London Travel Answers

There are 2 types of Taxi, Black cabs, known as Hackney Cabs, they are not always black but you cant miss there distinctive shape. You can find them at a taxi stand or hail them in the street if the light above the cab is on. There are also private hire taxis which are cheaper but need to be booked by telephone. They will not pick you up in the street. You should find telephone numbers for private hire taxis at the information desk in the train station. Manchester is a compact city which is served by an excellent Metro system and depending where your hotel is you could use it.

Taxis in London are not cheap, end of story. You have basically two sensible options and the third doesn't bear thinking about. You can get a licensed Hackney carriage (traditional looking London cab) whose drivers are all licensed and have done the "knowldedge", a test of their knowledge of how to get around. Generally speaking, they won't rip you off. They don't have to as their fares which are set by a branch of Government are amonget the highestfor a comparable service anywhere else in the world. These vehicles all have a plate attached tothe rear in addition tonthe standard vehicle registration plate (usually a five digit number, sometimes four) and the driver will show you his badge on demand. That is an oval shaped metal badge normally worn round the neck. If they don't meet these criteria don't get in. You can flag these down in the street if the yellow "taxi" light is showing. If it is not on they are not for hire. Second option is what are known as licensed minicabs, private style vehicles which will carry a badge in the front windscreen. These drivers are also vetted by police but you have to book them in advance, you cannot flag them down. Do not EVER accept a taxi from someone who approaches in the street. They will be unlicensed, uninsured and in a generally hideously unroadworthy vehicle. They will have scant English, no idea where they are going and the tales of some of the prices demanded, often with menaces, are frightening. The "touts" are particulary prevalent round train stations and Heathrow airport. Here is a good Government site for all matters relating to transport in London. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ Follow the link to "taxis and minicabs". Try this link as well for some more information. "Taxi!" - Taxis Tip by planxty I can't speak for the other cities as I never use taxis there. Hope this assists, fergy.

When you pick up a taxi at a railway station in England you can be sure that they are officially licensed by the local city councils. Taxi companies have to pay for a permit to pick up at major railway stations. Also, in almost all cities, fares are set by the city council. All taxis are metered and the fares will be the same no matter which company you use. For the return journey from hotel to station, which I assume you will have to make, the hotel will have a list of local reputable taxi companies you can call for a pickup. And i will add to the warnings above. Never get in anything that does not have TAXI on the roofsign and an official council taxi license plate and number.

It is similar in Cardiff. Look out for the black cabs (with a white bonnet/hood), which are licensed and generally reliable. There are taxi ranks outside Cardiff Central railway station (which is next door to the Bus Station). The taxi rank to the right (east) of the station frontage is probably best to get to Cardiff Bay. Black cabs are allowed to pick up passengers anywhere on the streets so, if you see one with its orange light on, you can stick your arm out and it will (hopefully) stop!