taxiphobia

My daughter who is disabled and has learning disability lives on her own with care and support going in daily. She uses a taxi to get out to the dr, shops or anywhere else. She has two that she uses, knows them by first name and they always carry her shopping into the kitchen and have even been known to empty the cat litter ready for her. recently I was staying with her and had an allergic reaction to one side of my face, she phoned Eric the taxi driver who came straight around and took us to hospital and back. Only charged us a nominal fee.

I have an account with Addison Lee (London). I can book online or using the app and it's all paid for in advance so you can't be caught out and you don't have to tip. They send you a text regarding your vehicle and the name of your driver. You can track his progress to you through the streets and they keep you updated if there's a delay. The important thing for me is reliability. I know it's impossible to be 100% problem free every time, but I feel safe, happy and well looked after. I usually sit in the back and don't engage much in conversation.

Use taxis regularly after shopping, and travelling to family shop. If just me, I use my bus pass, but DS has to pay and then it's cheaper to use taxis than bus. Meet MIL for coffee and she brings us home with shopping. The only other time I use taxis is late at night when have to go to supermarket for something needed urgently and no buses.

Petra asked "Am I the only person one here who feels like they've entered a parallel universe?"

You are right that taking taxis is perfectly normal and an everyday occurrence for many people. However, for someone who has never done so before it is a strange and unknown environment. It is comforting to know the ins and outs before you actually take the plunge.

I am totally OK phoning or flagging down a taxi, but am currently having an awful time persuading myself to enter the scary environment of our local gym. What does one do? Where does one go? What does one wear? What shoes? What everything !" Don't answer please as I don't want to divert this thread.

Nebbs1. Sounds familiar

Could I just ask if a "minicab firm" is the local taxi company? Or is it a special kind of taxi? Thank you

My adult kids use uber all the time, so far, so good. I used to take black cabs back in my youth regularly. Now not so needed.
If you find a trusty minicab firm, you'll be fine.
On recent visit up north, was only at the end found one that actually knew where they were going. Expensive learning trip. But know which one I'd use now if back there.
Give it a go. There are good firms out there.

Am I the only person one here who feels like they've entered a parallel universe?
Some of you are talking about a very ordinary every day thing as if they are an alien being/object.
Don't you ever wonder who is using these strange things called taxi's: it's people, people just like you.

Black cabs are very good. If you want to pay less, ask locally which private hire firm your friends and neighbours consider to be reliable. The dispatchers soon get to recognise your name if you're a regular client. Sit in the back unless you feel 100% comfortable with the driver. You can ask for a woman driver but I find that there aren't many of them
If you're unsure of charges find out from the firm what the price per mile is and at the end of your journey ask the driver the mileage and work it out for yourself.
If you have a problem of any kind ring the office as soon as possible.

I've used Uber in London for years and never had a problem. Drivers are super helpful, carry shopping, open car door etc. Addison Lee are also great. I really prefer them over black cabs - they're cheaper, the drivers don't engage in political discussion and they all work hard to get a high rating for the journey.

I never use taxis in the country where we live, they are terribly expensive and rip you off I believe, I drive myself anyway, however when we visit Cumbria where we have a house, there is sucha difference, we use taxis a lot as we dont have a car, and dont usually hire one, the two taxi firms where we are, are really good, arrive on time, charge hardly anything, we dont travel far ,and thats never a problem for them, the most I pay is £4 , either from the Station or after shopping at ASDA, they help with the luggage and usually help take the shopping to the house, I LOVE using taxis in the UK, such cheerful friendly drivers, and I always sit next to them to have a chat.

I ve never even thought about taxis and crime wouldn't enter my head to be concerned but then I always use a firm not just a car plus driver

We gave up our car quite a few years ago for financial reasons. DH has regular medical appointments and we need to use taxis. We always use the same firm, there is a 10% pensioners discount and we can pay by card. It's cheaper than running a car and paying for car parks. However, I would use a taxi on my own only in a really dire emergency. I'd rather walk or use the bus. Avoid Uber, in my area it is controversial as the drivers are not licensed in my city but they come in from other cities. There was a case recently when an Uber driver was accused of a sexual assault and was not suspended while it was being investigated..

I would be very unsure about using a taxi, I still think of it a bit of an expense. Maybe when I get to that point, I would consider it. Old school.
Mancgirl: I also clean my house, change the sheets and tidy round before I go away. I also keep my fingers crossed it will look like that when I get back. Any of the kids can come and go as they please, but will they clean up!!!

The only time I use taxis is when I stay in Edinburgh and they've always been fine. Some drivers are friendlier than others but all are civil. I've always had black cabs so sit in the back. I usually just tip what the change would be, usually a pound or two. If you're using a local firm they'll get to know you and you might even get the same driver if it's a regular journey. Don't be worried, just think of all the parking hassle you won't have!

I am not keen on taxis, especially if I 'm on my own - something to do with getting into a car with a strange man no doubt!

Try it out - it's the only way. Give the taxi firm a call and ask about accounts, fares etc.

I usually tip about £1 - £2 depending on the time & distance. You don't HAVE to tip but it's kind of expected.

This website will give you an idea on prices of taxis. Just pop in postcodes for the various trips you may make to get an idea of the prices. It's hard not being able to drive. I get it. My husband doesn't drive and I am not allowed to due to a neurological condition which was diagnosed in my 40s so get the process of reconciliation to it and concern. I am not an uber fan either and have developed a relationship with a local taxi firm I trust. It's about shopping around them and finding which works best for you I think. Regarding supermarket shopping I have an online delivery pass I pay for once a year which works out alot cheaper

yourtaximeter.com

I would worry about using a taxi due to a fear of crime. You read of such nasty experiences these days.
I found a good trustworthy plumber on the Age UK website - does it also list reliable taxi firms?

I have never used taxis until I gave up driving two and a half years ago. I have a mobility scooter I use but when raining and in the winter I always use a local cab firm. They are super. I rang them to get a price to bring me home from hospital. Paid over the phone. Driver was worried when he saw me in a wheelchair in a hospital gown but I assured him I was good to go. He got me home quite quickly in rush hour traffic with sharps bin and loads of dressings and wipes etc as I was to benefit from "hospital at home". Try taxis use a local firm you will be surprised at what they remember you have told them

You might be right BlueBelle! X

I never grew up using taxis but have used them throughout my older life time when needs be never thought twice about it and I always sit in the front so I can have a friendly chat with the taxi driver met some very interesting ones

You cant delete manegirl GN don't think we re old enough to be trusted

So sorry didn't mean to post this on this thread, don't know how to delete!

Holiday spring clean.

We're going away this afternoon and I've spent all morning doing a spring clean before we go! Bed was stripped and laundered yesterday, ironed and put away. Just having a coffee and a catch up on GN, but while sitting here I'm thinking is it just me that does this?! It's not like anyone will be here staying while we're away, just daily visits to check all ok. I could have spent the morning browsing on here instead

When in London needing a cab - I always choose a London cab at least they have done the 'knowledge' and know where they are going and not much more than Uber. Had nasty surprises of near collisions and going in the wrong direction with London uber drivers.