Navigating the City: Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Taxi Ride
Taxis are one of the most convenient methods of transport, especially when navigating busy cities. Not only are they reliable, but they operate based on your timings, rather than you having to be limited to unreliable public transport timings. Furthermore, taxi drivers will have knowledge of the local area and will be able to take the most efficient route to your destination.
From booking in advance to behaving accordingly inside the taxi, here are some of our top tips for you to follow to ensure that your taxi ride goes as smoothly as possible.
Consider Booking in Advance
Booking a taxi in advance can both save you time and keep you safe. If you need to be somewhere by a certain time, whether it’s a work event, a social meeting or the airport, then it’s always best to book your taxi in advance to ensure that you give yourself enough time to get there without the risk of arriving late.
If you leave it till the last minute to book your taxi, then there may not be one available to pick you up straight away, leaving you stressed and frantic trying to secure one. Additionally, if you hop in the first taxi you see, you run the risk of getting in the car with someone who’s posing as a taxi driver, rather than knowing you’re using a reliable and trustworthy taxi service.
Be Prepared
If you’ve agreed on a time for a taxi to pick you up, then ensure that you are ready and waiting five minutes before the agreed time. This not only means that you can get in the taxi as soon as it arrives and be on the way to your destination in good time, but it’s also courteous to your driver so that they won’t have to be waiting around for you despite being punctual themselves.
Ensure that you also stick to the agreed conditions you stated on your booking, for example if you booked the taxi for yourself and two bags, then make sure you do not exceed this baggage limit or tell your friend that they can tag along at the last minute.
Remember, it’s illegal to overload a taxi and your driver has the right to refuse service, so it’s always best to consider your requirements and stick to these to ensure there are no delays or disputes that could have been avoided.
Follow Correct Etiquette
Though there isn’t an official rulebook for you to refer to, there is a general etiquette on how to behave when using a taxi service. Firstly, remember to always wear your seatbelt - it is a legal requirement in the UK for all passengers to wear their seatbelt when in the back of a taxi.
Another way to be conscientious and avoid inconvenience during your journey is to let your driver know well in advance if you wish to make multiple stops. Making them aware that you wish to make a pit stop too late into the journey may mean they have to re-route, making your overall journey longer and potentially leading to disruption of any customers waiting who have booked the taxi after you.
Whether you’re looking to book a local taxi in the Coventry area or require an airport shuttle service, make Lewis Taxis your number one firm. A reliable firm that has been in service for over 50 years, we’ll ensure that your journey is as smooth as possible.
Contact us today to learn more.
