The Ltda Complaining About Rickshaws Ripping Off Arabs With Extortionate Prices

[Henrietta]

I remember a little while ago the LTDA were protesting against an app that can get you cheap non black cabs with a breakdown of fare/distance and who was the nearest and the LTDA were furious as it was "taking money off their kids tables" and saying it was dangerous as the TDLA were vetted and safer than using this app.

Now this

http://www.itv.com/news/london/update/2014-08-28/200-for-a-rickshaw-ride-from-selfridges-to-harrods-thats-100-a-mile/

Are the Black cabbies really all about "looking out" for the public or is it a case of sour grapes as before these rickshaws were around the cabbies were making a killing financially.

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear from a LTDA member or someone that knows a Black cabbie and knows their thoughts on this.

[Henrietta]

Have they got proof that this ripping off actually happened? Wouldn't someone in the council require this before allowing them to have a large van with a sign warning arabs against this in case it was seen as scaremongering?

[agchristie]

Well Henrietta, the link states that dozens of complaints had been received to drivers so they have obviously seized upon that. I can't understand how the fee could not be agreed before the journey? Mind you, the Arabs probably thought it wasn't worth doing for a few hundred yards.

Not sure whether permission would be needed for the display board but if there was evidence surely the local authority would be investigating?

[SirOracle]

I don't think that you need to hear from a LTDA member as their opinions would be unanimous.
The black cab fares are controlled by means of a taxi meter which runs on distance and time for stoppages.A fare table is also displayed within the vehicle.
Also all drivers have had to pass a topographical knowledge test and in addition have enhanced disclosure.
If a visitor is ripped off by a pedicar then I am sure that they will not be too keen to use a black cab, as the person will feel that a black cab fare will be more expensive than a bicycle and decide not to use a cab.
We have these pests in Edinburgh,which is very hilly,and a regular sight is to see the pedicar capsized and the hapless passengers lying on the road.

[ichkeria]

Seems to me like reasonable action to take.
Done in self-interest no doubt, but I can't see the problem with that.
Surely these rickshaws should be illegal or regulated?