships all stop at some time or other either through breakdown, planned maintenance, no late night service or a variety of other services. That's when the taxis fill in the gaps. Indeed, London transport couldn't get their staff in and out of work when the tubes are shut without taxis, many local authorities wouldn't be able to get their disabled residents to and from hospital, etc. without having to provide expensive alternatives to taxis which are available 24/7 Shops and businesses HAVE to have deliveries, Agreed, but they can have them outside the 'rush' hours. people do not have to travel by cab unless they're going way out into the sticks (and then the cabbie probably wouldn't accept the fare anyway) where there might not be public transport. Because those deliveries would take MUCH longer than the 5-100 seconds that Not necessarily. Depends what it is. If its just a parcel in might only take a minute if they've phoned ahead and someone is waiting to collect. -------------------------------------------------------- Why don't Transport for London introduce a system whereby taxis & minicabs are employed by them & are paid a regular wage just like bus & train drivers,it would reduce pollution immensely because one cab could be used by three drivers on a 24 hour shift rota,it would also mean no lack of cabs late at night,just one thing though because there is no glass partition in minicabs as in black cabs,I do find many minicab drivers appear to have a problem with personal hygiene it would be a bonus if their job description included brushing their teeth & taking a shower now & again. |
Do cabbies own the road?
Mike Hughes wrote:
Indeed, London transport couldn't get their staff in and out of work when the tubes are shut without taxis, Most of these journeys could be cycled, on quiet night-time roads. many local authorities wouldn't be able to get their disabled residents to and from hospital, etc. without having to provide expensive alternatives to taxis which are available 24/7 But not these. FWIW, my theory is that most drivers drive so as not to inconvenience other drivers any more than necessary. A minority drive so as not to inconvenience other road users any more than necessary. Many taxi drivers drive so as not to collide with other road users - but delaying them and getting too close are OK. Colin McKenzie -- No-one has ever proved that cycle helmets make cycling any safer at the population level, and anyway cycling is about as safe per mile as walking. Make an informed choice - visit www.cyclehelmets.org. |
Do cabbies own the road?
Zara Henderson wrote: -------------------------------------------------------- Why don't Transport for London introduce a system whereby taxis & minicabs are employed by them & are paid a regular wage just like bus & train drivers, Then Tfl would keep the fares other than what they pay to the drivers. That might actually be slightly advantageous for the drivers, provided they get paid enough, but chances are they wouldn't be. Tfl would then have a complete monopoly so would obviously minimise their costs, not only by paying the drivers as little as they can get away with, but would also employ as few drivers as they think they can get away with, because every driver is efectively an expense. (The advantage to the drivers is that they don't expand their fleet so much that the drivers get very little work). it would reduce pollution immensely because one cab could be used by three drivers on a 24 hour shift rota, How does that reduce pollution? Cabs aren't polluting anything when they are parked up, unlike what Richmond Council seem to think. it would also mean no lack of cabs late at night No, for the reasons above there is more likely to be a lack of cabs. If it's hard to get a cab at night, it's because of the inefficient use of them at the moment. Plus the fact that just as with all other forms of transport, there is a "rush hour" for cabs, and at night that tends to be just around midnight. My suggestion is to keep the drivers as self-employed like they are now but have them work under a global system. The "operators" can still be there to take calls and find work, and these operators would receive a percentage of the fares based on the jobs they find, but the drivers would work under Tfl, not under the operators. Black cabs will also be allowed to ply for hire on the street, and keep 100% of any such fares. A solution that could resolve the evening rush-hour problem would be shared-cabs (find others going to the same location). Could benefit everyone - lower fares for the passengers, higher fares for the driver and more cabs available. ,just one thing though because there is no glass partition in minicabs as in black cabs,I do find many minicab drivers appear to have a problem with personal hygiene it would be a bonus if their job description included brushing their teeth & taking a shower now & again. What probably comes from being overworked and even sleeping in their cars. And in the summer time, waiting for jobs in the car is not pleasant. Actually, it never is, but particularly bad in summer or very cold winter. |
Do cabbies own the road?
Colin McKenzie wrote: Most of these journeys could be cycled, on quiet night-time roads. I very much doubt that late night workers are going to get home 2-3 miles say on a bicycle in the middle of the night. A better night-bus network might have been the alternative suggestion. FWIW, my theory is that most drivers drive so as not to inconvenience other drivers any more than necessary. A minority drive so as not to inconvenience other road users any more than necessary. Many taxi drivers drive so as not to collide with other road users - but delaying them and getting too close are OK. You probably have a point that I think many road users are more sympathetic to other road users that are driving/riding the same kind of vehicle as they are (and pedestrians to other pedestrians). I disagree with your point about taxis though. They have a job to do and that job involves stopping to provide a pretty much door-to-door service, which means picking up and setting down passengers where they want to go (which I only really object to when it is at a set of green traffic lights, but I guess it's the fault of the passengers who jump in the taxi at that point). It can also happen quite often that a passenger will jump in on the wrong side of the road to where they want to go, forcing the driver to U-turn. You can't really blame the taxi drivers for that. |
Do cabbies own the road?
"Earl Purple" wrote in message oups.com... Zara Henderson wrote: -------------------------------------------------------- Why don't Transport for London introduce a system whereby taxis & minicabs are employed by them & are paid a regular wage just like bus & train drivers, Then Tfl would keep the fares other than what they pay to the drivers. That might actually be slightly advantageous for the drivers, provided they get paid enough, but chances are they wouldn't be. Tfl would then have a complete monopoly so would obviously minimise their costs, not only by paying the drivers as little as they can get away with, but would also employ as few drivers as they think they can get away with, because every driver is efectively an expense. (The advantage to the drivers is that they don't expand their fleet so much that the drivers get very little work). it would reduce pollution immensely because one cab could be used by three drivers on a 24 hour shift rota, How does that reduce pollution? Cabs aren't polluting anything when they are parked up, unlike what Richmond Council seem to think. it would also mean no lack of cabs late at night No, for the reasons above there is more likely to be a lack of cabs. If it's hard to get a cab at night, it's because of the inefficient use of them at the moment. Plus the fact that just as with all other forms of transport, there is a "rush hour" for cabs, and at night that tends to be just around midnight. My suggestion is to keep the drivers as self-employed like they are now but have them work under a global system. The "operators" can still be there to take calls and find work, and these operators would receive a percentage of the fares based on the jobs they find, but the drivers would work under Tfl, not under the operators. Black cabs will also be allowed to ply for hire on the street, and keep 100% of any such fares. A solution that could resolve the evening rush-hour problem would be shared-cabs (find others going to the same location). Could benefit everyone - lower fares for the passengers, higher fares for the driver and more cabs available. ,just one thing though because there is no glass partition in minicabs as in black cabs,I do find many minicab drivers appear to have a problem with personal hygiene it would be a bonus if their job description included brushing their teeth & taking a shower now & again. What probably comes from being overworked and even sleeping in their cars. And in the summer time, waiting for jobs in the car is not pleasant. Actually, it never is, but particularly bad in summer or very cold winter. ---------------------------------------------------------- A solution that could resolve the evening rush-hour problem would be shared-cabs (find others going to the same location). Could benefit everyone - lower fares for the passengers, higher fares for the driver and more cabs available ---------------------------------------------------------- I take cabs precisely because I do not want to share my space with anyone else,many single women would feel unsafe sharing,if I want to share I will take the bus "thank you" |
Do cabbies own the road?
Zara Henderson wrote: ---------------------------------------------------------- A solution that could resolve the evening rush-hour problem would be shared-cabs (find others going to the same location). Could benefit everyone - lower fares for the passengers, higher fares for the driver and more cabs available ---------------------------------------------------------- I take cabs precisely because I do not want to share my space with anyone else,many single women would feel unsafe sharing,if I want to share I will take the bus "thank you" Wouldn't that make you feel safer? It's true the drivers are now checked by the Public Carriage Office so as long as you use a licensed cab you are far more likely to be safe. And sharing would be an option, it wouldn't be forced on you. But the more other people in the car, the safer you are surely likely to be? If you did end up sharing with just one other passenger who happened to be male, there is always the option that one of you sits in the front (probably the male). The main danger of the bus is the walk from the bus stop to home? |
Do cabbies own the road?
"Colin McKenzie" wrote in message ... Mike Hughes wrote: Indeed, London transport couldn't get their staff in and out of work when the tubes are shut without taxis, Most of these journeys could be cycled, on quiet night-time roads. Except the return journey would not be on quiet night time roads. Below is a sample of genuine regular staff taxi journeys that get booked at Arnos Grove Depot; Inbound AM Ladbroke Grove to Palmers Road[1]/Oakwood[2] Holloway Road to Palmers Road/Oakwood Turnpike Lane to Palmers Road/Oakwood Kentish Town to Palmers Road/Oakwood Silver Street to Palmers Road/Oakwood Outbound PM Reverse of all of the above with the exception of the Ladbroke Grove run Palmers Road/Oakwood to High Barnet Palmers Road to Chatham BR Few of these are likely to appeal to someone who has just dragged themselves out of their pit at stupid o'clock and is looking down the barrel of an eight hour shift, or has just completed one. Plus, come May next year LU is promising to taxi any staff member, who misses their train connection home due to the extended running, to their home BR station, which is going to mean the average staff taxi journey length increasing. [1] Palmers Road is the booking point on CABS for Arnos Grove Depot. [2] Staff at Arnos can be required to book on/off at Arnos Grove or Oakwood depending on what duty they're doing. -- Cheers, Steve. Change from jealous to sad to reply. |
Do cabbies own the road?
Zara Henderson wrote:
Why don't Transport for London introduce a system whereby taxis & minicabs are employed by them & are paid a regular wage just like bus & train drivers, Because there would be nothing to stop taxi drivers parking in a side road for eight hours reading a paper and then saying they couldn't find any passengers, and then going home with the same pay. They would also be less willing to take risks with punters, so women in Ascot hats and gentlemen in Panama hats would be the only people who could get taxis, and only when they were completely sober. it would reduce pollution immensely because one cab could be used by three drivers on a 24 hour shift rota, How would that reduce pollution? Anyway, something like half the cabs in London are already shared by two drivers. it would also mean no lack of cabs late at night, Why don't you work at night and socialise in the day, that way you won't have a problem getting cabs! Cabbies want to socialise and see their children, same as anyone else. just one thing though because there is no glass partition in minicabs as in black cabs,I do find many minicab drivers appear to have a problem with personal hygiene it would be a bonus if their job description included brushing their teeth & taking a shower now & again. Unlike taxis, which are a public service, minicabs are operated by private companies, so if you don't like the service you get from one minicab company, use a different one, or use taxis. Anyway, think of all the poor drivers who have to put up with the stink of your attitude, which no glass partition could mask. |
Do cabbies own the road?
Let me pick my routes for these journeys: Ladbroke Grove to Palmers Road[1]/Oakwood[2] Interesting one to start but one I know reasonably well: cross Harrow Road following Chamberlayne Road then turn left into Chambers Lane and through St Andrews Road onto the Willesden High Road (A407) then follow that and A4088 (Dudden Hill Lane) until North Circular then follow that, left into Station Road (A109) and then right. (For Oakwood you can either use Wilmer Way and then through A111 Southgate B550 Colney Hatch Lane then through to Russell Lane, Church Hill Road and Cat Hill). Holloway Road to Palmers Road/Oakwood For Oakwood, A1, B550 (Muswell Hill Road) and as before. For Southgate you can turn right into B106 (Alexandra Park Road) then A109 or even Brownlow Road and left from there to Bowes Road. Turnpike Lane to Palmers Road/Oakwood A504 through Hornsey up to Muswell Hill, or A105, A109 etc. Alternative of A105, A111 to Oakwood. Kentish Town to Palmers Road/Oakwood A400, A1, B550 etc. Silver Street to Palmers Road/Oakwood A406 and A1110 Bowes Road. For Oakwood, A111 (at Great Cambridge Roundabout). A number of those routes when through Muswell Hill, a big climb on a bicycle. |
Do cabbies own the road?
On Fri, 27 Oct 2006, Earl Purple wrote:
Colin McKenzie wrote: Most of these journeys could be cycled, on quiet night-time roads. I very much doubt that late night workers are going to get home 2-3 miles say on a bicycle in the middle of the night. Why on earth not? I regularly do. tom -- No Hype Just Science |
Do cabbies own the road?
On Fri, 27 Oct 2006, Earl Purple wrote:
Let me pick my routes for these journeys: [ka-SNIP] A number of those routes when through Muswell Hill, a big climb on a bicycle. Not very well picked, then! Unless you actually live in Muswell Hill or Highgate or such, there's no need to go via there on a bike. However, i do agree that some of the trips Steve listed are a bit much to do by bike; Ladbroke Grove would not be much fun, and the Chatham one - cripes! tom -- No Hype Just Science |
Do cabbies own the road?
In message , Zara Henderson
writes -------------------------------------------------------- Why don't Transport for London introduce a system whereby taxis & minicabs are employed by them & are paid a regular wage just like bus & train drivers,it would reduce pollution immensely because one cab could be used by three drivers on a 24 hour shift rota,it would also mean no lack of cabs late at night,just one thing though because there is no glass partition in minicabs as in black cabs,I do find many minicab drivers appear to have a problem with personal hygiene it would be a bonus if their job description included brushing their teeth & taking a shower now & again. This would actually have the opposite effect. Drivers who are self employed have to work to earn money. Employees can and probably would take time off for *paid* sickness, holidays, etc. The only way this could be done is with a massive increase in the fares. Under the present system if a driver is short of money s/he can come out at busy times to take extra money. The problem is that, just like trains, buses, planes, ships, etc a large number of people want transport at the same time. If you try to cater for these peak times then what would you do during the off peak times - and how would you pay the staff? -- Mike Hughes A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England |
Do cabbies own the road?
In message .com, Earl
Purple writes A solution that could resolve the evening rush-hour problem would be shared-cabs (find others going to the same location). Could benefit everyone - lower fares for the passengers, higher fares for the driver and more cabs available. Already happens on a regular basis at Paddington, Wimbledon, Royal Garden Parties, etc. The (black) taxis rank up, the marshals the match drivers and passengers. Passengers get a fixed fare, drivers get a little more than the standard one off fare - but it does involve quite a bit of planning which where the Knowledge comes to the fore. -- Mike Hughes A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England |
Do cabbies own the road?
In message .com, Earl
Purple writes Zara Henderson wrote: ---------------------------------------------------------- A solution that could resolve the evening rush-hour problem would be shared-cabs (find others going to the same location). Could benefit everyone - lower fares for the passengers, higher fares for the driver and more cabs available ---------------------------------------------------------- I take cabs precisely because I do not want to share my space with anyone else,many single women would feel unsafe sharing,if I want to share I will take the bus "thank you" Wouldn't that make you feel safer? It's true the drivers are now checked by the Public Carriage Office so as long as you use a licensed cab you are far more likely to be safe. And sharing would be an option, it wouldn't be forced on you. But the more other people in the car, the safer you are surely likely to be? If you did end up sharing with just one other passenger who happened to be male, there is always the option that one of you sits in the front (probably the male). Not in a licensed *taxi*. I've also seen occasions where a 'pushy' person has managed to gain access to the cab and only after the journey is part way through do they try something on. It's not always obvious to the driver. My advice to anyone is, unless it's at a controlled area never share with someone you don't know unless there are at least two of you who will be getting out at the same point. The main danger of the bus is the walk from the bus stop to home? -- Mike Hughes A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England |
Do cabbies own the road?
"John Rowland" wrote in message ... Zara Henderson wrote: Why don't Transport for London introduce a system whereby taxis & minicabs are employed by them & are paid a regular wage just like bus & train drivers, Because there would be nothing to stop taxi drivers parking in a side road for eight hours reading a paper and then saying they couldn't find any passengers, and then going home with the same pay. They would also be less willing to take risks with punters, so women in Ascot hats and gentlemen in Panama hats would be the only people who could get taxis, and only when they were completely sober. it would reduce pollution immensely because one cab could be used by three drivers on a 24 hour shift rota, How would that reduce pollution? Anyway, something like half the cabs in London are already shared by two drivers. it would also mean no lack of cabs late at night, Why don't you work at night and socialise in the day, that way you won't have a problem getting cabs! Cabbies want to socialise and see their children, same as anyone else. just one thing though because there is no glass partition in minicabs as in black cabs,I do find many minicab drivers appear to have a problem with personal hygiene it would be a bonus if their job description included brushing their teeth & taking a shower now & again. Unlike taxis, which are a public service, minicabs are operated by private companies, so if you don't like the service you get from one minicab company, use a different one, or use taxis. Anyway, think of all the poor drivers who have to put up with the stink of your attitude, which no glass partition could mask. -------------------------------------------------------- How do you know what hours I work? you pompous oaf, A taxi drivers duty is to serve the general public the anti social hours come with the territory,if you do not wish to work these hours then their are tens of thousands of Eastern European immigrants who will,my six year old can read a Sat Nav, so driving a minicab/black cab is hardly an occupation that taxes the brain is it. |
Do cabbies own the road?
Zara Henderson wrote:
"John Rowland" wrote in message ... Zara Henderson wrote: Why don't Transport for London introduce a system whereby taxis & minicabs are employed by them & are paid a regular wage just like bus & train drivers, Because there would be nothing to stop taxi drivers parking in a side road for eight hours reading a paper and then saying they couldn't find any passengers, and then going home with the same pay. They would also be less willing to take risks with punters, so women in Ascot hats and gentlemen in Panama hats would be the only people who could get taxis, and only when they were completely sober. it would reduce pollution immensely because one cab could be used by three drivers on a 24 hour shift rota, How would that reduce pollution? Anyway, something like half the cabs in London are already shared by two drivers. it would also mean no lack of cabs late at night, Why don't you work at night and socialise in the day, that way you won't have a problem getting cabs! Cabbies want to socialise and see their children, same as anyone else. just one thing though because there is no glass partition in minicabs as in black cabs,I do find many minicab drivers appear to have a problem with personal hygiene it would be a bonus if their job description included brushing their teeth & taking a shower now & again. Unlike taxis, which are a public service, minicabs are operated by private companies, so if you don't like the service you get from one minicab company, use a different one, or use taxis. Anyway, think of all the poor drivers who have to put up with the stink of your attitude, which no glass partition could mask. -------------------------------------------------------- How do you know what hours I work? you pompous oaf, A taxi drivers duty is to serve the general public the anti social hours come with the territory,if you do not wish to work these hours then their are tens of thousands of Eastern European immigrants who will,my six year old can read a Sat Nav, so driving a minicab/black cab is hardly an occupation that taxes the brain is it. Yes, Zara, the pompous oaf in this thread is me sigh. |
Do cabbies own the road?
"John Rowland" wrote in message ... Zara Henderson wrote: "John Rowland" wrote in message ... Zara Henderson wrote: Why don't Transport for London introduce a system whereby taxis & minicabs are employed by them & are paid a regular wage just like bus & train drivers, Because there would be nothing to stop taxi drivers parking in a side road for eight hours reading a paper and then saying they couldn't find any passengers, and then going home with the same pay. They would also be less willing to take risks with punters, so women in Ascot hats and gentlemen in Panama hats would be the only people who could get taxis, and only when they were completely sober. it would reduce pollution immensely because one cab could be used by three drivers on a 24 hour shift rota, How would that reduce pollution? Anyway, something like half the cabs in London are already shared by two drivers. it would also mean no lack of cabs late at night, Why don't you work at night and socialise in the day, that way you won't have a problem getting cabs! Cabbies want to socialise and see their children, same as anyone else. just one thing though because there is no glass partition in minicabs as in black cabs,I do find many minicab drivers appear to have a problem with personal hygiene it would be a bonus if their job description included brushing their teeth & taking a shower now & again. Unlike taxis, which are a public service, minicabs are operated by private companies, so if you don't like the service you get from one minicab company, use a different one, or use taxis. Anyway, think of all the poor drivers who have to put up with the stink of your attitude, which no glass partition could mask. -------------------------------------------------------- How do you know what hours I work? you pompous oaf, A taxi drivers duty is to serve the general public the anti social hours come with the territory,if you do not wish to work these hours then their are tens of thousands of Eastern European immigrants who will,my six year old can read a Sat Nav, so driving a minicab/black cab is hardly an occupation that taxes the brain is it. Yes, Zara, the pompous oaf in this thread is me sigh. --------------------------------------------------------- Sigh yourself you patronising tosser,anyone who ends up sitting on a cab rank for two hours for a £3.00 fare round the corner is a loser like you are,otherwise you would have a proper job. |
Do cabbies own the road?
In message , Zara Henderson
writes -------------------------------------------------------- How do you know what hours I work? you pompous oaf, A taxi drivers duty is to serve the general public the anti social hours come with the territory,if you do not wish to work these hours then their are tens of thousands of Eastern European immigrants who will,my six year old can read a Sat Nav, so driving a minicab/black cab is hardly an occupation that taxes the brain is it. OK I'll bite. Let's get this right. A licensed London *taxi* (black cab) does require a great deal of 'knowledge' which does indeed tax the brain. Most *taxi* drivers take on average 3 years to get their licence. During this time their brain expands in an area known as the hypocampus which is an area associated with learning and sense of direction. This has been confirmed by MRI scans at, amongst others, University College Hospital. Driving a Private Hire (minicab) does not require a knowledge test. Inmost cases they can get you to your destination, even if it is by a round about route, but I know of one recent case where a minicab driver using sat nav just couldn't get his passengers to their destination because the roads around Trafalgar Square had all been closed off (cycle race or something) and every time he diverted it tried to send him back the same way. Eventually the customers stopped a '*proper* taxi who got then to their destination within 15 minutes - after they'dalready spent nearly 4 (yes 4) hours trying to get there with aid of a sat nav! Please do your research before coming out with statements such as that above. -- Mike Hughes A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England |
Do cabbies own the road?
Mike Hughes wrote:
Driving a Private Hire (minicab) does not require a knowledge test. Inmost cases they can get you to your destination, even if it is by a round about route, but I know of one recent case where a minicab driver using sat nav just couldn't get his passengers to their destination because the roads around Trafalgar Square had all been closed off (cycle race or something) and every time he diverted it tried to send him back the same way. Eventually the customers stopped a '*proper* taxi who got then to their destination within 15 minutes - after they'dalready spent nearly 4 (yes 4) hours trying to get there with aid of a sat nav! Mike, you don't need loads of closed roads for that to happen. If you're anywhere near Belsize Circus and you ask TomTom for the shortest route to most places in Central London, it will send you down Loudoun Road, left into Boundary Road and then right into Finchley Road. But when you get to Finchley Road, the right turn is illegal and you have to take a forced *left* into Finchley Road instead. As soon as you go left into Finchley Road, the TomTom recalculates the new shortest route.... left into Hilgrove Rd, left into Alexandra Rd, left into Loudoun Rd, left into Boundary Rd, then the illegal right into Finchley Road again. I wonder how many times people go around the loop before they realise they're going nowhere. |
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