Ask a Lodon Cabbie why how where when
ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk
I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
chance.
Mark
Simon
ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk wrote:
Yes, a couple of questions.
Why on earth do you want to spend five years learning every street in
good old London Town - surely you could just learn the highlights and
then refer to an A-Z for the rest?
And how many miles has your scooter clocked up???
Si
--
~~~~~ (nobody can read my signature, anyway)
Check my homepage at
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/tallboy/
--
Mark Betts
On Thu, 30 May 1996 13:47:37 +0000, Simon <tal...@dial.pipex.com>
wrote:
>Yes, a couple of questions.
>Why on earth do you want to spend five years learning every street in
>good old London Town - surely you could just learn the highlights and
>then refer to an A-Z for the rest?
You can not know every single street, but I`ve been down most of them.
But it is necessary to be able to take someone anywhere in London
without having to keep referring to a map. Being able to take the most
direct route, although the most direct route is not necessarily the
quickest.
>And how many miles has your scooter clocked up???
Oh I don`t really know I`d guess about 25000 miles. And that properbly
is not alot. As I did the knowledge part time ie I had a full time job
as well. Which is why it took me longer.
Mark
Mark Betts ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk
London Cab Driver
"The knowledge took me nearly 5 yrs"
Tone
> I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
> 5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
> to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
> chance.
> Mark
>
>
OK heres one.
Why do they get pissed off when you dont tip them ??
I dont get tipped for my work
--
***********************************************************************
To...@antb.demon.co.uk
Space is big....REALLY big !
***********************************************************************
Alan J Holmes
In article <31ac8d45.6135836@news>, <ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
>5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
>to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
>chance.
Are they still taught how to spit on passing cyclists?
Alan
Alan J Holmes
In article <31ADA6...@dial.pipex.com>,
>> I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
>> 5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
>> to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
>> chance.
>Yes, a couple of questions.
>Why on earth do you want to spend five years learning every street in
>good old London Town - surely you could just learn the highlights and
>then refer to an A-Z for the rest?
If I, god forbid, hailed a taxi, I wouldn't expect him to waste
my time and money, looking up the place I wanted in the A-Z, I
would expect him to know where it was, and the quickest route.
You clearly have not driven in London, most of the main roads are
at a standstill, or travel is very slow, if the taxi driver
didn't know an alternative route, it would often be quicker to
walk.
I find taxis useful in a traffic jam, if there is one which
seems to be going in the direction I am, and he turns off a jam
packed road, I follow, rarely been caught going to the wrong
place.
Alan
Nick Davies
In article <31ac8d45.6135836@news>, ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk says:
>
>I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
>5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
>to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
>chance.
>
Alright then
1) Where do you all go as soon as it starts raining
2) Why all that teeth-sucking, more than my life's worth, sorry
I was just on my way home it's the other way performance when
destinations south of the river are requested?
3) What is so fascinating about London News Radio (or whatever LBC is called
these days)?
John Wright
On Thu, 30 May 1996 21:49:01 GMT, Mark Betts wrote:
>On Thu, 30 May 1996 13:47:37 +0000, Simon <tal...@dial.pipex.com>
>wrote:
>
>>Yes, a couple of questions.
>>Why on earth do you want to spend five years learning every street in
>>good old London Town - surely you could just learn the highlights and
>>then refer to an A-Z for the rest?
>
>You can not know every single street, but I`ve been down most of them.
>But it is necessary to be able to take someone anywhere in London
>without having to keep referring to a map. Being able to take the most
>direct route, although the most direct route is not necessarily the
>quickest.
So what level of "knowledge" do you have to have then? Do you break it
down to major routes, where you would be talking 100%, minor routes, and
residential/industrial streets, where the acceptable level might be lower?
Do you have "specialist subjects" where you might know everything their is
to know about, say, Hammersmith and Fulham?
--
John Wright
Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so - Ford Prefect (Ix)
Michael L Roberts
In article <31ac8d45.6135836@news> ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk writes:
> I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
> 5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
> to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
> chance.
>
>
> Mark
Were you on that telly documentary about people doing their knowledge?
Also, if I jumped into your cab and shouted "follow that car", would you?
--
|\ _,,,---,,_ Michael Laurence Roberts
ZZZzz /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ M...@mlrfutai.demon.co.uk
|,4- ) )-,_. ,\ ( `'-' "What the **** are you?!"
'---''(_/--' `-'\_) fL - TW (and Arnie in 'Predator')
John Harper
Alan J Holmes wrote:
>
> In article <31ADA6...@dial.pipex.com>,
> Simon <tal...@dial.pipex.com> wrote:
> >ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk wrote:
>
> If I, god forbid, hailed a taxi, I wouldn't expect him to waste
> my time and money, looking up the place I wanted in the A-Z, I
> would expect him to know where it was, and the quickest route.
>
You've clearly never tried to use taxis in most parts of the world!
London taxis are a marvel compared to practically everywhere else I
have been. Very occasionally I've known a cabby look something up,
but once they've done it they're off.
Compare to...
New York: last time I took a taxi in New York, I ended up using my
O-level Russian (practically unused for 25 years) to
communicate with the driver, since it was still better than
his English.
Washington DC: I vividly remember one journey where the driver frankly
admitted that he'd only been there for a few days, having just
been released from jail in Chicago... needless to say, he
couldnt find the destination, even though (a) we explained it
to him and (b) the city is built on a grid with coordinates
for street names
Tokyo: The taxis are clean and efficient, but woe betide you if you
ever have to explain where you are going as they seem unable to
read the maps that you have got the hotel concierge to prepare
for you.
Paris: where if they don't want to go where you want to go, they
don't and that's that. In practice, this seems to mean anywhere
except an airport.
Nice: a small city and the drivers don't get lost, but they double the
fare on the meter as a matter of course, and you stand a fair
chance of ending up a police statistic if you argue.
And many others...
John
Kenneth Lin
Wrote: John Harper <jha...@dialup.francenet.fr>
************
JH>Subject: Re: Ask a Lodon Cabbie why how where when
JH>Alan J Holmes wrote:
JH>>
JH>> In article <31ADA6...@dial.pipex.com>,
JH>> Simon <tal...@dial.pipex.com> wrote:
JH>> >ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk wrote:
JH>>
JH>> If I, god forbid, hailed a taxi, I wouldn't expect him to waste
JH>> my time and money, looking up the place I wanted in the A-Z, I
JH>> would expect him to know where it was, and the quickest route.
JH>>
JH>You've clearly never tried to use taxis in most parts of the world!
JH>London taxis are a marvel compared to practically everywhere else I
JH>have been.
<snip>
JH>Compare to...
JH>New York: last time I took a taxi in New York, I ended up using my
JH> O-level Russian (practically unused for 25 years) to
JH> communicate with the driver, since it was still better than
JH> his English.
************
As a New Yorker, I am genuinely surprised if the driver is not either:
1) rude or indifferent, 2) the vehicle a shambles, or 3) the meter is
not running "fast."
Taxi driving in NYC is a tough, low paying, dangerous job, which does
not have the same cachet as in London. Consequently it attracts mostly
immigrants who are unable to find work elsewhere.
************
JH>Washington DC: I vividly remember one journey where the driver frankly
JH> admitted that he'd only been there for a few days, having just
JH> been released from jail in Chicago... needless to say, he
JH> couldnt find the destination, even though (a) we explained it
JH> to him and (b) the city is built on a grid with coordinates
JH> for street names
************
That sounds about par for the course in DC.
************
JH>Tokyo: The taxis are clean and efficient, but woe betide you if you
JH> ever have to explain where you are going as they seem unable to
JH> read the maps that you have got the hotel concierge to prepare
JH> for you.
************
And they have automatic passenger door openers and the drivers wear
gloves! And I've heard that some even proffer breath mints (none ever
offered to me).
In fairness to the Tokyo taxi drivers, Japan uses a very strange system
to denote addresses. They are not based upon house or street numbers,
but rather upon property tract numbers, and these are not sequentially
numbered, but are numbered in the order the houses were built!
It is common for taxi drivers and novices alike to have to ask locals
for specific directions!
---
* OLX 2.1 TD * Press "+" to see another tagline.
nightjar
In article <31ADA6...@dial.pipex.com>, Simon <tal...@dial.pipex.com> says:
>
>ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk wrote:
>
>> I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
>> 5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
>> to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
>> chance.
>>
>> Mark
>
>Why on earth do you want to spend five years learning every street in
>good old London Town - surely you could just learn the highlights and
>then refer to an A-Z for the rest?
>
Try asking a cabbie just how much they earn - then how much
they really earn, rather than how much they admit to the tax man.
If you get an honest answer, you'll find out why they want to do it.
As for using an A-Z, I like the system London has. In other countries
I have had the cab driver ask me the way to my destination.
Nightjar
Leigh Blue Caldwell
Kenneth Lin wrote:
>
> Wrote: John Harper <jha...@dialup.francenet.fr>
>
> JH>New York: last time I took a taxi in New York, I ended up using my
> JH> O-level Russian (practically unused for 25 years) to
> JH> communicate with the driver, since it was still better than
> JH> his English.
> ************
>
> As a New Yorker, I am genuinely surprised if the driver is not either:
> 1) rude or indifferent, 2) the vehicle a shambles, or 3) the meter is
> not running "fast."
>
> Taxi driving in NYC is a tough, low paying, dangerous job, which does
> not have the same cachet as in London. Consequently it attracts mostly
> immigrants who are unable to find work elsewhere.
>
I expect this is because of the licensing system in New York. There is a
particular number (I think 12,000 odd) of badges issued, and the
number has been the same since 1940 or so. Owning a badge provides you
with a legal monopoly, and so they are worth something like $100,000 on
the market. Thus most are owned by taxi companies and not by the
individual drivers. The companies hire the cheapest drivers they can
get in order to keep costs down, and run the cars 24 hours a day to
maximise revenue (prices are fixed by the city). So neither the drivers
or the cars tend to be in good condition.
The city has decided this year to issue a further 800 badges which they
will sell at the market rate, raising $80 million for the city treasury.
The upshot of it all is that the city has this potential source of
revenue which it uses once every 50 years, but that very few drivers are
self-employed and making a decent living, unlike the London situation.
It doesn't seem to provide better prices or quality of service for the
public, so there's not much to commend it. For some reason people are
expected to tip more in New York than they are here...I've heard 20-25%
as compared with 10-15% in Britain.
Maybe someone should set up a company using black cabs in New York...I
don't know if the badge just gives you permission to use one of those
yellow cars or if it is required to pick up passengers off the street at
all.
Regards,
Leigh.
p.s. I'm assuming above that most cabbies _are_ self-employed in London
- is this in fact correct? Or do those big groups like ComputerCab
employ the drivers rather than just acting as agencies?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Internation....
Internet partnerships for international sales and marketing.
http://www.internation.co.uk/ +44-171-242-3200 (fax 3033)
Allied House, 45 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8EX, UK.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
keith
Leigh Blue Caldwell <bl...@ftech.co.uk> wrote:
>Kenneth Lin wrote:
>>
>> Wrote: John Harper <jha...@dialup.francenet.fr>
snip
>Regards,
> Leigh.
>p.s. I'm assuming above that most cabbies _are_ self-employed in London
>- is this in fact correct? Or do those big groups like ComputerCab
>employ the drivers rather than just acting as agencies?
>--
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Internation....
> Internet partnerships for international sales and marketing.
> http://www.internation.co.uk/ +44-171-242-3200 (fax 3033)
> Allied House, 45 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8EX, UK.
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Cabs is the third largest, Radio Taxis (London) and
Dial-a-Cab are larger and more democrately controled. the majority
of drivers from all three companies, are owner-drivers.
inclusive transport policies for all,
keith
Simon
> >ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk wrote:
>
> >> I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
> >> 5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
> >> to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
> >> chance.
>
> >Why on earth do you want to spend five years learning every street in
> >good old London Town - surely you could just learn the highlights and
> >then refer to an A-Z for the rest?
>
>
> at a standstill, or travel is very slow, if the taxi driver
> didn't know an alternative route, it would often be quicker to
> walk.
You're clearly wrong, old boy. Moved up here to get away from the
blasted place. Most of the London t-jams were not just a couple
of streets but the whole damned area. And if you have to drive to,
say, Shaftesbury Avenue to unload a boot full of stuff, you have to
go there, not some street nearby.
> I find taxis useful in a traffic jam, if there is one which
> seems to be going in the direction I am, and he turns off a jam
> packed road, I follow, rarely been caught going to the wrong
> place.
>
> Alan
--
I 'ad that Princess Di in the back of my cab once (made the windows
steam up too!).
keith
nigh...@pavilion.co.uk (nightjar) wrote:
>In article <31ADA6...@dial.pipex.com>, Simon <tal...@dial.pipex.com> says:
>>
>>ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk wrote:
>>
>>> I will soon hopefully pass out as a London Cab driver after nearly
>>> 5yrs of doing the knowledge. So if there anything you`ve always wanted
>>> to know but were afraid to ask about London Cab drivers now`s your
>>> chance.
>>>
>>> Mark
snip
>Try asking a cabbie just how much they earn - then how much
>they really earn, rather than how much they admit to the tax man.
>If you get an honest answer, you'll find out why they want to do it.
>As for using an A-Z, I like the system London has. In other countries
>I have had the cab driver ask me the way to my destination.
>Nightjar
try asking any self employed persons how much they earn?
over 10,000 London Taxis are accessible to wheelchair users because
the law says that all new taxis (not mini cabs) should be.
inclusive public transport policies for all,
keith
keith
kenne...@tglbbs.com (Kenneth Lin) wrote:
>Wrote: ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts)
>********************
>MB>Subject: Re: Ask a Lodon Cabbie why how where when
>MB>An examiner will not move you on
>MB>untill he is satisfied that you have demonstrated that standard ie you
>MB>know where you are going for one and that you know all public places
>MB>of interest. Which is a pretty broad subject but for example they
>MB>include : all rail sations, pol stn`s, judical courts & coroner
snip
>I've always been curious to know:
>1) Are cabbies ever retested on the Knowledge to maintain current
> information. For instance, are they retested, say, 10 years on?
yes, if the PCO demands it, e.g. they have been reported for breaking
the conditions of carriage.
>2) What approximate percent of veteran drivers (say those
> driving more than 5+ years) still retain enough of the Knowledge to
> be able to re-take and pass the exam again without any refresher?
don't know, but one of the best taxi drivers i had was over 70.
>3) How much drivers realistically expect for a tip (10%, 15%, more?).
it depends where you've been picked up & where you are going to, plus
luggage etc.
>Thanks in advance.
inclusive transport policies for all,
keith
Iain A F Fleming
In article <31B064...@dialup.francenet.fr>
John Harper <jha...@dialup.francenet.fr> wrote:
> Nice: a small city and the drivers don't get lost, but they double the fare
> on the meter as a matter of course, and you stand a fair chance of
> ending up a police statistic if you argue.
I've used Nicoise taxis frequently, over a good few years, for both long and
short journeys, and I've never had any problem with them. (Mind you, I don't
think I'd have argued with the driver if I had...)
Were you using them just to/from the airport? There is a fixed supplement for
that trip.
But Marseille, well, that's another story...
--
Iain A F Fleming Old and In the Way
1000 Aztec West Bristol UK +44.1454.611537
Kenneth Lin
Wrote: Leigh Blue Caldwell <bl...@ftech.co.uk>
***********
BL>Subject: Re: Ask a London Cabbie
BL>Kenneth Lin wrote:
BL>>
BL>> Wrote: John Harper <jha...@dialup.francenet.fr>
BL>>
BL>> JH>New York: last time I took a taxi in New York, I ended up using my
BL>> JH> O-level Russian (practically unused for 25 years) to
BL>> JH> communicate with the driver, since it was still better than
BL>> JH> his English.
BL>> ************
BL>>
BL>> As a New Yorker, I am genuinely surprised if the driver is not either:
BL>> 1) rude or indifferent, 2) the vehicle a shambles, or 3) the meter is
BL>> not running "fast."
BL>>
BL>> Taxi driving in NYC is a tough, low paying, dangerous job, which does
BL>> not have the same cachet as in London. Consequently it attracts mostly
BL>> immigrants who are unable to find work elsewhere.
BL>>
BL>I expect this is because of the licensing system in New York. There is a
BL>particular number (I think 12,000 odd) of badges issued, and the
BL>number has been the same since 1940 or so. Owning a badge provides you
BL>with a legal monopoly, and so they are worth something like $100,000 on
BL>the market. Thus most are owned by taxi companies and not by the
BL>individual drivers. The companies hire the cheapest drivers they can
BL>get in order to keep costs down, and run the cars 24 hours a day to
BL>maximise revenue (prices are fixed by the city). So neither the drivers
BL>or the cars tend to be in good condition.
***********
While some taxis are owner operated, many are leased from fleets. Once
upon a time the fleets hired drivers, and the "take" from the meter was
split between the driver and the company. This meant that if the driver
was not very productive, the fleet owner did not make much money either.
Some years ago, this arrangement was changed.
Now, those cab drivers which do not own medallions, lease their cabs
from the fleets on a per diem basis.
The per diem for a cab runs about $80.00+, and to that, the cabbie pays
for gas. Essentially, the cabbie "rents" the cab for a day, and even
before he hits the streets, he is already $80.00+ in the hole.
So, before the cabbie even begins to make a profit, the first $80+ goes
towards paying these expenses. Thus, the incentive for the cabbie to
drive like a maniac, cheat on the meter, refuse trips to destinations
outside of Manhattan (patently illegal), and generally hustle for trips.
Meanwhile the fleet owners cut corners on maintenance. Many fleet cabs
are secondhand ex-Police cars, repainted and tarted up for a few more
million miles of service.
While London has the Knowledge, it made big, big local news a few years
ago that NYC cabbies had to learn:
- rudimentary English.
- know how to use a map.
- learn some common landmarks (i.e. the airports, World Trade Center,
etc.)
- wear shirt and shoes.
***********
BL>The city has decided this year to issue a further 800 badges which they
BL>will sell at the market rate, raising $80 million for the city treasury.
BL>The upshot of it all is that the city has this potential source of
BL>revenue which it uses once every 50 years, but that very few drivers are
BL>self-employed and making a decent living, unlike the London situation.
***********
Medallions. In NYC, badges are called medallions. The reason why the
number of medallions have been fixed for so long (over five decades) is
that the value of these medallions have skyrocketed! They are now worth
in excess of $200,000, and those medallion holders actively lobby
against the issuance of more, lest their investments become diluted.
***********
BL>It doesn't seem to provide better prices or quality of service for the
BL>public, so there's not much to commend it. For some reason people are
BL>expected to tip more in New York than they are here...I've heard 20-25%
BL>as compared with 10-15% in Britain.
***********
Agreed. Reason for larger tip: see above.
***********
BL>Maybe someone should set up a company using black cabs in New York...I
BL>don't know if the badge just gives you permission to use one of those
BL>yellow cars or if it is required to pick up passengers off the street at
BL>all.
***********
The medallions give a taxicab legal authority to pick up passengers
"hailing" a ride from the street. All legal taxicabs have a medallion
affixed to the hood (oops, bonnet) of the car. The shape of the
medallion changes from time to time... sometimes its in the shape of an
apple (Big Apple, get it?), or in the shape of a taxicab, etc.
----
To serve the "Outer Boroughs" (Kings, The Bronx, Queens and
Richmond), there are two other uniquely New York services--
1. Gypsy cabs (somewhat analogous to London's mini-taxis).
2. Car services.
I can post more information on these if there is interest.
---
* OLX 2.1 TD * -
Alan J Holmes
In article <31af5518.5031470@news>, Mark Betts <ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>On 30 May 1996 12:07:38 +0100, Alan....@brunel.ac.uk (Alan J
>Holmes) wrote:
>>Are they still taught how to spit on passing cyclists?
>Most certainly not Alan. And if one should do such a thing he/she
>should be reported to the Public Carriage Office immediately.
Wish I'd known that a few years back!(:-(
Alan
Alan J Holmes
In article <31af5518.5031470@news>, Mark Betts <ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>On 30 May 1996 12:07:38 +0100, Alan....@brunel.ac.uk (Alan J
>Holmes) wrote:
>>Are they still taught how to spit on passing cyclists?
>Most certainly not Alan. And if one should do such a thing he/she
>should be reported to the Public Carriage Office immediately.
>And whilst not condoneing such action the public treat your cab like a
>bus. Thier sick in it, drop food/cigarette ash in it, put thier feet
>on the seats. They don`t seem to realise that after they get out
>someone else will get in, also it may be your only means of transport
>for you and your family.
I think that's a disgraceful way to behave, and I have a
lot of sympathy for you.
If anyone were to do that in my car/cab, I'd soon lose
my licence!(:-)
Alan
Mark Betts
On Sat, 01 Jun 96 10:18:01 GMT, Michael L Roberts
<M...@mlrfutai.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>Were you on that telly documentary about people doing their knowledge?
No. But I was asked to be interviewed, but I declined due to me having
a job. I had a BBC man in the room with me without a camera.
Jim Nolan who was the candidate they most interviewed I know. Well
know of him. He`s the points man outside the carriage office
The film was done about a year and half ago.
>Also, if I jumped into your cab and shouted "follow that car", would you?
>--
> Michael Laurence Roberts
Yeah why not. If I lost him would you still pay me ?
Mark Betts
On 31 May 1996 09:36:11 GMT, n.da...@ic.ac.uk (Nick Davies) wrote:
>1) Where do you all go as soon as it starts raining
We get busy.
>2) Why all that teeth-sucking, more than my life's worth, sorry
> I was just on my way home it's the other way performance when
> destinations south of the river are requested?
Hmmm its a fair question. Let me give you an example. A friend of mine
took a lady to an estate in Brixton, you know the ones where you drive
into it. Well dropped her of no problems. All of a sudden he was
surounded by 5-7 youths all kicking out shouting at him. Needless to
say he drove out of there pretty fast. When he check his cab he had a
nice srcatch down one side and a dent in the other.
Now the fair came to 10 quid and the damage about 110. So you give me
100 quid and I`ll take you.
>3) What is so fascinating about London News Radio (or whatever LBC is called
> these days)?
No idea.
Mark Betts
On Mon, 03 Jun 1996 04:01:24 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
wrote:
>over 10,000 London Taxis are accessible to wheelchair users because
>the law says that all new taxis (not mini cabs) should be.
>
>inclusive public transport policies for all,
>
>keith
>
And they have to be wheelchair accessible by the year 2000
Mike Hughes
In article: <83377539...@jacky.demon.co.uk> ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk
(keith) writes:
>
> inclusive transport policies for all,
>
Related subject:
London (style) cabs are (were originally) designed to accommodate people
wearing top hats, but also are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.
This is something that many provincial towns have failed to recognise,
although some of the more enlightened are now insisting that the vehicles
are not only capable of taking a wheelchair but also have a means of
restraint for them (safely belts)
You see keith, people do take notice - it's just that it takes a long while
for laws to be processed and time must be allowed for vehicles to meet new
regulations. This can take up to 10 years of more in some cases.
--
Mike Hughes ... who also provides a management consultancy service
Print Direct ... the business printers
PO Box 109 Fareham, Hampshire, England. PO15 5JU
Tel 01705 833838 Fax 01705 872288 Intl:+44 1705 833838 +44 1705 872288
Peter Ingason
In article <31b1521c.2338016@news>, Mark Betts <ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk>
writes
>On Sat, 01 Jun 96 10:18:01 GMT, Michael L Roberts
><M...@mlrfutai.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>Were you on that telly documentary about people doing their knowledge?
>
>No. But I was asked to be interviewed, but I declined due to me having
>a job. I had a BBC man in the room with me without a camera.
>Jim Nolan who was the candidate they most interviewed I know. Well
>know of him. He`s the points man outside the carriage office
>
>The film was done about a year and half ago.
>
>>Also, if I jumped into your cab and shouted "follow that car", would you?
>>--
>> Michael Laurence Roberts
>Yeah why not. If I lost him would you still pay me ?
>
>
Where you ever tested by the guy with the plastic parrot?... and what
way was it facing :^D
--
Peter Ingason
_______________________________________________________________________
Locks Heath, U.K. pe...@iceland.demon.co.uk
Michael L Roberts
In article <31b1521c.2338016@news> ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk "Mark Betts" writes:
> On Sat, 01 Jun 96 10:18:01 GMT, Michael L Roberts
> <M...@mlrfutai.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> >Also, if I jumped into your cab and shouted "follow that car", would you?
> >--
> > Michael Laurence Roberts
> Yeah why not. If I lost him would you still pay me ?
>
> Mark Betts ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk
Of course I would. Especially if you did some powerslides round the twisty
bits :)
I've always wondered how taxis handle. Do they understeer or oversteer?
Vince Carr
ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts) wrote:
>On 31 May 1996 09:36:11 GMT, n.da...@ic.ac.uk (Nick Davies) wrote:
>
>>2) Why all that teeth-sucking, more than my life's worth, sorry
>> I was just on my way home it's the other way performance when
>> destinations south of the river are requested?
>
>Hmmm its a fair question. Let me give you an example. A friend of mine
>took a lady to an estate in Brixton, you know the ones where you drive
>into it. Well dropped her of no problems. All of a sudden he was
>surounded by 5-7 youths all kicking out shouting at him. Needless to
>say he drove out of there pretty fast. When he check his cab he had a
>nice srcatch down one side and a dent in the other.
>Now the fair came to 10 quid and the damage about 110. So you give me
>100 quid and I`ll take you.
Excuse my ignorance, but since when did Brixton cover the whole of London
South of the Thames? It's this kind of prevailing attitude that gives
folks the impression that, London-wise, North=good, South=bad. All over
the capital there are dodgy areas and there are nice areas, and these are
not limited to South and North respectively.
Vince (a resident of SW17, who rarely uses a cab to get back from the
City, unless it's on expenses, as the tube and night bus network is so
good).
--
Vince Carr : Wachya reading this for?
vince...@sbu.ac.uk : Get out and ride yer bike!
Tel. 0171 815 7317 : -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Mark Betts
>Where you ever tested by the guy with the plastic parrot?... and what
>way was it facing :^D
Many a time. Mr Orme truely one of lifes real characters. As for the
paraot can`t say I really noticed it, I was always to terrified :-)
stephen allcroft
In article: <4p6720$a...@unix.sbu.ac.uk> quoth Vince Carr
<vince...@sbu.ac.uk>:
>It's this kind of prevailing attitude that gives
> folks the impression that, London-wise, North=good, South=bad.
Wheras the truth is that north=good south=bad doesn't apply to London
but to England <g>
--
Stephen Allcroft
Mark Betts
On 6 Jun 1996 09:06:08 GMT, Vince Carr <vince...@sbu.ac.uk> wrote:
>ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts) wrote:
>
>>On 31 May 1996 09:36:11 GMT, n.da...@ic.ac.uk (Nick Davies) wrote:
>>
>>>2) Why all that teeth-sucking, more than my life's worth, sorry
>>> I was just on my way home it's the other way performance when
>>> destinations south of the river are requested?
>>
>>Hmmm its a fair question. Let me give you an example. A friend of mine
>>took a lady to an estate in Brixton, you know the ones where you drive
>>into it. Well dropped her of no problems. All of a sudden he was
>>surounded by 5-7 youths all kicking out shouting at him. Needless to
>>say he drove out of there pretty fast. When he check his cab he had a
>>nice srcatch down one side and a dent in the other.
>>Now the fair came to 10 quid and the damage about 110. So you give me
>>100 quid and I`ll take you.
>
>Excuse my ignorance, but since when did Brixton cover the whole of London
>South of the Thames?
I didn`t say it did I`m just relateing a true story in response to the
above question. Just so happens it was in Brixton. There are some nice
places in Brixton. And just up the road from Brixton, Dulwich is very
select in parts.
> It's this kind of prevailing attitude that gives
>folks the impression that, London-wise, North=good, South=bad. All over
>the capital there are dodgy areas and there are nice areas, and these are
>not limited to South and North respectively.
Very true Kilburn can be unpleasant in places. And I`ve heard
Hampstead Heath is a little dodgy after dark as well.
>Vince (a resident of SW17, who rarely uses a cab to get back from the
>City, unless it's on expenses, as the tube and night bus network is so
>good).
>--
>Vince Carr
Mark Betts
>Of course I would. Especially if you did some powerslides round the twisty
>bits :)
>
>I've always wondered how taxis handle. Do they understeer or oversteer?
>--
> |\ _,,,---,,_ Michael Laurence Roberts
It takes some getting use to. But it is easy to over steer. I think a
cab has a 25ft turning circle. I`ve haven`t done my cabology yet. I`m
up tomorrow for my rec (requisition to drive a cab) and if I get that
then I`ll have exactly 6 weeks too go. Which involves my suburbs and
driving test. Yes yes yes yeeeeeeees !!!
USER OFFLINE: This is Marks computer. I`m afraid Mark is not available
at the moment as he`s having a hysterical dribbling gurgling fit on
the floor.
USER BACK ONLINE: Sorry about that <g>
keith
ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts) wrote:
>On Mon, 03 Jun 1996 04:01:24 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
>wrote:
>>over 10,000 London Taxis are accessible to wheelchair users because
>>the law says that all new taxis (not mini cabs) should be.
>>
>>inclusive public transport policies for all,
>>
>>keith
>>
> And they have to be wheelchair accessible by the year 2000
>Mark Betts ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk
> London Cab Driver
>"The knowledge took me nearly 5 yrs"
Great, but when is the UK bus industry going to catch up,
inclusive transport policies for all,
keith
David de Vere
In article <31b67dc0.1811029@news>, Mark Betts (ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk) writes:
>On Wed, 05 Jun 96 18:35:49 GMT, Michael L Roberts
><M...@mlrfutai.demon.co.uk> wrote:
Hate to be pedantic but I just needed to correct the title
of this thread and besides, most London Cab Drivers don't
know their arse from their elbow when it comes to getting
around London in a hurry. Bollocks to the direct line that
they learn "doing the knowledge" most punters want to get
from A to B as quickly as poss and not sit in traffic down,
or up Park Lane while the meter burns a bearing.
Flames please to the above address, you have alot to answer
for !!!!!
Regards
DD (who has stopped tipping London Cab Drivers in protest)
David de Vere
London - U.K.
John Harper
David de Vere wrote:
>
>
> Hate to be pedantic but I just needed to correct the title
> of this thread and besides, most London Cab Drivers don't
> know their arse from their elbow when it comes to getting
> around London in a hurry. Bollocks to the direct line that
> they learn "doing the knowledge" most punters want to get
> from A to B as quickly as poss and not sit in traffic down,
> or up Park Lane while the meter burns a bearing.
>
I guess it all depends. Practically everything I know about getting
round London in a hurry (or what passes for a hurry) I learned
sitting in the back of a cab. On the other hand, there are some
real idiots too... usually you get them when you are in a real
hurry, unfortunately. (I remember a nail-biting journey from
Liverpool St to Paddington where the guy took the "obvious"
route, and 40 minutes, rather than the back ways which would
have let me catch my train!).
John
keith
ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts) wrote:
>On Fri, 31 May 1996 09:18:33 GMT, j...@isise.rl.ac.uk (John Wright)
>wrote:
>>So what level of "knowledge" do you have to have then? Do you break it
>>down to major routes, where you would be talking 100%, minor routes, and
>>residential/industrial streets, where the acceptable level might be lower?
>No you are expected to be able to take an Examiner (which test you
>periodicly) from one point to another. Via the straightest possible
>route ie as the crow flys.
>So if you were to stretch a piece of cotton on a map between point A
>and point B, you should remain within an inch of the cotton, nameing
>all the roads in correct sequence. The "Level" as you put it is a
>satisfactory standard of knowledge. An examiner will not move you on
>untill he is satisfied that you have demonstrated that standard ie you
>know where you are going for one and that you know all public places
>of interest. Which is a pretty broad subject but for example they
>include : all rail sations, pol stn`s, judical courts & coroner
>courts, residential builds, commercial buildings, restaurants, clubs,
>museums, hospitals, clinics, hotels, soceitys/institutes, parks,
>livery halls, Embassies, cemeteries, colleges/schools, football clubs
>.........the list is endless oh and of course knowing which route to
>take between them.
>I have found some 3000 places, now I may not remember every single one
>but the point is by finding these places they have taken me all over
>London thus doing the Knowledge.
>>
>>Do you have "specialist subjects" where you might know everything their is
>>to know about, say, Hammersmith and Fulham?
>>--
>>John Wright
>No not really altough there are two types of badge. The all London or
>`Green Badge` and the suburbs or `Yellow Badge`
>Green bagde has to know all of London plus the suburb route out and
>into London. Where as the yellow badge does say the suburbs for a
>particular area say Wimbledon or Slough.
>Mark
>Mark Betts ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk
> London Cab Driver
>"The knowledge took me nearly 5 yrs"
am i correct in assuming that "Yellow Badge" holders are allowed to
carry "fares" (passengers/parcels/pets etc) anywhere in London, but
are not allowed to pick up "fares" out of their area. this can mean
some expensive dead miles and lost time for the driver.
inclusive transport policies for all,
keith
not quite a butter boy
keith
Mike Hughes <Mi...@prntdrct.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In article: <83377539...@jacky.demon.co.uk>
snip
>Related subject:
>London (style) cabs are (were originally) designed to accommodate people
>wearing top hats, but also are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.
>This is something that many provincial towns have failed to recognise,
>although some of the more enlightened are now insisting that the vehicles
>are not only capable of taking a wheelchair but also have a means of
>restraint for them (safely belts)
the safety equipment and the access came together: the DoT and the
disability community made sure of that in the early 80's when the
first retro conversion on the FX4 or was it the FX4R?
it was the 'Phoenix'. if i'm correct on this, it was created by only
one taxi driver and a wheelchair user friend who did the design. does
anyone know who they are?
at the time the ramp came from underneath the vehicle, saving the
driver time, but the DoT banned this method. why?
however, the Asquith (Londons' newest cab) currently uses this
ramp under the body method.
the first commercial accessable retro fit was the FX4W. the first
commercial accessible new build was the Metro.
>You see keith, people do take notice - it's just that it takes a long while
>for laws to be processed and time must be allowed for vehicles to meet new
>regulations. This can take up to 10 years of more in some cases.
>--
>Mike Hughes ... who also provides a management consultancy service
>Print Direct ... the business printers
>PO Box 109 Fareham, Hampshire, England. PO15 5JU
Mike,
your comments only confirm the urgent need to put similar regulations
on the bus and rail industries. at this present time inaccessible
buses are still being built in the U.K.
inclusive public transport policies for all,
keith
stephen allcroft <ste...@congress.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In article: <4p6720$a...@unix.sbu.ac.uk> quoth Vince Carr
><vince...@sbu.ac.uk>:
>>It's this kind of prevailing attitude that gives
>> folks the impression that, London-wise, North=good, South=bad.
>Wheras the truth is that north=good south=bad doesn't apply to London
>but to England <g>
>--
>Stephen Allcroft
Stephen,
do i sense some bias in your comments?
how many accessible taxis are in your area?
keith
da...@devere.win-uk.net (David de Vere) wrote:
>
>In article <31b67dc0.1811029@news>, Mark Betts (ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk) writes:
>>On Wed, 05 Jun 96 18:35:49 GMT, Michael L Roberts
>><M...@mlrfutai.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>Hate to be pedantic but I just needed to correct the title
>of this thread and besides, most London Cab Drivers don't
>know their arse from their elbow when it comes to getting
>around London in a hurry. Bollocks to the direct line that
>they learn "doing the knowledge" most punters want to get
>from A to B as quickly as poss and not sit in traffic down,
>or up Park Lane while the meter burns a bearing.
>Flames please to the above address, you have alot to answer
>for !!!!!
>Regards
>DD (who has stopped tipping London Cab Drivers in protest)
>David de Vere
>London - U.K.
taxi drivers don't create the problem with traffic
in London caused after the abolition of the Greater
London Council GLC, you'll have to blame Thatch. and
her friends for that.
inclusive transport policies for all,
keith
keith
kenne...@tglbbs.com (Kenneth Lin) wrote:
>Wrote: Leigh Blue Caldwell <bl...@ftech.co.uk>
>***********
>BL>Subject: Re: Ask a London Cabbie
>BL>Kenneth Lin wrote:
snip
>BL>> Wrote: John Harper <jha...@dialup.francenet.fr>
>BL>Maybe someone should set up a company using black cabs in New York...I
>BL>don't know if the badge just gives you permission to use one of those
>BL>yellow cars or if it is required to pick up passengers off the street at
>BL>all.
do they have to be accessible to wheelchair users? i know that all
MTA buses have to be fully accessible.
>The medallions give a taxicab legal authority to pick up passengers
>"hailing" a ride from the street. All legal taxicabs have a medallion
>affixed to the hood (oops, bonnet) of the car. The shape of the
>medallion changes from time to time... sometimes its in the shape of an
>apple (Big Apple, get it?), or in the shape of a taxicab, etc.
how do visitors know if they are using a current medallion or not?
>To serve the "Outer Boroughs" (Kings, The Bronx, Queens and
>Richmond), there are two other uniquely New York services--
>1. Gypsy cabs (somewhat analogous to London's mini-taxis).
>2. Car services.
>I can post more information on these if there is interest.
yes please do,
inclusive public transport policies for all,
keith
Kenneth Lin
Wrote: ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
********
KE>Subject: Re: Ask a London Cabbie
Regarding New York City taxicabs...
KE>do they have to be accessible to wheelchair users? i know that all
KE>MTA buses have to be fully accessible.
********
As far as I know, NYC taxicabs are not required to be wheelchair
accessible. I believe they may even be exempt under ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements (since the cost of
providing wheelchair accessibility would be prohibitive), but I'm not
sure. Good question.
On the other hand, 100% of the MTA buses are wheelchair accessible. And
every few days, I see a wheelchair lift in use, so usage is good. You
do not have to be in a wheelchair to use the lift; anyone who feels they
need the lift can ask the bus driver to operate the lift. I've seen
people on crutches use the lift. On board the bus, there is room for
two wheelchairs to "tie down." This is accomplished by folding up some
longitudal passenger seats. It is mandatory that passengers vacate
these seats for wheelchairs.
To prevent bus drivers from claiming that they "don't have the key
to the lift," NYC Transit distributes lift keys upon request and
through various special help agencies. But, I've found most of the
drivers to be fairly courteous (I cannot recall encountering any rude
drivers).
Incidentally, NYC buses also "kneel." By kneeling, a bus lowers the
front step closer to the curb to facilitate boarding. This is
accomplished by deflating the front airbag under the front stepwell.
Unfortunately, the rest of the bus steps loom as tall as ever.
To address this problem, NYC is contemplating testing new low floor
buses, and this will eliminate the need for wheelchair lifts (instead a
ramp would be used).
To assist passengers, bus drivers are required to announce bus stops
(although this is not consistently done).
As for taxicabs, NYC has a tough enough time finding taxicabs which are
durable for livery use, and finding a supply of suitable future cabs has
been a recent source of concern.
The famous Checker Cabs (large, bulbous; often seen in old movies, and
even in recent movies) are alas almost all but gone from the streets of
NYC. These cabs are no longer produced. I am rather fond of these
cabs since they were so roomy in the back, and they even had space for
two fold down "jump seats." In terms of passenger roominess, they are
equal to the famous London taxi. According to the Taxi &
Limousine Commission (TLC), as of a couple of year ago, there were only
about four Checker cabs remaining. Yesterday I actually saw one in
service.
To make matters worse, the Chevy Caprice and the Ford Crown Victoria
(the two vehicles used as official NYC taxicabs) will soon go out
of production. The shorter Chevy Lumina was tested as a possible
replacement and rejected due to insufficient space for passengers in the
back seat. Finding a taxicab which is durable for use on rough,
potholed NYC streets is no easy matter.
So the TLC has been auditioning new replacement cabs, and some new
minivans have passed the tests.
**************
Regarding how to identify an official NYC taxi...
KE>how do visitors know if they are using a current medallion or not?
**************
Genuine NYC taxicabs will have ALL of the following identifying
features...
- Yellow all over livery. Only yellow.
- Taxi fare rate matrix posted on front doors.
- The words "NYC Taxi" stenciled in black paint on the front doors.
- A rooftop marker light (about the size of bread box) displaying the
taxicab number. NYC taxicab numbers have the following convention...
number, letter, number, number (i.e.: 6L54).
- Medallion on bonnet.
- Electronic taximeter affixed to front dashboard.
***********
KE>>To serve the "Outer Boroughs" (Kings, The Bronx, Queens and
KE>>Richmond), there are two other uniquely New York services--
KE>>1. Gypsy cabs (somewhat analogous to London's mini-taxis).
KE>>2. Car services.
KE>>I can post more information on these if there is interest.
KE>yes please do,
**********
Okay, since you asked...
Since most NYC taxicabs find it unprofitable to cruise the streets
outside of Manhattan, and since many drivers are concerned about
entering bad districts throughout the city (including parts of
Manhattan), official NYC taxis in these areas can be few and far
between.
To serve this demand, over the years various taxi type services have
developed-- gypsy cabs and car services.
__________________
Gypsy cabs
__________________
Gypsy cabs are basically illegal taxis. These are vehicles which are
not licensed by the TLC as a livery service, and in some cases, the
vehicle or driver may not be licensed at all! Drivers of these
vehicles can be quite unsavory, and the uniformed visitor should not use
these services at all, as they can be literally taken for a ride and
robbed or extorted for outrageous sums of money. This happend to a
friend of mine visiting from Australia (unfortunately I didn't have a
chance to warn him in advance).
Gypsy cab spotting characteristics...
- Vehicle is not painted yellow; can be any color.
- Vehicle can be of any type (generally NOT Caprices or Crown
Victorias).
- Appearance of vehicle can range from good to very bad.
- No medallion on bonnet.
- No rooftop marker light (as on official NYC taxis).
- Certainly no rate chart on front doors.
- Lack of "NYC taxi" stenciled words on front doors.
- No taximeter affixed to front dashboard.
Generally, there will be no confusing these cars with NYC taxis.
Where to find a Gypsy cab...
>>> Continued to next message
Kenneth Lin
>>> Continued from previous message
- At NYC airports: drivers will solicit you for a ride inside the
terminal (illegal to do so).
- At subway stations, or along bus routes (outside of the central
Manhattan business districts): either gypsy cabs will solicit
business, or they will cruise the bus routes picking up awaiting
passengers.
Naturally, with vehicle licensing and insurance often totally ignored,
there is little thought given to meeting ADA requirements.
_______________
Car services
_______________
This is a great "only-in-NYC monicker" which confuses out of towners
from other parts of the country. As far as I know, no other city in
the USA has this term.
Car Services ARE licensed by the TLC as livery transportation, and they
allowed to provide door to door service via radio call. They differ
from NYC taxis in that they are not allowed to pick up passengers on the
street ("street hails"). All pickups are supposed to be arranged in
advance. As one might expect in NYC, this rule tends not to be enforced
in the Outer Boroughs where taxis are in short supply.
On the other hand, NYC taxis are expressly prohibited from responding to
radio calls (just the opposite of Car Services). This is to keep the
supply of cabs out on the streets cruising for passengers.
Car servicess are licensed and are supposed to meet TLC safety
standards. With the more reputable operators, the quality of Car
Services can exceed taxis in terms of vehicle comfort, quality and
price competitiveness. With the less reputable operators, or the more
downtrodden operators, the reverse is true.
Car Service spotting characteristics:
- Black is the favored livery. With the downtrodden, rust is a commmon
color.
- Larger sedan type cars used: Cadillacs, for instance.
- Small TLC sticker affixed to front windscreen.
- Appearance of vehicle can range from elegant to rolling junkheap.
- No rooftop marker light.
- No "NYC taxi" lettering on side doors.
- No fare rate chart on outside front doors.
- No taximeter inside cab (they're not supposed to pick up street
passengers, remember?).
- Two way radio antenna often fitted to rear trunk (oops, boot) of car.
- Fleet number often affixed to rear boot. (Gypsy cabs often will not
have these last two items).
- Sometimes, the name of the car service will be affixed as a sticker on
the front doors. The more elegant car services do not do this, as such
stickers are considered declasse.
Where to find Car Services:
- At the same places as gypsy cabs (this can therefore be confusing for
the uninitiated visitor).
- Via the Yellow pages of a telephone book.
Car services have some advantages over taxis:
- Going to the airports, they often offer cheaper fares. Various
companies often distribute discount coupons (these can also be found
in the Yellow pages). Fares are a flat rate. No worries over
whether the taximeter is running fast and cheating you. Cars can be
reserved in advance (very helpful in bad weather). You can pay by
credit card, or establish an account. Larger companies establish
accounts for their employees who work late and will sometimes pay for
their employees (so as to avoid the subways late night).
- Since a flat rate has been agreed to in advance, if there are traffic
problems you can take lengthy detours without running up the
taximeter.
- Vehicles (at the better Car Services) are more comfortable than
taxis. During summer, they are often air conditioned; with taxis
this is a crap shoot.
- You can arrange for a driver to meet you inside the airport terminal
(he/she will display a sign with your name). This is convenient
should you have large quantities of luggage.
- They are often easier to find outside of Manhattan than regular
taxis. If you hail a Car Service on the street (illegal for driver
to pick up), then you'll need to negotiate the journey rate in
advance. Here, an understanding of local pricing helps prevent
gouging.
As for myself, I have used all three services at one time or another,
depending upon circumstances.
Should anyone have further questions, feel free to ask me.
Stephen Allcroft
In article <83434945...@jacky.demon.co.uk>
ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk "keith" writes:
> stephen allcroft <ste...@congress.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
> >In article: <4p6720$a...@unix.sbu.ac.uk> quoth Vince Carr
> ><vince...@sbu.ac.uk>:
> >>It's this kind of prevailing attitude that gives
> >>folks the impression that, London-wise, North=good, South=bad.
>
> >Wheras the truth is that north=good south=bad doesn't apply to London
> >but to England <g>
>
> do i sense some bias in your comments?
how ever did you detect that?
> how many accessible taxis are in your area?
All the recent FX4s and Metrocabs and the VW Sharons so 20-30% of the hackney
(as opposed to private hire) cabs IIRR.
Of course the Metro is fully acessible<1>, on North Tyneside the are the 325
and 326 Wheelchair acessible bus services using Dennis Lance SLF low floors and
the whole of Tyne & Wear has a dial-up carebus scheme as well.
> inclusive public transport policies for all,
You mean like we have in Tyne & Wear?
> keith
> not quite a butter boy
<1> Even on maintenance days, when a lift-fitted National runs as part of the
replacement bus service.
--
Stephen Allcroft
The URL is http://www.demon.co.uk/charities/congress/
Mark Betts
On Sun, 09 Jun 1996 19:28:54 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
wrote:
>am i correct in assuming that "Yellow Badge" holders are allowed to
>carry "fares" (passengers/parcels/pets etc) anywhere in London, but
>are not allowed to pick up "fares" out of their area. this can mean
>some expensive dead miles and lost time for the driver.
>
>inclusive transport policies for all,
>
>keith
Yes they can take a fare in, but must come back out again empty
unfortunately
Mark Betts
On Sun, 09 Jun 1996 19:28:57 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
wrote:
>however, the Asquith (Londons' newest cab) currently uses this
>ramp under the body method.
Kieth I`ve never heard of this cab. Is it a metro or fairway or a new
make all together.
Mark
Mark Betts
On Sat, 08 Jun 1996 23:38:26 GMT, da...@devere.win-uk.net (David de
Vere) wrote:
>
>In article <31b67dc0.1811029@news>, Mark Betts (ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk) writes:
>>On Wed, 05 Jun 96 18:35:49 GMT, Michael L Roberts
>><M...@mlrfutai.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>
>Hate to be pedantic but I just needed to correct the title
>of this thread and besides, most London Cab Drivers don't
>know their arse from their elbow when it comes to getting
>around London in a hurry.
Most punters don`t their arse from their elbows either when it comes
to know where their going. For instance when people ask for Brixton
Oval 9 times out of 10 they actually meen Kennington Oval. Basically
not only has a taxi driver got to know how take you to your
destination but also which route you like as well. If you cut through
the back doubles etc your excused of takeing them on a mystery tour.
If you follow the bus route your accused of deliberately staying in
traffic. If you have a preferred route you should say so to the
driver. Just remember when you get in a cab you are but one of a long
list of people that the driver will meet that day. All with their own
idiosyncrasies and favorite way of going. But some how the driver is
supposed to know that. Unfortunately clairvoyancy and mind reading are
not part of the knowledge curriculum. So people next time your in a
cab and you feel that your going the wrong way a polite tap on the
window and ask the driver, that doesn`t meen saying "oi driver what do
you think I am a bloody idiot or something". Remember most taxi
drivers like most members of the public are polite decent people. Just
because you don`t know where you are doesn`t meen your being taken for
a fool. Having said all that there are some appalling cabbies out
there just as the are bad teachers bad doctors bad dentists, but in
general they all provide a good and professional service.
>Bollocks to the direct line that
>they learn "doing the knowledge" most punters want to get
>from A to B as quickly as poss and not sit in traffic down,
>or up Park Lane while the meter burns a bearing.
If you had read the post correctly, the direct line is the method use
by the examiner to test a candidates knowledge of London and is not
necessarily the method employed when driving a cab. Because as anyone
knows the straightest route is not necessarily the quickest.
>
>Flames please to the above address, you have alot to answer
>for !!!!!
I shall put my asbestos shirt on then <g>
>Regards
>
>DD (who has stopped tipping London Cab Drivers in protest)
See my reply to Tone <to...@antb.demon.co.uk> on the 01/06 with regard
to my views on tipping.
>David de Vere
>London - U.K.
Regards Mark
keith
Stephen Allcroft <ste...@congress.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <83434945...@jacky.demon.co.uk>
> ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk "keith" writes:
>> stephen allcroft <ste...@congress.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>> >In article: <4p6720$a...@unix.sbu.ac.uk> quoth Vince Carr
>> ><vince...@sbu.ac.uk>:
>> >>It's this kind of prevailing attitude that gives
>> >>folks the impression that, London-wise, North=good, South=bad.
>>
>> >Wheras the truth is that north=good south=bad doesn't apply to London
>> >but to England <g>
>>
>> do i sense some bias in your comments?
>how ever did you detect that?
>> how many accessible taxis are in your area?
>All the recent FX4s and Metrocabs and the VW Sharons so 20-30% of the hackney
>(as opposed to private hire) cabs IIRR.
surely the FX4S is/was the inaccessible cab that cab out just after
the Metro? don't you mean "the Fairway"?
>Of course the Metro is fully acessible<1>, on North Tyneside the are the 325
>and 326 Wheelchair acessible bus services using Dennis Lance SLF low floors and
>the whole of Tyne & Wear has a dial-up carebus scheme as well.
great Tyne & Wear a city with a real transport future
>You mean like we have in Tyne & Wear?
snip
>--
>Stephen Allcroft
>The URL is http://www.demon.co.uk/charities/congress/
yeep Stephen,
inclusive public transport policies for all,
keith
Vince Carr
stephen allcroft <ste...@congress.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>Wheras the truth is that north=good south=bad doesn't apply to London
>but to England <g>
As a born Yorkshireman who's lived in the North, the Midlands, and the
South, I'd have to disagree - it's all bad :-(
Vince (the eternal pessimist)
keith
kenne...@tglbbs.com (Kenneth Lin) wrote:
>Wrote: ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
>********
>KE>Subject: Re: Ask a London Cabbie
>Regarding New York City taxicabs...
>KE>do they have to be accessible to wheelchair users? i know that all
>KE>MTA buses have to be fully accessible.
>********
>As far as I know, NYC taxicabs are not required to be wheelchair
>accessible. I believe they may even be exempt under ADA
>(Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements (since the cost of
>providing wheelchair accessibility would be prohibitive), but I'm not
>sure. Good question.
shame, it seems the average London cabbie is way ahead on this,
the average London taxi costs between 20 to 30 thousand pounds
sterling (depending on model and extras). access is just part of
the condition of carriage.
>On the other hand, 100% of the MTA buses are wheelchair accessible. And
>every few days, I see a wheelchair lift in use, so usage is good. You
>do not have to be in a wheelchair to use the lift; anyone who feels they
>need the lift can ask the bus driver to operate the lift. I've seen
>people on crutches use the lift. On board the bus, there is room for
>two wheelchairs to "tie down." This is accomplished by folding up some
>longitudal passenger seats. It is mandatory that passengers vacate
>these seats for wheelchairs.
are they still using those GMC RTS11s with the lifts at the back or
have they followed RTDs' example i.e. front access for wheelchair
users (it reduces boarding time)?
>To prevent bus drivers from claiming that they "don't have the key
>to the lift," NYC Transit distributes lift keys upon request and
>through various special help agencies. But, I've found most of the
>drivers to be fairly courteous (I cannot recall encountering any rude
>drivers).
they were always good to me.
>Incidentally, NYC buses also "kneel." By kneeling, a bus lowers the
>front step closer to the curb to facilitate boarding. This is
>accomplished by deflating the front airbag under the front stepwell.
>Unfortunately, the rest of the bus steps loom as tall as ever.
Londons' new low floor buses also "kneel", but unfortunately they only
carry one wheelchair user unlike the NY two.
>To address this problem, NYC is contemplating testing new low floor
>buses, and this will eliminate the need for wheelchair lifts (instead a
>ramp would be used).
great, but upgrade the roads at the same time.
>To assist passengers, bus drivers are required to announce bus stops
>(although this is not consistently done).
uk.people.disabled would be interested to know that.
>As for taxicabs, NYC has a tough enough time finding taxicabs which are
>durable for livery use, and finding a supply of suitable future cabs has
>been a recent source of concern.
get the London ones (paint them yellow) they are alot more stylish and
accessible too.
>The famous Checker Cabs (large, bulbous; often seen in old movies, and
>even in recent movies) are alas almost all but gone from the streets of
>NYC. These cabs are no longer produced. I am rather fond of these
>cabs since they were so roomy in the back, and they even had space for
>two fold down "jump seats." In terms of passenger roominess, they are
>equal to the famous London taxi. According to the Taxi &
>Limousine Commission (TLC), as of a couple of year ago, there were only
>about four Checker cabs remaining. Yesterday I actually saw one in
>service.
i found it difficult getting in because of the door wideth when i used
it in NY.
>To make matters worse, the Chevy Caprice and the Ford Crown Victoria
>(the two vehicles used as official NYC taxicabs) will soon go out
>of production. The shorter Chevy Lumina was tested as a possible
>replacement and rejected due to insufficient space for passengers in the
>back seat. Finding a taxicab which is durable for use on rough,
>potholed NYC streets is no easy matter.
London ones last for over 20 years (that is the Fairway & Metro), for
style i'm sure New Yorkers would really go for the Asquith.
Kenneth, thanks for the info.
inclusive public transport polices for all,
keith
Kenneth Lin
Re: Ask a London Cabb 1/2
Responded: ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
****************
KE>>Regarding New York City taxicabs...
KE>shame, it seems the average London cabbie is way ahead on this,
KE>the average London taxi costs between 20 to 30 thousand pounds
KE>sterling (depending on model and extras). access is just part of
KE>the condition of carriage.
****************
Yes, London and the UK leads ahead of the US in accessible cabs.
***********
KE>>On the other hand, 100% of the MTA buses are wheelchair accessible. And
KE>>every few days, I see a wheelchair lift in use, so usage is good. You
KE>>do not have to be in a wheelchair to use the lift; anyone who feels they
KE>>need the lift can ask the bus driver to operate the lift. I've seen
KE>>people on crutches use the lift. On board the bus, there is room for
KE>>two wheelchairs to "tie down." This is accomplished by folding up some
KE>>longitudal passenger seats. It is mandatory that passengers vacate
KE>>these seats for wheelchairs.
KE>are they still using those GMC RTS11s with the lifts at the back or
KE>have they followed RTDs' example i.e. front access for wheelchair
KE>users (it reduces boarding time)?
***********
New York City Transit still uses RTSII (now built by NOVA bus) and
now operates Orions. Both types of buses are fitted with rear door
wheelchair lifts.
Advantages of rear door lifts:
- Easier path from rear door to wheelchair tie down; farebox is not in
the way, and wheelchairs do not have to negotiate turns inside the
bus.
- Some bus operators prefer rear door lifts; less chance of damage from
bus "sweeping over the curb (ooops! Kerb)" and damaging the lift
mechanism.
- With less damage, wheelchair lift has a better chance of being
available when needed.
Advantages of front door lifts:
- Drivers don't have to leave their seats to operate lift.
- Wheelchair users can pay at front door farebox.
- Wheelchair users can board through the same door as everyone else.
**********
KE>Londons' new low floor buses also "kneel", but unfortunately they only
KE>carry one wheelchair user unlike the NY two.
**********
I somehow can't imagine a doubledecker "kneeling." Is this limited to
single level buses? I'll have to look for these on my next London trip.
**********
KE>>To address this problem, NYC is contemplating testing new low floor
KE>>buses, and this will eliminate the need for wheelchair lifts (instead a
KE>>ramp would be used).
KE>great, but upgrade the roads at the same time.
**********
Ah, but poor quality streets are the essence of NYC living! And beyond
the scope of NYC Transit.
*********
KE>>As for taxicabs, NYC has a tough enough time finding taxicabs which are
KE>>durable for livery use, and finding a supply of suitable future cabs has
KE>>been a recent source of concern.
KE>get the London ones (paint them yellow) they are alot more stylish and
KE>accessible too.
**********
I get a kick out of seeing the United Airline London taxicabs which are
half painted in tradition London Black and half painted in NYC Checker
Cab Company liveries. This gives an idea what a London Taxi in NYC
could look like.
********
KE>i found it difficult getting in because of the door wideth when i used
KE>it in NY
********
Help is on the way. Just a couple of days ago, Honda started
advertising that their new minivans were so tough and rugged that they
no earned the right to become NYC Taxis. The claimed that the only
modification required to become NYC taxis was the yellow paint!
They've taken to newspaper and radio adverts. Quite nice vehicles.
***********
KE>London ones last for over 20 years (that is the Fairway & Metro), for
KE>style i'm sure New Yorkers would really go for the Asquith.
***********
In NYC, they would never last that long, and if they did, you would
likely not want to ride in them!
The Taxi & Limousine Commission is attempting to force taxicabs into
retirement after 5 years, and they're encountering considerable
opposition.
You'll have to help me out... what does the Asquith look like? I hope
its not the "boxy" taxi.
****
KE>Kenneth, thanks for the info.
****
Glad to help.
stephen allcroft
In article: <31bca08e.4430864@news> ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts)
writes:
>
> On Sun, 09 Jun 1996 19:28:57 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
> wrote:
>
> >however, the Asquith (Londons' newest cab) currently uses this
> >ramp under the body method.
>
> Kieth I`ve never heard of this cab. Is it a metro or fairway or a new
> make all together.
>
It's a different make altogether, It's built by the firm who does those
retro vans based on Ford Tranny bits.
It's also retro -looking like the Beardmore MK VII of the early 50's
--
Stephen Allcroft
keith
ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts) wrote:
>On Sun, 09 Jun 1996 19:28:57 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
>wrote:
>>however, the Asquith (Londons' newest cab) currently uses this
>>ramp under the body method.
>Kieth I`ve never heard of this cab. Is it a metro or fairway or a new
>make all together.
>Mark
they started to sell it about two years ago, it is mainly made of
wood, very 1930's. however, it is fully accessible and a newish (2
years old) vehicle. very popular for weddings.
inclusive public transport for all,
keith
keith
kenne...@tglbbs.com (Kenneth Lin) wrote:
>Responded: ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
may i add, driver has to stop nondisabled passengers boarding (this
can lead to confusion), unlock system stand and operate it and then
walk to other end of bus and open main door. this is a sort of
segregation..entrances anyway.
>- Some bus operators prefer rear door lifts; less chance of damage from
> bus "sweeping over the curb (ooops! Kerb)" and damaging the lift
> mechanism.
>- With less damage, wheelchair lift has a better chance of being
> available when needed.
on the other hand it is easier for the driver to judge where the
passengers (especially wheelchair users) are waiting. it is a bit
difficult (as a passenger) to predict in advance where the middle of
the bus is going to be, when it has stopped.
>Advantages of front door lifts:
>- Drivers don't have to leave their seats to operate lift.
>- Wheelchair users can pay at front door farebox.
>- Wheelchair users can board through the same door as everyone else.
once inside, i found them very comfortable, kenneth.
when did New York buses go fully accessible,
does'nt the RTS11 have a nick name something to do with Star Wars
film?
Mark Betts
On Thu, 13 Jun 1996 03:07:29 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
wrote:
>they started to sell it about two years ago, it is mainly made of
>wood, very 1930's. however, it is fully accessible and a newish (2
>years old) vehicle. very popular for weddings.
>
>inclusive public transport for all,
>
>keith
Yep I`ve seen them. Apparently they are very expensive.
Mark Betts
>It's a different make altogether, It's built by the firm who does those
>retro vans based on Ford Tranny bits.
>
>It's also retro -looking like the Beardmore MK VII of the early 50's
>
>--
>Stephen Allcroft
>
Ahhh is this the really old traditional looking cab ?
stephen allcroft
In article: <96061205...@tglbbs.com> kenne...@tglbbs.com
> KE>Londons' new low floor buses also "kneel", but unfortunately they
> **********
>
> I somehow can't imagine a doubledecker "kneeling." Is this limited to
> single level buses? I'll have to look for these on my next London
> trip.
Double-deckers *do* kneel, eg. Lothian Regional Transport's last batch of
Volvo Olympians and London United's latest ones for the Airbus Service
(also fitted with front ramps). However, the only low floor vehicles in London
are Scania N113CRL and Dennis Lance SLF single deckers.
MAN and Waggon Union have made low floor double deckers for BVG Berlin. DAF
bus had a prototype chassis at Bus & Coach 95, Volvo and Dennis are assumed to
have models in development, but none have been announced so far.
> The Taxi & Limousine Commission is attempting to force taxicabs into
> retirement after 5 years, and they're encountering considerable
> opposition.
>
> You'll have to help me out... what does the Asquith look like? I
> hope its not the "boxy" taxi.
No, that's the MCW (then Reliant now Hooper) Metrocab. The Asquith's not at all
boxy. If you know what a Beardmore Mk VII looks like you'd have an idea.
--
Stephen Allcroft
Alan J Holmes
In article <83434945...@jacky.demon.co.uk>,
>>In article <31b67dc0.1811029@news>, Mark Betts (ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk) writes:
>>>On Wed, 05 Jun 96 18:35:49 GMT, Michael L Roberts
>>><M...@mlrfutai.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>>Hate to be pedantic but I just needed to correct the title
>>of this thread and besides, most London Cab Drivers don't
>>know their arse from their elbow when it comes to getting
>>around London in a hurry. Bollocks to the direct line that
>>they learn "doing the knowledge" most punters want to get
>>from A to B as quickly as poss and not sit in traffic down,
>>or up Park Lane while the meter burns a bearing.
>taxi drivers don't create the problem with traffic
>in London caused after the abolition of the Greater
>London Council GLC, you'll have to blame Thatch. and
>her friends for that.
But they _do_ know their way around the back streets, so there
are _all_ able to take you where you want to go as quickly as
possible.
Some however, want to make as much money as they can without
actually driving, the meter still ticks on whilst they are
standing still.
That is _not_ to say _all_ taxi drivers are like tha, but the few
that are, get the others a bad name
Alan
Kenneth Lin
Asked: ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
***********
KE>when did New York buses go fully accessible,
***********
New York City Transit became 100% fully accessible when the last of the
venerable General Motors "New Look" buses retired (they had those silly
slanted, swept-forward windows). Those buses were retired around two or
three years ago.
**********
KE>does'nt the RTS11 have a nick name something to do with
Star Wars film?
**********
That would be the Grumman Flexble (no mispelling of Flexble, here) buses
which were on the streets of New York in the early 1980's, and fairly
short lived in NYC.
Those buses were known as "Darth Vader" buses, due to their asymmetric
windshield, dark livery and somewhat sinister appearance.
Then transit President David Gunn yanked those buses off the streets of
NYC, claiming that since there was a problem with cracked underframes,
those buses were not fit for service! In a spectacular incident, an
engine actually dropped from the bus A frame (underframe), while the bus
was out on the streets.
Funny thing was that Green Bus Lines (a private bus operator in Queens)
also operated those model buses without fanfare (and incident) for years
on the potholed streets of New York.
Hugh Davies
In article <31bfba24.2556000@news>, ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts) writes:
>On Thu, 13 Jun 1996 03:07:29 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
>wrote:
>
>
>>they started to sell it about two years ago, it is mainly made of
>>wood, very 1930's. however, it is fully accessible and a newish (2
>>years old) vehicle. very popular for weddings.
>>
>>inclusive public transport for all,
>>
>>keith
> Yep I`ve seen them. Apparently they are very expensive.
GBP40K according to a cabby I was talking to recently.
--
Regards,
Huge.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Hugh J.E. Davies, Bedfordshire, England.
"Buy a good car, that's the ticket."
keith
ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk (Mark Betts) wrote:
>On Thu, 13 Jun 1996 03:07:29 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
>wrote:
>>they started to sell it about two years ago, it is mainly made of
>>wood, very 1930's. however, it is fully accessible and a newish (2
>>years old) vehicle. very popular for weddings.
>>
>>inclusive public transport for all,
>>
>>keith
> Yep I`ve seen them. Apparently they are very expensive.
>Mark Betts ma...@taxi.demon.co.uk
> London Cab Driver
>"The knowledge took me nearly 5 yrs"
Mark,
i would add at least 30 thousand pounds sterling.
i would very,but they do get lots of work
Mike Hughes
In article <4potbe$f...@loki.brunel.ac.uk>
Alan....@brunel.ac.uk "Alan J Holmes" writes:
<SNIPPED>
> actually driving, the meter still ticks on whilst they are
> standing still.
That's perfectly correct BUT the amount made on time is far less than the
amount made from travelling on the road. That's why I used to prefer to
work nights when I was a cab driver - there was very little waiting time
so my earning per hour were greater.
When I used to drive in traffic I would always ask the passenger if
they wanted to go the short way (as per carriage office rules) or the
quick way - the choice was then the customer's
> That is _not_ to say _all_ taxi drivers are like tha, but the few
> that are, get the others a bad name
Quite correct. Everyone can quote you many tales about the ripoffs that
they've had from the airport, etc (very, very few as a percentage of the total
number of fares to/from Heathrow) but how many people know about the
London Taxi Drivers charitable organisations with such things as their
annual outings to the seaside for orphans, etc?
As with any organisation the bad deeds are reported, but the (majority)
good are not. Unfortunately that's life!
--
Mike Hughes ... who also provides a management consultancy service
Print Direct ... the business printers
PO Box 109 Fareham, Hampshire, England. PO15 5JU
Tel 01705 833838 Fax 01705 872288 Intl:+44 1705 833838 +44 1705 872288
Mark Betts
On Sat, 15 Jun 1996 00:07:12 GMT, ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
wrote:
>
>i would add at least 30 thousand pounds sterling.
>
>i would very,but they do get lots of work
>Keith
Ermmm I don`t think I`ll be buying one then :-/
Mark
Mark Betts
On 13 Jun 1996 12:17:02 +0100, Alan....@brunel.ac.uk (Alan J
Holmes) wrote:
>
>Some however, want to make as much money as they can without
>actually driving, the meter still ticks on whilst they are
>standing still.
>Alan
>
My friend who passed out just before xmas, said that the meter ticks
over slower when stationary. It works on time and revs of the engine.
But I have yet to check this out.
keith
kenne...@tglbbs.com (Kenneth Lin) wrote:
>Asked: ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
>***********
>KE>when did New York buses go fully accessible,
>***********
>New York City Transit became 100% fully accessible when the last of the
>venerable General Motors "New Look" buses retired (they had those silly
>slanted, swept-forward windows). Those buses were retired around two or
>three years ago.
London has only 124 accessible buses on it's streets to serve 8,000
bus stops. 24 of them serve the AIRBUS service. London is far far
behind. shame.
>**********
>KE>does'nt the RTS11 have a nick name something to do with
>Star Wars film?
>**********
>That would be the Grumman Flexble (no mispelling of Flexble, here) buses
>which were on the streets of New York in the early 1980's, and fairly
>short lived in NYC.
>Those buses were known as "Darth Vader" buses, due to their asymmetric
>windshield, dark livery and somewhat sinister appearance.
>Then transit President David Gunn yanked those buses off the streets of
>NYC, claiming that since there was a problem with cracked underframes,
>those buses were not fit for service! In a spectacular incident, an
>engine actually dropped from the bus A frame (underframe), while the bus
>was out on the streets.
>Funny thing was that Green Bus Lines (a private bus operator in Queens)
>also operated those model buses without fanfare (and incident) for years
>on the potholed streets of New York.
>---
> * OLX 2.1 TD * -
thanks for the info.
BTW: can wheelchair users use the New York subway? are wheelchair
users allowed to use their escalators?
keith
Kenneth Lin
Asked: ke...@jacky.demon.co.uk (keith)
*********
KE>BTW: can wheelchair users use the New York subway? are wheelchair
KE>users allowed to use their escalators?
*********
All new stations (and there are only a few that have opened up in the
last 25 years!) are fitted with elevators (ahemm... lifts) to
provide a completely accessible path from the street to the train.
According to NYC Transit statistics, there are 468 subway stations
(according to Kenneth Lin, the real number is closer to 465, due to
NYCT's double counting of some stations, and counting one closed
station as still open). Of these stations, only 24 stations have ADA
(wheelchair) accessibility; and sometimes only one direction of a
station, or just one platform will be accessible! Five stations have
such partial restrictions.
It is not the intention of NYCT to fit each station with elevators, but
instead to fit certain stations (designated Key Stations) with
elevators. Why not all stations?
Reasons:
- Construction costs are prohibitive versus the small number of riders
served. So its a cost/benefit thing.
- Subsequent operating and maintenance costs.
- Extensive station rebuilding which would be required.
- Vandalism and crime (elevator cabins are appealing toilets (or worse)
for miscreants).
- Lack of money.
Instead, a compromise was reached with various groups working with the
disabled... the compromise was to fit Key Stations with elevators, and
to fit 100% of the buses with lifts, and to operate a dedicated
paratransit service for mobility impaired customers. The paratransit
service is akin to ringing up a cab (except that paratransit demand
outstrips supply), and paratransit fares are in line with subway fares.
The various groups representing mobility impaired customers helped to
select which stations were Key Stations. As mentioned previously, they
were also instrumental in ensuring that all buses were lift fitted, and
they even help distribute lift keys (should the bus driver misplace
his/hers).
Eventually, some 60 stations (or thereabout) are supposed to become Key
Stations. Then, the concept is that wheelchair users would ride the
subways for those long haul trips, and use the buses for either
connecting service, or for local (i.e. same borough) trips. Paratransit
helps to fill in the gaps.
It should be kept in mind that in NYC, even if you get a wheelchair to a
platform there is no certainty that the wheelchair can negotiate the gap
between the platform and the train carbody. This is due to curved
platforms, varying platform to carbody tolerances, etc.
As for wheelchairs on escalators, the Transit Authority discourages that
sort of thing. They're trying to discourage baby strollers on
escalators since a number of accidents have occured (i.e. babies
spilling out). Having said that, I've seen wheelchairs on escalators
(both assisted and unassisted).
Finally, bicycles are allowed on subway trains (after wavering on that
issue for years!).
Mike Connally
On Good Friday I stood outside the front gates of the
British Museum for half an hour waiting to meet a friend.
The museum was closed that day, yet there was a constant
stream of black cabs setting down tourists, who would
pay the driver, look around bemused, read the notices,
then get back into another black cab from the ranks of
the recently unloaded ones.
Would one not expect a taxi driver to tell a tourist
that his destination is closed for the day? Surely
they must have known.
Or do I have too much faith in them?
--
Mike.C...@cdc.com | AmeriData Global plc
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subject to change without notice. | Hants GU13 8UT England
Jon Rouse
Mike.C...@cdc.com (Mike Connally) wrote:
>On Good Friday I stood outside the front gates of the
>British Museum for half an hour waiting to meet a friend.
>The museum was closed that day, yet there was a constant
>stream of black cabs setting down tourists, who would
>pay the driver, look around bemused, read the notices,
>then get back into another black cab from the ranks of
>the recently unloaded ones.
>
>Would one not expect a taxi driver to tell a tourist
>that his destination is closed for the day? Surely
>they must have known.
This is a great tradition in Mysore. The Sandalwood Oil factory is _THE_
tourist attraction (after the palace). However its only open when they
have a supply of Sandalwood. Taxi and autorickshaw drivers unload a
stream of bemused tourists outside the factory, and then hang around to
give them lifts back to the town centre.
I walked out to the factory, and I walked back again!
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keith
Mike.C...@cdc.com (Mike Connally) wrote:
>On Good Friday I stood outside the front gates of the
>British Museum for half an hour waiting to meet a friend.
>The museum was closed that day, yet there was a constant
>stream of black cabs setting down tourists, who would
>pay the driver, look around bemused, read the notices,
>then get back into another black cab from the ranks of
>the recently unloaded ones.
>Would one not expect a taxi driver to tell a tourist
>that his destination is closed for the day? Surely
>they must have known.
>Or do I have too much faith in them?
>--
> Mike.C...@cdc.com | AmeriData Global plc
> +44 (0)1252 773581 | Aspen, Barley Way
> Email address under construction, | Ancells Park, Fleet
> subject to change without notice. | Hants GU13 8UT England
would it be the same if you went by bus,tube or dial-a-ride?
Alan J Holmes
In article <Mike.Connally-1...@129.179.167.31>,
Mike Connally <Mike.C...@cdc.com> wrote:
>On Good Friday I stood outside the front gates of the
>British Museum for half an hour waiting to meet a friend.
>The museum was closed that day, yet there was a constant
>stream of black cabs setting down tourists, who would
>pay the driver, look around bemused, read the notices,
>then get back into another black cab from the ranks of
>the recently unloaded ones.
Perhaps the driver had no idea what the tourist was going to that
place for. If the passenger had asked whether the Museum was
open, he may have got a different reaction.
Personally, if I were in a City with a museum situated as the
British Museum is, I would take the tube to the nearest station
and walk!
Alan
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