London cabs
 

I have heard they can fit 6 people. Is this true? Travelling with the family to London (4 adutls, 2 kids) and thinking this might be cheaper and more convenient for our group than the Heathrow Express - cab combination.

They can certainly hold 5 and 6 is plausible. There are 2 jump seats that face backwards and the normal rear seat which should hold 2 adults+2 kids just fine. The London cabs are a good design for holding lots of luggage and passengers in a small vehicle.

Some can hold six depending on how big the kids are.

They can all take 6 people, but remember that includes the driver!

The number of passengers they are allowed to take is on the plate fixed to the back of the vehicle. Invariably nowadays it is 5. The driver is likely to lose their licence if they were to exceed this and the police saw them.

The standard type of vehicle built from 1959 to 1997 (still plenty about), known as the FX4, was licenced for 4 passengers for any years. The competing Metrocab came along in the 1980s and was allowed to take 5, so the FX4 was marginally restyled by its manfacturer (I believe the interior trim on the sides was made less padded, so it can be retrofitted) to take 5 as well.

It is virtually impossible to get a taxi driver (a proper "black cab" driver, that is) to take more than the legal maximum for his vehicle. I've tried and failed so many times. It just isn't worth the risk to him of losing his licence.

I have a vague feeling that I've been in Metrocabs (the boxy shaped model) with 6 passenger seats - three people on the forward-facing bench seat and three backward-facing flip-down seats. I will keep my eyes open.

[This message has been edited by Globaliser (edited 11-11-2003).]

But could kef0913 arrange in advance for a licenced cab/minicab which can take 6? I know I can do this in York, is it possible in London too?

Many Metrocabs have 3 jumpseats and are licensed to carry 6 people.

Many minicab companies offer multi-passenger vehicles. This forum has in the past had URLs for such services posted. The cost to the West End from LHR is almost certainly less than HEx + transfer from Paddington.

Reminder to self: always read the start of the thread first!

If 4 adults and 2 children get into a black cab that is licensed to carry that many people, there almost certainly won't be enough room for their luggage. A pre-booked minicab, specifying a people mover, is definitely the better (than HEX) way to go for that size of group. The only thing to beware of is that it may take a long time in rush hour traffic, but that is probably a small potential hassle when compared to all the advantages.

Thanks for the tip. Now, stupid question of the day -- How do I book a People Mover? Is there a web site that you know of?

Where are you travelling to in London? Minicab companies will either charge more (or even refuse you) if you're not headed to their areas.

Do be aware that if you are getting a minicab, they're not licenced like black cabs, don't necessarily run on a meter, and can be pretty shady outfits if you're not careful. There's also a number of illegal operations, which have left people (including people I know) in trouble.

I don't mean to alarm you, but if you do get a recommendation, check it out on the PCO website (details below), and stick to what you know. Always agree fares beforehand - don't assume they'll have a meter. Also agree any extra charges for an MPV - I've been ripped off before now by having the fare almost doubled for the privilege of going in one.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/pco/

This website lists the licenced minicab operators in London. I would not use a minicab that is not on the list.

6 people plus luggage is definitely not going to fit into a cab. You'll need to book something bigger; check the links mentioned & also do a search on this forum, as I think the ? has come up before. Cheers.

------------------
Sharon

Going from LHR to a hotel near Waterloo.


The list doesn't seem to be there, only a search by name database. Unfortunately I don't know which names to search for. Any suggestions?

Edited to say:
Well of course I could do a search in the archives. I just wanted to see if you all knew your stuff http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif So it seems Addison Lee and Airport Direct are likely candidates. I'm a little concerned that the MPV's might not fit all six of us and our luggage also. Anyone with expeience?


[This message has been edited by kef0913 (edited November 11, 2003).]

[This message has been edited by kef0913 (edited November 11, 2003).]

I am the person who usually recommends Airport Direct. I have always been very pleased with their service.

4 adults and enough luggage to last a couple years completely fill a MPV(4 64" rollers and 4 carryon maxies). They really only have seating for 5. They are not 7 pass vans, even though they claim seating for 6.

This is their website:

http://www.airportdirect.uk.com/hire.htm

Contact them by fax or email, and get a rate quote for exactally what you need. Although the website showed £55 or so in Jan LHR to Center Pointe, we were quoted and paid under £45 each way, and one of the days was holiday.

It is worth a few extra for the extra service.

On our arrival to the appartment complex, I did not know which bell to ring. The cab driver offered to, and did call the manager to let us in.

Quote:

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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> They are not 7 pass vans, even though they claim seating for 6.

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Although my four year old sometimes deserves it I can't actually leave her at the airport :0. What transportation options are available that can accomodate all six of us and our luggage?



[This message has been edited by kef0913 (edited Nov 12, 2003).]