If you've ever seen films shot on location in Britain you will probably have seen a Hackney Cab.
These vehicles are large, black, old-fashioned looking vehicles which take passengers to their required destination.
Before the days of the GPS Hackney Cab drivers had to pass a test which examined them on the routes they should take to get to different destinations.
Hackney Cab drivers still possess such knowledge and are rightly proud of their abilities.
If you come from a country where taxi drivers ask you where you are going and ask you for directions, often taking you miles out of your way if you confess to not knowing the exact location of your destination and then charging an exorbitant sum for the inconvenience, Hackney Cab drivers are a welcome change.
They can take you by the shortest route or at least the one which is least likely to be congested and, if you feel talkative, they will obligingly point out places of interest as you pass them.
If you are not inclined towards conversing with the cab driver then he/she will respect your wishes.
A Hackney Cab can take five passengers, and can accommodate a wheelchair if you or one of your parties is physically-challenged.
It can also take your luggage easily.
You sit in the back facing each other and are screened from the driver for his/her safety.
Most drivers are helpful and courteous and will help with your luggage etc.
You may wish to give them a tip at the end of your journey, although this is not obligatory.
However it will be much appreciated.
You tip between five and ten per cent in Britain for services if you wish to.
Because Hackney Cabs are world-famous it's well worth taking a ride in one, if only to tell your friends back home about the experience.
It is a very different form of transport to the kind seen in most other countries.
In the city of Edinburgh, you can flag down a Hackney Cab from the side of the road or pre-book one by phone or via the internet.
Their tariffs are set by the local authority and you will not be charged over the set fare for your journey.
You can check the rates with the local authority before traveling in one for your own peace of mind if you prefer.
There are different rates depending on the day and time of day you travel.
For example journeys are cheapest between the hours of 6am and 6pm Mondays to Fridays and increase at weekends and between the hours of 6pm and 6am.
There is a minimum fare and this will be shown on the meter when you enter the Hackney Cab.
After a certain distance or period of time the fare will increase gradually and this will be shown on the meter.
You can find Hackney Cabs at taxi ranks and outside the Arrivals Hall at the airport, and at the railway station, as well as passing you on the roads, so they are relatively easy to find.
Of course, if the weather is bad they will be in demand and you should try to book one in advance, although expect to be charged a small call-out fee on top of the regular fare.
This is standard practice as sanctioned by the local authority.
Whatever you do in Edinburgh you should definitely take a Hackney Cab, if only to say that you have traveled in this comparatively unique vehicle.
Enjoy your stay in the city of Edinburgh!
These vehicles are large, black, old-fashioned looking vehicles which take passengers to their required destination.
Before the days of the GPS Hackney Cab drivers had to pass a test which examined them on the routes they should take to get to different destinations.
Hackney Cab drivers still possess such knowledge and are rightly proud of their abilities.
If you come from a country where taxi drivers ask you where you are going and ask you for directions, often taking you miles out of your way if you confess to not knowing the exact location of your destination and then charging an exorbitant sum for the inconvenience, Hackney Cab drivers are a welcome change.
They can take you by the shortest route or at least the one which is least likely to be congested and, if you feel talkative, they will obligingly point out places of interest as you pass them.
If you are not inclined towards conversing with the cab driver then he/she will respect your wishes.
A Hackney Cab can take five passengers, and can accommodate a wheelchair if you or one of your parties is physically-challenged.
It can also take your luggage easily.
You sit in the back facing each other and are screened from the driver for his/her safety.
Most drivers are helpful and courteous and will help with your luggage etc.
You may wish to give them a tip at the end of your journey, although this is not obligatory.
However it will be much appreciated.
You tip between five and ten per cent in Britain for services if you wish to.
Because Hackney Cabs are world-famous it's well worth taking a ride in one, if only to tell your friends back home about the experience.
It is a very different form of transport to the kind seen in most other countries.
In the city of Edinburgh, you can flag down a Hackney Cab from the side of the road or pre-book one by phone or via the internet.
Their tariffs are set by the local authority and you will not be charged over the set fare for your journey.
You can check the rates with the local authority before traveling in one for your own peace of mind if you prefer.
There are different rates depending on the day and time of day you travel.
For example journeys are cheapest between the hours of 6am and 6pm Mondays to Fridays and increase at weekends and between the hours of 6pm and 6am.
There is a minimum fare and this will be shown on the meter when you enter the Hackney Cab.
After a certain distance or period of time the fare will increase gradually and this will be shown on the meter.
You can find Hackney Cabs at taxi ranks and outside the Arrivals Hall at the airport, and at the railway station, as well as passing you on the roads, so they are relatively easy to find.
Of course, if the weather is bad they will be in demand and you should try to book one in advance, although expect to be charged a small call-out fee on top of the regular fare.
This is standard practice as sanctioned by the local authority.
Whatever you do in Edinburgh you should definitely take a Hackney Cab, if only to say that you have traveled in this comparatively unique vehicle.
Enjoy your stay in the city of Edinburgh!