Saturday, July 28th, 2007
The Red Cab
The Black Cab is more fondly known as the London Black Cab. This mode of transport and their drivers have earned the reputation of providing the best taxi service in the world.
Each driver is required to know the city where they operate inside and out. They need to pass a rigorous exam of knowing the city layout before given a license to drive one of these beautiful and distinctive vehicles. In some cases, it can take up to four years to acquire in depth knowledge of London before the badge is awarded to them. You’d probably see a lot of them in London on motorbikes with a map route in hand, learning the best routes. No excuse for getting lost. They also undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check and their character tested.
Black cabs are the only taxis allowed to be hailed for hire in London and other cities. They used to come only in black. Now they are painted in an assortment of colours, thus the red beauty in the photo.
Each can carry 5 passengers. They are also slightly more expensive than mini-cabs which you need to book in advance. The first time I ever rode one on 8 May 2003 definitely brought home the truth - I was in England!
I am many things - a life coach, a diversity champion, a freelance writer and translator, a dog lover, a citizen of the world, etc - but never thought of myself as a photographer. Norwich inspires me to capture snapshots of this fine Norman city. Take a trip down Norwich lanes or enjoy a walk in the park with me.
on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 12:15 pm:
Your’s is the third car posted on DP today! I miss those London cabs. When they do their training it’s called doing ‘The Knowledge.’
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on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 12:24 pm:
It really looks great in red, i love it!
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on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 6:26 pm:
well i have read several articles about taxis around the world. and they are all the same about londons black taxi its the best. just recently i saw the forbes ten best taxi drive and its no. 1 there i think.
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on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 9:08 pm:
Come to Norwich instead, Jilly! We’ve got loads of them here, too. There’s just something a bit grand being in one of them, isn’t there?
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on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 9:09 pm:
I love it in red, too, Bleeding Orange! Especially when it’s newly waxed. I was around town today and saw the same cab and it made me smile.
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on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 9:15 pm:
Travelphilippines, they are great, you get a few bad ones too.
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on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 11:08 pm:
Very interesting post, I’ve never been to London or ride this famous taxi. But this should be interesting to look at them with different colors.
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on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 11:14 pm:
Though London is more cosmopolitan, Norwich has a lot to offer any visitor. So visit Norwich iBlowfish and enjoy a ride on one of these cabs. We got them, too, you know.
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