Five Things You Should Never Say To A Taxi Driver

Taking a taxi is a great way to get to wherever you are going without having to find directions, worry about parking, or fight with traffic. In order to have a positive experience, it's important to treat your taxi driver with respect. After all, these drivers work long hours at a sometimes thankless job. Here are five things you should never say to a taxi driver if you want to have a good trip.

Ask The Driver To Speed

Taxi cab drivers are expected to follow the law, which includes obeying the speed limit. This is actually posted on the taxi bill of rights for British Columbia. While you may be in a hurry, chances are that your taxi cab driver wants to prevent breaking the law.

Ask If You Can Smoke

A taxi cab is a driver's place of work, and as such, your driver has the right to a healthy, smoke-free environment. This right also extends to passengers in the taxi, including anyone who rides in the cab after you get out. Even if your driver prefers to smoke, many areas, such as Toronto and all of British Columbia, have rules against smoking in taxi cabs. If you are going to have a cigarette, it's best to wait until you arrive at your final destination.

Refuse To Tip

Tipping isn't the law, but it is customary for good services. If your taxi driver is courteous, follows all the rules of the road and has a clean vehicle, a tip of at least 10 percent is standard. Be sure to provide the tip in either paper money or as part of your credit card charge. Tipping in coins may be considered rude by some.

Ask The Driver To Turn Off The Meter

Drivers are obligated to have a meter in the vehicle and to keep it running during your trip to accurately determine your fare. In Toronto and some other metropolitan areas, a driver must give you your ride for free if the meter isn't running. Taxi drivers are not allowed to negotiate fares with riders, so it's best not to ask for a special flat rate.

Use Profanity Or Become Otherwise Verbally Abusive

Your taxi driver has the right to refuse service if you become rude or abusive. According to a recent report, 85 percent of people surveyed reported being verbally assaulted while on the job, and 70 percent felt they were in danger. This is why some drivers may be tempted to ask you to leave the taxi if you start to become rude. If you have a complaint about your driver, it's best to wait and file a formal report instead of yelling while the vehicle is in transit.

You can have a great experience in a taxi when you know what not to say to your driver. Take a little time to get to know the driver and be courteous the next time you get into a cab.

For professional taxi services, contact a company such as Oakville United Taxicab Ltd.


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