The Landscape of Croydon's Private Hire Services
Croydon boasts a well-established network of private hire vehicles, commonly known as minicabs, alongside the traditional "black cabs" (taxis). While both serve the purpose of transporting passengers, there are fundamental differences that are important for consumers to understand:
- Taxis (Black Cabs): These are the iconic London taxis that can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks. They operate on a metered fare system, and the drivers often possess "The Knowledge" – an in-depth understanding of London's streets and landmarks. In Croydon, you'll find black cabs, but their prevalence for immediate street hails might be less compared to central London.
- Minicabs (Private Hire Vehicles): Minicabs are private hire vehicles that must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. Unlike black cabs, they cannot be hailed on the street. This pre-booking system ensures accountability, often provides fixed fares, and offers a wider range of vehicle types to suit various needs. Croydon Minicabs are generally more prevalent in Croydon for pre-arranged journeys, including airport transfers, hospital runs, and personal trips.