Minicabs vs Black Cabs London: What You Need to Know

For tourists who are planning to visit London, then they should consider transport. The following are some of the methods of transport in the city to help the users determine the best means suitable for their needs and pocket. As you plan your upcoming trip, you must decide between London’s two main taxi services. The London minicab taxi and the black cab. Here, to assist you in making an informed decision, we will talk about the key distinctions between these choices. Let’s explore similarities and differences between them in terms of pricing, hailing, safety, accessibility, and knowledge of the city to enlighten you about the option of choosing minicabs and black cabs. By this, you will be fully prepared to select the right London taxi service that you prefer.

Table of Contents

Overview of London Mini Cab Taxis and Black Cabs

Mini Cabs: The Budget-Friendly Option

Mini cabs are privately owned cars that are hired for transportation purposes at cheaper prices than typical black cabs. You have to book these cabs in advance and they can be a cheaper option than a taxi, especially if you are traveling more than 20km. Mini cabs can be hired any time and the charges depend on distances and possibly time taken.

Black Cabs: Convenient but Costly

While minicabs can only be pre-booked over the telephone, one can hail a black cab or Hackney carriages directly from the streets, and fares are charged according to the taximeter. Whereby the charges include the distance traveled and the waiting time. Taxis, particularly the black ones, are ideal to use during short distances and at night. However, the fares are usually higher, and this is relatively close to the charges demanded by minicabs. Black cab drivers are strictly required to pass a rigorous test that covers all aspects of becoming a licensed driver, and they are highly knowledgeable about the geography of London.

Making Your Choice

Mini cabs and black cabs are two options available in the transportation market so some considerations should be met when choosing between them including cost, convenience, and purpose. If price is an issue or you have to travel great distances, then mini cabs are probably more suitable. On the other hand, if one needs to make a short journey at night or prefers having a professional driver, black cabs are the best.

Key Differences Between Minicabs and Black Cabs

Licensing and Regulation

Minicabs are regulated by the local authorities and are regulated differently from council to council while black cabs operate under TfL and are required to observe stringent rules about the training of drivers, the condition of the car, and the fares charged. Black taxi drivers have to undergo a rigorous process of training to be certified which includes learning and memorization of the geographic layout of the city of London. Minicab driver services are easier to acquire since their training and licensing are less rigorous.

Vehicle Type

The black cabs are specifically designed vehicles for taxi business and they are disability friendly while minicabs are private cars and people in wheelchairs may not be able to fit in. Black cabs are legally allowed to operate from taxi ranks and bus lanes, which minicabs are not permitted to.

Fares and Payment

The fare structure in black cabs is based on distance and time, but it is controlled by TfL. They still have options to pay in cash or through their cards. Minicab tariffs are prominently displayed and must be paid in cash after the journey. Although some firms of minicab today allow payment through credit cards, fares are not metered or controlled. Minicabs are cheaper particularly when it comes to covering long distances while black cabs are cheaper for short distances.

Booking

It is possible to hail a black cab from the streets or use ranks, but minicabs must be pre-ordered through a phone call or an application. The minicab companies are always available and can be booked instantly while showing the estimated arrival time. Pre-booking a minicab means that a car will be available, and the possibility of getting a fare quote beforehand, but black cabs tend to be more flexible in the case of an unexpected journey.

How to Find and Book a Reliable Minicab in London

It can be quite a tasking task to look for a good minicab service in London due to the numerous ones in operation across the city. However, by following a few guidelines outlined below, one can easily locate and book a reliable minicab for transportation.

Read Reviews

Choose companies that have dozens of positive feedback from other clients using the services of minicab. Look for reviews that mention: Good drivers with concern for the safety of their passengers and other road users – Clean and well-organized cars – Precise punctuality in pick up and drop off- reasonable and affordable charges

Compare Fares

Though cost should not be the prime criterion, compare fares of different reputed companies and then know which one is offering the best fare. Fares may fluctuate for vehicle type, the number of passengers, road congestion, and the time of the trip. In most circumstances, minicabs have fixed charges based on distance and time spent. It’s worth noting that charges may be slightly higher during certain times of the day like in the evenings and during the weekends.