The iconic London black cabs offer the best services according to the Hotels.com survey.
On another note, the poll also helped found that there is one thing that pesters UK travelers a lot – taxi drivers that love to beat behind the bush when there are actually shorter cuts to certain destinations. But regardless, London cabbies are still recognized as the friendliest, possessing the neatest cabs, and having the greatest knowledge on the whereabouts of just about any establishment, checkpoint, landmark or generally any location.
Going Green by 2018
London Mayor Boris Johnson officially announced upcoming plans that root for making London taxis eco-friendly by injecting new capabilities such as being able to run at zero-emission mode by 2018. The guidelines that were unravelled at the Transport for London event entitled “New Taxis for London” disclosed expectations that pointed out automatic zero-emission mode operation within areas that are severe in terms of air pollution.
During the event, five major contributing manufacturers set out details about “black cabs” they are currently developing, which could actually be made available to the streets by next year. Frazer Nash had also unravelled its very own Metrocab very recently. Ecotive, based on Surrey, co-developed the model using a range-extender electric powertrain. The styling was backed by a plethora of classic taxi cues in London.
More on the Black Cab Concept
Now that the Black Cab design is finally unveiled, let us take a few glimpses of its specifications.
Global car manufacturing company Nissan says that the 1.6L petrol-engine taxi is going to be cleaner than what current diesel cabs are being used these days across the capital. The grille has been remodelled together with the round headlamps, which will be the staple features of the new and innovative taxis. These cars will be developed by the European design centre of the company in Paddington of West London.
According to Nissan, the latest version will be adhering to the black cabs regulations set by the TfL which will be including a requirement of 25 feet or 7.6 meters of turning circle. TfL has licensed London’s black cabs, traditionally called as Hackney Carriages. Also, the Licensed Taxi Drivers Associations has welcomed this new line of vehicles and said that it would reap more competition into the market.
Another noteworthy thing about these black cabs is that they will be predecessors of the 2018 eco-friendly taxicabs. Nissan decided to market these cabs that emit very little amount of nitrogen oxide in comparison to today’s diesel models as a means of giving cabbies a choice. The electronic version will be launching off the first quarter of 2015.
The Case against London Cabs
As mentioned earlier, polls have revealed a drawback of London cabbies, which is taking longer routes when there are shorter ones. Unfortunately, dodging the easiest routes is only one of the few loopholes of the cabbies. There was one passenger that shared his story about pointing the driver to the right direction who decidedly went another way around, costing £11.20 more for his fare. With this demerit and the fact that the driver did not apologize for the mistake, the passenger decided to not leave even a tad bit of a tip.
Another issue that rose was that the cabbies are not really as friendly as they are claimed to be. A passenger going to Royal College Street shared that the cabby that picked him up was kind of an arrogant man and even before they were able to take off, he was sort of giving him the eye. But the issue doesn't end there. Over the taxi's radio, the passenger said that the driver was playing bully with his co-driver that was en route a mile away from Charing Cross. The passenger didn't find it to be a pleasing experience. Nevertheless, most of cabbies population is still merited for their virtuous ways of doing their duties.