Minicab etiquette

[Dr Jekyll]

Is it somehow 'not done' to get in beside the driver? If I'm on my own I always do because sitting in the back seems pretentious, as if I'm expecting to wave to my subjects as I pass. But most people seem to get into the back and the drivers sometimes look a bit surprised when I get in the front.

[jas xjr]

i always get in beside the driver. also always end up asking them if they are busy

[Schmeeky]

I prefer the front as well. Getting in the back is somehow 'Take me to where I want to go, Jeeves', whilst the front is more 'gis a lift mate!' IYKWIM!

[Boozy]

"What time did you start?"

Don't know why I ask that but I always do.

[GTIR]

I'm a Private Hire driver (chauffeur) and always get people to sit in the back (back left behind front passenger seat which is pulled forward for extra room), I usually open and shut the door for them to encourage them in, partly because it's professional and partly because they feel obliged to make idle chat and as my journeys are long distance the conversation will inevitably dry up after 30 mins!
I don't care but people feel obliged to talk.

Personally, I get in the back but only because I dont want to listen to miserable taxi drivers views on anything thanks!

[Fun Bus]

When I'm with the OH we both sit in the back. When on my own always the front - as I will be doing in about an hours time.
I also always say "have a safe night" when getting out.

[Mr Pies]

"what time you on till mate?"

"is it reliable this car?"

[Ayahuasca]

When in dodgy places I never pick the first cab that stops, always get in the back, directly behind the driver, not across from him as less able to pull a gun on you. Make sure watch is in my pocket, that I have two wallets and cell phone is in my lap. I double check the licence numbers and make sure that the door can be opened from the inside. Standard practice in these parts. If the driver is offended, fk him.

[Zwoelf]

GTIR said:

I don't care but people feel obliged to talk.

Not all of us, I'm one of the weirdos quite happy to get in the back, state my destination and spend the journey in quiet contemplation. However it seems when you're that sort of punter, the driver feels the need to talk

Now and then I get one who respects the silence. They always get the better tips.

[davidjpowell]

Most drivers will signal this I find by leaving their lunch / paper onthe front passenger seat.

[Raverbaby]

I used to be a cab driver but it didn't last long.
Was fed up with people talking behind my back.







Sorry

[Ayahuasca]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Or hailing a cab in Mexico!

[Lotus Notes]

Ayahuasca said:

When in dodgy places I never pick the first cab that stops, always get in the back, directly behind the driver, not across from him as less able to pull a gun on you. Make sure watch is in my pocket, that I have two wallets and cell phone is in my lap. I double check the licence numbers and make sure that the door can be opened from the inside. Standard practice in these parts. If the driver is offended, fk him.

Stories from work colleagues have put me off taxis and rental cars in South America. Kidnap and theft never seems very far away. Also reminds me of our sites in South Africa.

[Thom987]

"been busy?"

[moleamol]

Always in the back behind the passenger seat. It seems more polite than cosying up to someone doing their job. Occasionally get asked to sit in the front which I will. I try not to talk to those ones.

[Thom987]

Taxi driver tourettes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaiW-DEy7y8

[hyperblue]

Normally jump in the front if I'm on my own, feels odd sitting in the back.

[0a]

I sit in the front then regret it as the seat is normally fully forward.

[Famous Graham]

Lotus Notes said:

Ayahuasca said:

When in dodgy places I never pick the first cab that stops, always get in the back, directly behind the driver, not across from him as less able to pull a gun on you. Make sure watch is in my pocket, that I have two wallets and cell phone is in my lap. I double check the licence numbers and make sure that the door can be opened from the inside. Standard practice in these parts. If the driver is offended, fk him.

Stories from work colleagues have put me off taxis and rental cars in South America. Kidnap and theft never seems very far away. Also reminds me of our sites in South Africa.

I only ever felt that once in Santiago - the rest of Chile and Peru was fine. Reassuringly, I had my leatherman in my pocket and kept my hand on it with my thumb in the hole in the blade to effect a quick release if need be.

[Firefoot]

My brother is a taxi driver. He said that around 70% of his passengers will get in the back, and almost all women sit in the back passenger side.

He also said that it is a bit like a confessional, clients tell him all sorts of random stuff.