Things To Consider When Boarding A Santa Monica Taxi

By Diana Moore


If you are boarding a Santa Monica taxi, take into consideration that even though hotels, restaurants, and other tourist outlets have a vested interest in keeping complaints minimal and profits high, taxis aren't usually bound to any one area. Because of this, several taxi drivers have developed notoriety for ripping off unsuspecting individuals who do not know the ins and outs of the area. Be ready for major price fluctuations when the weather is uncooperative or during rush hour. Even cab drivers who remain honest most of the time will sometimes take advantage of particular situations. If a sudden thunder storm materializes and you desperately need to get home, expect the costs to skyrocket. Whether or not you accept terms such as these is up to you.

Be sure to check for door handles. There are many testimonies of people getting kidnapped by "fake" taxi operators. Unsuspecting passengers get in and soon discover that they have got no way of getting out because there are no door handles accessible from the inside. Even when there's no malicious motive involved, having door handles is a must. What if you get involved in a vehicle accident and can't get out of the vehicle?

If you're especially careful, you may consider sending a text message to friends and family members prior to entering the cab. In your message, be sure to include the license plates, driver's name, and identification number. It's a good habit to have your mobile phone with you always, so that you'll have the ability to phone someone for help right away. The safest thing you can do to stay safe when using taxis is to never be by yourself. Having another individual together with you makes you much less of a target, and the more persons along with you makes you all the safer. The risk, obviously, in having other people along is that you have peer pressure and conversation as added hazards. Avoid this by implementing clear guidelines that in case someone feels bad about a scenario, everyone will leave that circumstance right away and that if it's time to change from one manner of travel to another, interactions which distract from the transition need to come to an end.

In case the operator attempts to make a deal with you rather than using the meter or claims his meter is busted, don't use the cab. The state's or city's taxi cab enforcement commission mandates that meters must be operable all the time so as not to cheat the public. Ask a trusted friend, relative, or individual who has utilized the service before what the fare ought to be. The key element to effective bargaining is to ask the taxi driver what the fare should be before boarding a cab.

If the Santa Monica taxi is filthy, either inside or out, pass on it. It is that simple. The taxi cab operator utilizes this vehicle as his or her money-maker, so it ought to be well-maintained. If the automobile is in less than excellent condition, the driver is not as focused on a efficiently operating vehicle and a great experience for their passenger as they should be.




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