Taxis are an essential component of the public transportation system.
Whether you are calling a taxi to your home or office on a regular
basis, or are traveling and in a strange city and need a cab to move
around, they are often the most convenient way to travel. And while the
cost of a taxi trip may be more expensive than other forms of public
transport like a bus or subway, the savings in time and the convenience
they offer makes the cost justified. This is especially true if you need
to be at a place at a specific time or are traveling with a large
number of belongings – struggling on to a bus or train with your arms
full of bags and parcels is no fun.
But not all taxis are the same. They may all look similar on the
surface, but there are a range of factors that are not easily apparent
that can affect the nature of your trip, the amount you pay and most of
all your safety. That is why knowing how to choose a taxi is very important. Among the issues you should keep in mind are:
• Is the taxi company licensed? Only a
licensed taxi service will meet the legal and operational requirements
that will offer you a safe journey. There are a huge number of private
or ‘pirate’ taxis on the roads that are unlicensed and do not have the
permits etc. that are required to operate. That means that they do not
meet the standards that are laid down to ensure passenger safety and
comfort. Always use a licensed taxi service.
• What is the reputation of the taxi
company? Just because a taxi service is licensed and holds the necessary
permits does not mean that it is reliable and focused on providing
customer satisfaction. Calling for a taxi at a fixed time and not having
it arrive can cause a huge amount of problems. So that can finding that
the driver does not know his way around the city and the place you want
to go to is unfamiliar to him. A large amount of time can be wasted in
finding your destination and the extra cost that the search will involve
arriving late is always an embarrassment. Checking out the taxi
company’s reputation on line or through referrals is always a good idea.
• Is the taxi mechanically sound? You are
only as safe as the taxi you are riding in. A taxi that is mechanically
unsound puts you in danger. The same applies to the driver. If the
driver is not properly trained and put through regular refresher
courses, his driving skills are suspect and that increases the chances
of meeting with an accident.
• When you are going to an unfamiliar
destination or are travelling in a new city, it is easy for the taxi
driver to take you via the longest possible route to make more money.
Here too the taxi company’s reputation is critical in ensuring that you
are not ripped off on the taxi fare.
• When traveling alone, late at night or
in a strange locality, your safety depends on the reliability of the
taxi driver and the company he works for. This is one area that should
never be compromised on. Use a reputed taxi company.
• A dirty cab is not a safety issue, but
it can make the journey unpleasant. Using a well-known taxi company with
a reputation for caring for the traveling comfort of passengers will
make your trip a happier one.
Taxis are a safe and comfortable way to travel. But not all taxis are
the same and to be sure that you have a safe and comfortable trip, and
travel in safety, checking out the taxi company you are using makes a
lot of sense.
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