U.K. and Ireland - The Iconic London Taxi

Since I've always enjoyed the comfort of a London taxi, I wanted to share an article about it by someone who apparently has appreciated it since childhood as well.

Cultural Icon: The London Taxi (http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2012/04/cultural-icon-the-london-taxi/)
When I was young, one of my favorite places to visit was London. No, it wasn’t to see the Beefeaters or Buckingham Palace. It had a lot more to do with London’s transportation systems, namely the red double-decker and the ubiquitous black London taxi. (Incidentally, there is no requirement or law that says that the taxis have to be black, they simply are black by tradition.)
Hackney cabs, as they are …

http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_0754-300x199.jpg

There is no doubt that the London taxi is very comfortable (as taxis go) and extremely well designed for its purpose. I do miss them whenever I'm somewhere else in the world and have to get a taxi. :)

I believe that they're not very fuel-efficient, though. :(

There is no doubt that the London taxi is very comfortable (as taxis go) and extremely well designed for its purpose. I do miss them whenever I'm somewhere else in the world and have to get a taxi. :)

I believe that they're not very fuel-efficient, though. :(

London has some hybrid black cabs!

I believe that they're not very fuel-efficient, though. :(
FWIW, from the manufacturer's brochure (http://www.london-taxis.co.uk/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=160) :
mpg (5 speed Manual):
- Urban 27.7
- Extra Urban 42.8
- Combined 35.3

Those photos are a wee bit out of date - the 388 bus route (which goes through Hackney) hasn't served Embankment since March.

I'm obviously on the wrong forum, aren't I? :)