Why are they called Gypsy cabs?
Why are they called Gypsy cabs? The term gypsy cabs once referred to illegal taxis. These days the term usually refers to any driver who is licensed and works for one of the hundreds of legal car service companies in the city.
What is a black cab in England?
A symbol of London and Britain, the black taxi is a common sight on the streets of the UK. The hackney carriages carry a roof sign TAXI that can be illuminated at night to indicate their availability for passengers.
Why are gypsy cabs illegal?
Illegal taxicabs, sometimes known as pirate taxis, gypsy cabs, or jitney cabs, are taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles that are not duly licensed or permitted by the jurisdiction in which they operate.
What does a gypsy cab look like?
Gypsy cabs can be taxis of any color or look like a limo. The official taxis are all in a line at the taxi stand where there's also a dispatcher --a person who organizes things. Sometimes a gypsy cab driver will just come up to you as you're walking out of the terminal and offer you a limo.
What do Brits call cabs?
The famous London taxis are actually called 'hackney carriages' but in London we just call them 'black cabs/taxis'. London taxi drivers have to pass a special exam called the Knowledge to get their license so if you take a black cab, you can be sure the driver will know the way.
Why are taxis black in London?
Though there has never been law requiring London's taxis to be black, they were, since the end of the Second World War, sold in a standard colour of black. This, in the 1970s gave rise within the minicab trade to the nickname 'black cab' and it has become common currency.