Disability

Tips for booking taxis

Booking a taxi should be easy and usually it is. For the times when it isn't here are some tips to help you get through.

Describe the journey.
Always give precise details of where you want to be picked up and where you want to go. So for example if you are going to hospital explain which ward you are going to so the driver can drop you at the appropriate place.

Explain if you need help.
You may need to give exact details, for example: "I do not walk very well, so can the driver please come and ring the doorbell and wait until I answer, please?". Or: "I need a driver who is willing to carry my shopping to the front door, please." Or: "My eyesight is poor, so I will need to be guided into the vehicle and out again at the other end, please."

Ask in advance how much the trip will cost.
Do not be afraid to ask how much the fare will be or whether there will be a booking fee. They won't be able to tell you exactly but should give you an idea.

Almost always the taxi driver will charge the fare shown on the meter. However, if you book by telephone you are actually making a private hire arrangement and your driver could charge you anything, so please check first! (If you hire a taxi on a cab rank, the fare must be that shown on the meter - this is known as a hackney carriage hire.)

Please note that there could be a charge before you even get into a cab, if the meter was turned on when the driver agreed to take on your trip. This is particularly the case if you live outside the main towns, or it is late at night. So don't forget to ask!

Make sure the person who takes the booking understands your requirements.
The person who answers the phone for your booking will be very busy taking down details for lots of calls and passing them on to drivers by radio. There is lots of room for misunderstanding at this point.

You can help yourself and the driver by making sure all the details you give are accurate and that they are passed on correctly. To do this you can say to the operator: "Can you please repeat back details of my booking?" or: "Can you please make sure the driver is told that I need help?"

Then when the driver turns up, repeat the same thing to him/her: "Have you been told I need help?" or "That I need to go to…". Better to tell them twice than not at all.

If you are booking for someone with learning difficulties, or who needs a wheelchair, or can only use one type of vehicle (black cab, or car with a swivel seat) you should explain this to the taxi operator when phoning. Be as clear as you can. Taxi companies cannot guess the type of help that is needed.

If you book for someone who cannot speak clearly, then write down where they are going on a piece of paper for the driver, including your telephone number just in case.