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Topic: London Taxi?  (Read 1793 times)

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London Taxi?
« on: April 01, 2014, 09:22:29 PM »
Does anyone have any suggestions for booking a taxi in London for a long-ish trip on short notice?

I am having surgery, and have been trying to figure out ways to get home that do not involve public transport as I seriously doubt I will be able to make it across London post surgery, DH with me or not. 

We looked at renting a car, but it is proving quite difficult as we do not know exactly when I will get out of hospital and the rental companies have not been easy to deal with when we mention we do not know exactly when we will need it.  The only option is to rent the car for a few weeks, which is quite expensive...plus we do not have parking facilities at our flat. 

We are now looking at hiring a taxi, but don't know any good companies.  Any recommendations?  I would be going from Park Royal (Ealing) to Hither Green (Lewisham).  So long as the fare is less than 100 quid, it is cheaper than renting out own car and probably a better option with the lack of parking at our place, uncertainty of rental period, etc.


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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2014, 10:05:34 PM »
Was curious about this, as I very rarely take taxis in London.  I know I've seen advertisements for Hailo, a taxi-booking app for your phone...But I did a quick google search and found minicabit, which gives the cost before booking said service. 

Entering Park Royal to Hither Green for tomorrow at 2pm gives a price of around £38 pounds.  Not sure if any booking fees are associated with it, and I don't actually have any personal experience with it...but I guess this information at least gives you the confidence that the trip (if booked in advance) is likely to be under £100. 

Hope the surgery goes smoothly; will be sending positive thoughts your way!!
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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2014, 10:23:50 PM »
If you give the hospital a call they will probably have the name of a cab you can book in advance or, in case your surgery gets pushed back, now you can call when you are ready to leave the hospital. Wishing you good luck :)


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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2014, 03:06:42 AM »
I always had luck with the following minicab company:  http://www.meadway.com

They were always on time and courteous.  I often hired them last minute (i.e. within 30-60 minutes) and took them alone as a woman at night.  I never had any problems and often times had nice conversations with the drivers. 

They are North London based, but I definitely took them to all the London Airports at one time or another, so I don't think they have a limitation on area. They should be able to give you a quote for price, as it is based on mileage.

Good luck.


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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2014, 08:34:22 AM »
Oh wow, you are right down by me - we are in Lewisham.

South of the river I have always used Data Cars and they have never let me down.  Always have been informed by mobile where the car was, and it was always dispatched in a timely manner, even at 2 am when I got off a train at Euston and needed a ride home.


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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2014, 03:34:29 PM »
Uber? There are usually promo codes out there for $20+ credits for new members. It might even be £20 if you're based in the UK. You can book it right from your phone when you need it. My referral code is here, if you're interested. https://uber.com/invite/7bub6


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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2014, 04:32:00 PM »
I agree with FruitGum; the hospital probably has a general reception desk who could phone for a taxi for you.  We've even been offered help getting transport home by the departmental clerk.
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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2014, 10:21:49 PM »
Thanks for the suggestions everyone; I've passed them on to DH who will be in charge of the transport.  ;)

The big day's tomorrow, so hopefully it will all go well!  :D 


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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #8 on: April 03, 2014, 03:30:54 AM »
Good luck, Aquila, hope it goes well.


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Re: London Taxi?
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2014, 09:16:42 AM »
Good luck Aquila
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