The last thing we want is to give all taxi Santa Monica drivers a bad name. Throughout our intermittent journeys, many of our best experiences have been with cab drivers. For every single dishonest operator around, there are ten others who will happily show you the tourist attractions, drive you around the area, and steer you to the best restaurants, stores, and attractions. There are lots of cab drivers who’re honest about earning their wages, but like all other vocation, there are some bad apples. By heeding these safety guidelines for passengers, you could minimize becoming a victim to the criminal inclinations of a few unethical taxi cab drivers.
In order to verify that you could communicate with your driver sufficiently, prior to getting in the taxi cab, stand on the passenger side of the taxi cab, wait for the window or door to open, and greet the driver. After that, ask the driver if they can communicate in English. Do not worry; enough individuals speak English that you ought to be fine. These taxi drivers, if they are reputable and have plenty of experience (this is the kind of taxi driver you want anyway), often speak adequate English to communicate effectively with their passengers. If this is done properly, inform the driver the places you would like to go and ensure they are fully aware how to get there. Moreover confirm what the cost is going to be, approximately. If the taxi driver can do all of this, you ought to be fine.
Always try to book your Santa Monica taxi or private hire vehicle in advance with an operator that you or a good friend uses regularly. Ask the firm to quote you a price for the cab ride over the phone, so that you can set aside a sufficient amount of cash. When reserving a taxi cab, whenever you can, ask for the taxi driver’s car number, name, color of car and make. Always keep at least 3 telephone numbers for reputable taxi cab or private hire vehicle operators in your cellular phone. Take a separate list of reliable taxi operators in your handbag or pocket (or even shoe or bra) in case you lose your mobile phone.
Do not approach an automobile you think is your cab, they must approach you. When they arrive ask them the reservation name and destination. Say “Who’re you for?” – Not “are you the taxi cab for ****?”. Ask to see the operator’s ID. Verify if it’s from the company you ordered the cab from. Do not get in a private hire car you haven’t ordered. Sit in the rear of the cab – behind the taxi driver. If there’s a number of you going to different places remember the last individual to get out is at most risk – this individual need to sit behind the taxi driver at the outset.
Do not chitchat with the taxi Santa Monica operator. If you do chat, stick to general matters and you should not give any personal information about yourself. If you’re anxious, scared or think you might be in danger call emergency services right away. Ask the cab driver to wait till you are safely in the house – they will not mind. If you feel secure, they know you will use them more often.
