Taxi is one of the most comfortable solutions for getting around in an urban environment. A rented car is not tied to a specific route and schedule. But before ordering a taxi, you will have to choose between a legal and illegal carrier.
For your trip to go smoothly, it's best to order a licensed taxi. Under the new law, all passenger transport companies are required to obtain a license. But despite the penalties, there are still many illegal carriers in our country. Unlike licensed organizations, their activities are not regulated by anyone and by turning to such a "bomb", you can lose your time and money.
How to distinguish a licensed taxi
On the right and left of the taxi, there should be a contrasting composition of checkerboard squares. An orange lantern is installed on the roof of the vehicle of a licensed carrier. In the dark, this lamp will help you to easily recognize a taxi in the traffic flow. The license plates of the legal carrier are yellow.
The passenger compartment must have a permit to carry out activities for the carriage of passengers and luggage by passenger taxis. This document is presented at the request of the passenger.
On the front panel of a car engaged in passenger transportation, the following data should be located to the right of the driver:
- name of the charterer (full or short);
- information on tariffs and payment terms;
- name, address and contacts of the organization that controls the transportation of passengers and baggage.
The driver of a licensed taxi at the end of the trip, at the request of the passenger, must present a document confirming payment for the use of a passenger taxi. The document can be in the form of a cash register receipt or a strict reporting form.
Why a licensed taxi is better
When ordering a licensed taxi, you can be sure of the serviceability of transport, cleanliness in the cabin and a fixed cost of the trip. Companies licensed to carry passengers are constantly checking and updating their fleet of cars. Drivers in such companies are admitted on a competitive basis, taking into account their experience and driving skills. Drivers who have passed the competitive selection are obliged to behave correctly and politely with taxi clients.
An illegal taxi cannot provide such a service. If there is garbage in the cabin of such a hired vehicle, the driver smokes all the way, asks for directions and at the end of the trip asks for more money than was agreed at the beginning - alas, there will be no one to make a claim. According to statistics, cars of small illegal carriers break down more often, and the drivers themselves do not always have a sufficient level of driving skills.
