Once came out of a children’s hospital, flagged a driver down. Was pouring with rain. Quickly said at the window I’d nip back inside and get my wife and 3 year old son, be right out. Nodded acknowledgement. Less than a minute later, our we come - and you guessed it - cab was gone. Dented my love for the trade (and humanity) that day…
Thanks both. I do like supporting the trade though (did so twice today haha). Of course it’s the one bad experience you remember, and not the literally hundred others that are excellent
I got called to pick up Ken Livingstone when he was Lord Mayor of London. I nipped inside to tell the receptionist that I was outside. When I got back in my cab a traffic warden came over and told me to move, I told him I was waiting for K L he said he didn't care and if I didn't move off he would give me a ticket. I went into orbit driving past again and again. K L and Co came out to no cab. Fortunately he was still there when I came around. So it's not always the driver's fault.
Not London, but Manchester - there were good and bad drivers in this story. I'd been to a gig with a friend who was a wheelchair user at the Manchester Arena, after we got out at about 11pm, it was chaos, no order and people were jumping in cabs quicker than we could get to them - I'm visually impaired so we were at a real disadvantage. After close to 2 hours, we finally got a cab - the driver shouted, made eye contact with my friend, and actually refused a group of girls who were trying to jump in so that we could get to him. The bad bit is what he told us. As he was working his way down the (absolutely massive) rank, he told us he could see drivers deliberately driving past us, to pick up a fare where they didn't need to deal with the ramp. Did I mention it was December and in minus figures? I could've hugged that man, I tell you!
What an awful experience for you! Getting the ramp out of the new taxis is a 1 minute job, I’m glad you eventually found a driver . And thanks for sharing your experience
@@Markstaxidiaries These were older vehicles as it was around 2010, but even so - it took our driver all of 5 minutes to get us loaded! Honestly, the thing I remember most about that night was that driver's kindness. He was less than thrilled about his colleagues' behaviour and said he'd be having words with the drivers he knew to make sure they knew it wasn't acceptable. The details are lost to time but I'm 99% certain he discounted the fare in some way as well (despite us protesting!). I've had more great experiences than bad though, so I'm lucky in that regard.
Hi Mark. As for option 2, green badge drivers cover everywhere within the m25 so would be hard to find someone wanting to go outside the area for us to refuse. However can refuse if more than 12 miles. Great content 😊
2:52 In our case: It's actually on the passenger to ask if the driver is waiting on a hotel guest because there is a higher likelihood of them already booked up to go to the airport, across town or to the ferry terminal. Then again: Our company's cab do not have For Hire signs, and they have to be pre-booked unless if they are in a rank.
@@Markstaxidiaries I work in Auckland, NZ. I'm in the call centre taking booking orders rather than a driver. As I was born in Hong Kong, and lived in an apartment overlooking a bus terminal and a taxi rank. I grew up never having to pre book anything, even after the advent of Uber years later. That is why I said that my current company doesn't have "for hire" signs and can almost only street hail off a rank still baffles me now.
In my company: I've heard my supervisors telling off drivers for not taking a job that is cross-town, too short of a trip (but should not be refused because the passenger has groceries, shoppings and/or luggages, or the mere fact that the passenger is blind/deaf/elderly, even when they haven't got disability cards or mobility cards for discounted fares).
I just recalled back in 1996... Auckland, New Zealand. I had taken a lovely young lady out to dinner. As a treat, I asked her if she would mind if I smoked a fine cigar, (which I rarely do), as the restaurant did have a cigar only smoking policy. She asked me to go ahead and enjoy it, which I did. As the time came closer, I extinguished the cigar and waited for a taxi to pull up. As the cigar had been out for quite a while, I held the last half in my hand and figured the taxi driver wouldn`t object. Boy...!... Was I wrong. He went totally nuts, even when I explained it was fully extinguished. I finally had to stop his nonsense and told him that last half of the cigar cost more than he would make in the last hours of his shift! With a few well chosen expletives from me, he slammed the door, got into his cab and sped out sideways on two wheels in total rage, lucky not to clip any oncoming vehicles! I honestly couldn`t see what the fuss was about. Back at the hotel, I later finished my fine Cuban and sipped an equally fine cognac while doing so. I mean... what a tosser!🤭
I was refused a ride from Shoreditch station to Redchurch St. He said it wouldn't be worth his while as it was probably only cost £5 (back in 2018)😮 Well, that really put me off, I was going to a hotel and not familiar with the area.
As soon as the driver has pulled over for you he’s entered in contract and most take you, as long as it’s inside the metropolitan district. Sorry to hear of your negative experience, nowadays the vehicles have the badge number displayed so you can take it and complain. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻
@@Markstaxidiaries Thanks for your advice. Im new to your channel and really enjoy the content! As a londonder born and bred(off Ladbroke Grove), Im loyal to and will only use black cabs.
I really appreciate your channel support! I’m always on the lookout for London centric content! Sure there’s loads around Ladbroke Grove. Hope you’ve mostly had positive experiences in black cabs. 🙏🏻
I've never been refused, but a few times when a taxi is for hire and I've clearly raised my hand, they have not stopped! I'm guessing they are off to a requested job.
With the new electric taxis it’s hard to tell when the hire light is off, in many cases there is already a passenger on board it’s hard to see them sitting behind the wide pillars. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
been refused a taxi ride Fulham Palace Road to Acton... Good taxis - always got a taxi outside Fortnum and Mason to Soho for me and my disabled mother - very very short ride - always tipped very well - and a chat . Was remembered in a good way by taxis ....made saturday morning shopping better .. Good bread and cheeses in Fortnums.....
I was in Regent St at the lights back in the day. A fare in the back, a chap came up to me and told me where he wanted to go.I pointed to the back and said I had a fare.He replied that he was going to report me for refusing him. I had that happen more than once.
Had this comments with Tom the taxi driver on his video last week but as a wheelchair user in london it’s getting more and more almost daily now where getting told oh ramp is broke etc or they just don’t wanna get out of cab to help or just don’t wanna go to certain places the o2 rank is honestly one of the worst for this
I still can't get my heard around , that You need to 'Belt-Up' ( or the Cab won't go anywhere i gather ) Glad im out the game.. for 30 years i NEVER wore a Seat belt ( Only if i wasn't working ) ..It would drive me MAD having to put the Seat belt in Clip 30 times a day, while getting out the Cab, then back in, Talking to Cab behind on Rank, then back in and Belt Up ..on and On it goes ... 60? years Taxis have had exemption ... Yes it is a CRAZY WORLD !! Happy Clunk - Clicking !
Do I need to split my journey to 12 miles chunks? Getting a cab to take me to the taxi rank at Richmond station, then getting a new one from there to get me the rest of the way?
It’s extremely rare in the London taxi trade. Sometimes the customer doesn’t know how short the job is until I explain, then it’s up to them if they want to jump in. Occasionally I’ve forgotten to explain it’s just around the corner done the job and they’ve turned round to me and said ‘Oh that wasn’t far I could have walked’ 😆
The design of the ramp in the TXE is terrible it has taken me several minutes to get the thing out. The old ramp was easy fold out usually a 2 minute job. Unfortunately alot of drivers avoid wheelchair passengers the designer's are making life harder
I would like to know what, if anything, you Drivers can do to at least reduce your chances of being "stiffed"... especially on trips where it's a significant distance ?
Well I’m a long distance I suppose a fare could be agreed a payed for in advance. However I only experience non payment about once every year on average and just swallow it
I hardly ever take a taxi. I was refused a short ride from Bank station to Tower pier last month. Gave no reason. Just drove off. Can't you refuse to take someone who is blind drunk or off their head on drugs?
Yes! Anyone intoxicated abusive or showing signs of aggression can always be refused a ride. I’m guessing this is the same in most service industries. Thanks for watching
I think, when I was half the age I am now, a cabbie stopped when I waved him down, and when I told him where I wanted to go he said 'No, sorry I'm not going that way'😕😂 It was probably late. He was probably on his way home. It's a shame really. Living in the East End, I shall probably never get the chance to screech "aw, you're Mark Monroe off the telly"
I get refused all the time in the last year. A few years ago I would get taken home but now there’s no chance. Also drivers just look at me and drive past. That’s been happening for ever. Also you shouldn’t refuse under 12 miles or under an hour journey
Are you sure the taxis driving past you aren’t already full? There is a current problem with the new electric taxi for hire light. Looks on when it’s off, I’ve had it all day today people thinking I’m empty when I’m POB
Hi Mark, I'm an Ex Liverpool Cabby,I Was once refused at T3 Heathrow to a Hotel in Slough Why ? But He then said to me I'll take you for 35 Pounds ? BTW This was in 1985.....Do You think he was Out of Order ??
The ranks at the terminals in those day worked in a very different way. Nowadays if a driver gets a local job he can return straight to the rank instead of the feeder park. No the ranks at the airport are all marshalled. Definitely out of order to refuse btw
@@Markstaxidiaries I Thought He was Out of Order, & Told him I Was a Cabby from Liverpool and he didn't like it & Then he had the Gall to TRY & Rip me off.for 35 Quid which was a Lot of Money in 1985 !!.....BTW,I Did report him, I Think it was the Met.Police that rang me back at home & Said they Would Sort it out......Never Heard Anymore from them though.....
Id rather pick up drunk passengers that some people with kids. Kids messing about in the back of the cab while the parents sit there playing on their phones.
I got refused When in Taxi rank with my dad obviously I had one to many taxi was coming but obviously I was being sick and they refused to take us so dad end up ring stepmum to collect us 😂
"He`s got a brother called Bill... and his daddy`s called James". As in Hewitt?!? 😂I totally lost it. Thanks for that pick me up Mark.👍
Yeah, I had to double take that to make sure I'd got it!
Once came out of a children’s hospital, flagged a driver down. Was pouring with rain. Quickly said at the window I’d nip back inside and get my wife and 3 year old son, be right out. Nodded acknowledgement. Less than a minute later, our we come - and you guessed it - cab was gone. Dented my love for the trade (and humanity) that day…
Sorry to hear that, most taxi drivers don’t charge taking children to the children’s hospital. Thanks for watching
Thanks both. I do like supporting the trade though (did so twice today haha). Of course it’s the one bad experience you remember, and not the literally hundred others that are excellent
I got called to pick up Ken Livingstone when he was Lord Mayor of London. I nipped inside to tell the receptionist that I was outside. When I got back in my cab a traffic warden came over and told me to move, I told him I was waiting for K L he said he didn't care and if I didn't move off he would give me a ticket. I went into orbit driving past again and again. K L and Co came out to no cab. Fortunately he was still there when I came around. So it's not always the driver's fault.
Not London, but Manchester - there were good and bad drivers in this story.
I'd been to a gig with a friend who was a wheelchair user at the Manchester Arena, after we got out at about 11pm, it was chaos, no order and people were jumping in cabs quicker than we could get to them - I'm visually impaired so we were at a real disadvantage.
After close to 2 hours, we finally got a cab - the driver shouted, made eye contact with my friend, and actually refused a group of girls who were trying to jump in so that we could get to him.
The bad bit is what he told us. As he was working his way down the (absolutely massive) rank, he told us he could see drivers deliberately driving past us, to pick up a fare where they didn't need to deal with the ramp.
Did I mention it was December and in minus figures? I could've hugged that man, I tell you!
What an awful experience for you! Getting the ramp out of the new taxis is a 1 minute job, I’m glad you eventually found a driver . And thanks for sharing your experience
@@Markstaxidiaries These were older vehicles as it was around 2010, but even so - it took our driver all of 5 minutes to get us loaded! Honestly, the thing I remember most about that night was that driver's kindness. He was less than thrilled about his colleagues' behaviour and said he'd be having words with the drivers he knew to make sure they knew it wasn't acceptable. The details are lost to time but I'm 99% certain he discounted the fare in some way as well (despite us protesting!). I've had more great experiences than bad though, so I'm lucky in that regard.
Hi Mark.
As for option 2, green badge drivers cover everywhere within the m25 so would be hard to find someone wanting to go outside the area for us to refuse. However can refuse if more than 12 miles. Great content 😊
2:52 In our case: It's actually on the passenger to ask if the driver is waiting on a hotel guest because there is a higher likelihood of them already booked up to go to the airport, across town or to the ferry terminal. Then again: Our company's cab do not have For Hire signs, and they have to be pre-booked unless if they are in a rank.
Interesting! Where is this?
@@Markstaxidiaries I work in Auckland, NZ. I'm in the call centre taking booking orders rather than a driver.
As I was born in Hong Kong, and lived in an apartment overlooking a bus terminal and a taxi rank. I grew up never having to pre book anything, even after the advent of Uber years later. That is why I said that my current company doesn't have "for hire" signs and can almost only street hail off a rank still baffles me now.
In my company: I've heard my supervisors telling off drivers for not taking a job that is cross-town, too short of a trip (but should not be refused because the passenger has groceries, shoppings and/or luggages, or the mere fact that the passenger is blind/deaf/elderly, even when they haven't got disability cards or mobility cards for discounted fares).
I just recalled back in 1996... Auckland, New Zealand. I had taken a lovely young lady out to dinner. As a treat, I asked her if she would mind if I smoked a fine cigar, (which I rarely do), as the restaurant did have a cigar only smoking policy. She asked me to go ahead and enjoy it, which I did. As the time came closer, I extinguished the cigar and waited for a taxi to pull up. As the cigar had been out for quite a while, I held the last half in my hand and figured the taxi driver wouldn`t object. Boy...!... Was I wrong. He went totally nuts, even when I explained it was fully extinguished. I finally had to stop his nonsense and told him that last half of the cigar cost more than he would make in the last hours of his shift! With a few well chosen expletives from me, he slammed the door, got into his cab and sped out sideways on two wheels in total rage, lucky not to clip any oncoming vehicles! I honestly couldn`t see what the fuss was about. Back at the hotel, I later finished my fine Cuban and sipped an equally fine cognac while doing so. I mean... what a tosser!🤭
I Salut you Sir! A Cuban needs be looked after and savoured I’m glad he didn’t make you sacrifice the remainder. Thanks for watching
@@Markstaxidiaries Hi Mark. Entirely my pleasure. Take care. Tony. Sydney, Australia.
I was refused a ride from Shoreditch station to Redchurch St. He said it wouldn't be worth his while as it was probably only cost £5 (back in 2018)😮
Well, that really put me off, I was going to a hotel and not familiar with the area.
As soon as the driver has pulled over for you he’s entered in contract and most take you, as long as it’s inside the metropolitan district. Sorry to hear of your negative experience, nowadays the vehicles have the badge number displayed so you can take it and complain. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻
@@Markstaxidiaries Thanks for your advice. Im new to your channel and really enjoy the content! As a londonder born and bred(off Ladbroke Grove), Im loyal to and will only use black cabs.
I really appreciate your channel support! I’m always on the lookout for London centric content! Sure there’s loads around Ladbroke Grove. Hope you’ve mostly had positive experiences in black cabs. 🙏🏻
I've never been refused, but a few times when a taxi is for hire and I've clearly raised my hand, they have not stopped! I'm guessing they are off to a requested job.
With the new electric taxis it’s hard to tell when the hire light is off, in many cases there is already a passenger on board it’s hard to see them sitting behind the wide pillars. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@Markstaxidiaries The taxis definitely had their hire lights on but didn't stop.
been refused a taxi ride Fulham Palace Road to Acton...
Good taxis - always got a taxi outside Fortnum and Mason to Soho for me and my disabled mother - very very short ride - always tipped very well - and a chat . Was remembered in a good way by taxis ....made saturday morning shopping better ..
Good bread and cheeses in Fortnums.....
Sorry to hear about the Fulham Palace road to Acton ride, and yes amazing bread and cheeses in F&M
I was in Regent St at the lights back in the day. A fare in the back, a chap came up to me and told me where he wanted to go.I pointed to the back and said I had a fare.He replied that he was going to report me for refusing him. I had that happen more than once.
He probably thought you were telling him to go into a cab behind, nowadays with the EV out light still looks on when it’s off, nightmare
Had this comments with Tom the taxi driver on his video last week but as a wheelchair user in london it’s getting more and more almost daily now where getting told oh ramp is broke etc or they just don’t wanna get out of cab to help or just don’t wanna go to certain places the o2 rank is honestly one of the worst for this
Report anyone that refuses to take you. They shouldn’t be working without a working ramp/ credit card terminal etc.
@@lorenzohermoso1085 I have done multiple times to tfl etc yet never goes anywhere unfortunately
very bad this
I still can't get my heard around , that You need to 'Belt-Up' ( or the Cab won't go anywhere i gather ) Glad im out the game.. for 30 years i NEVER wore a Seat belt ( Only if i wasn't working ) ..It would drive me MAD having to put the Seat belt in Clip 30 times a day, while getting out the Cab, then back in, Talking to Cab behind on Rank, then back in and Belt Up ..on and On it goes ... 60? years Taxis have had exemption ... Yes it is a CRAZY WORLD !! Happy Clunk - Clicking !
You can actually clip the belt in without actually putting it around you. I’ve actually heard of drivers doing this
Do I need to split my journey to 12 miles chunks? Getting a cab to take me to the taxi rank at Richmond station, then getting a new one from there to get me the rest of the way?
I got refused a couple of weeks back, twice actually, for the exact opposite reason you did, my journey was too far.
Yes that can be refused if it’s outside the 12 mile licensing district
I guess if someone was drunk, or if they looked financially unable to pay, it would be reasonable to refuse to accept the fare.
Yes, drunk abusive behaviour can be refused. The same as in many other industries. Thanks for watching
I’ve witnessed it happening on few occasions due to a short fare here in Australia, is that the case sometimes in UK too?
It’s extremely rare in the London taxi trade. Sometimes the customer doesn’t know how short the job is until I explain, then it’s up to them if they want to jump in. Occasionally I’ve forgotten to explain it’s just around the corner done the job and they’ve turned round to me and said ‘Oh that wasn’t far I could have walked’ 😆
Taxi etiquette is a bit thin on the ground these days.
The design of the ramp in the TXE is terrible it has taken me several minutes to get the thing out. The old ramp was easy fold out usually a 2 minute job.
Unfortunately alot of drivers avoid wheelchair passengers the designer's are making life harder
I find the actual length of the TXE ramp to be over extended but not by a lot, thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I would like to know what, if anything, you Drivers can do to at least reduce your chances of being "stiffed"... especially on trips where it's a significant distance ?
Well I’m a long distance I suppose a fare could be agreed a payed for in advance. However I only experience non payment about once every year on average and just swallow it
I hardly ever take a taxi.
I was refused a short ride from Bank station to Tower pier last month. Gave no reason. Just drove off.
Can't you refuse to take someone who is blind drunk or off their head on drugs?
Yes! Anyone intoxicated abusive or showing signs of aggression can always be refused a ride. I’m guessing this is the same in most service industries. Thanks for watching
I think, when I was half the age I am now, a cabbie stopped when I waved him down, and when I told him where I wanted to go he said 'No, sorry I'm not going that way'😕😂
It was probably late. He was probably on his way home.
It's a shame really. Living in the East End, I shall probably never get the chance to screech "aw, you're Mark Monroe off the telly"
You never know! Thanks so much for watching 🙏🏻
What's the average fare from Heathrow to Southampton? Or is that even possible?
I think that fare goes 170 set fare
WHENEVER HE/SHE WANTS!!
Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻
I get refused all the time in the last year. A few years ago I would get taken home but now there’s no chance. Also drivers just look at me and drive past. That’s been happening for ever. Also you shouldn’t refuse under 12 miles or under an hour journey
Are you sure the taxis driving past you aren’t already full? There is a current problem with the new electric taxi for hire light. Looks on when it’s off, I’ve had it all day today people thinking I’m empty when I’m POB
Hi Mark, I'm an Ex Liverpool Cabby,I Was once refused at T3 Heathrow to a Hotel in Slough Why ? But He then said to me I'll take you for 35 Pounds ? BTW This was in 1985.....Do You think he was Out of Order ??
The ranks at the terminals in those day worked in a very different way. Nowadays if a driver gets a local job he can return straight to the rank instead of the feeder park. No the ranks at the airport are all marshalled. Definitely out of order to refuse btw
@@Markstaxidiaries I Thought He was Out of Order, & Told him I Was a Cabby from Liverpool and he didn't like it & Then he had the Gall to TRY & Rip me off.for 35 Quid which was a Lot of Money in 1985 !!.....BTW,I Did report him, I Think it was the Met.Police that rang me back at home & Said they Would Sort it out......Never Heard Anymore from them though.....
Slough is a fairs fare drivers can refuse them but no idea why they would £45 and you’re usually back on the terminal in 40 mins
@@jamesjohn4994 Yeah, But He Offered to Take me for 35 Quid and that was in 1985 ( 38 Years Ago ) Which was a LOT of Money Then.......
Id rather pick up drunk passengers that some people with kids. Kids messing about in the back of the cab while the parents sit there playing on their phones.
Or turning the mic on and off!
Bang goes the knighthood then again, you could be making new royal friends :)
I’m hoping they all have a sense of humour 😎
I got refused
When in Taxi rank with my dad obviously I had one to many taxi was coming but obviously I was being sick and they refused to take us so dad end up ring stepmum to collect us 😂
Hi mark Londons greatest taxi driver 😢😮😅😊Ali Walsall west midlands england junction 10 m6 Walsall churckery up the walsall
Hi
Thanks for watching 😊