Filed under: Comment
So I was in an overpriced Taxi in London last week when I saw this …
It’s bad enough they charge an extra 10% for using one of the most widely used and accepted cards in the UK [which is at least better than the US, where they sometimes charge more for using cash!!!] however to say it is a ‘convenience charge’ is a bit much because if anything, it’s an inconvenience charge, except I don’t know if that’s more from the perspective of the cabbie or the passenger.
And while I’m ranting, why are London cabs still so expensive?
I know cabbies go through years of hell learning what is called ‘the knowledge’ – but now a driver can be instructed turn-by-turn – thanks to cheap and readily available satnav – to pretty much any destination in the UK, regardless of driving history, how come they are still charging premium prices.
OK … OK … so satnav or not, cabbies still have to undertake what must be one of the toughest tests out there … but given technology has pretty much taken away the need to have a great memory, why are passengers expected to pay to maintain a tradition that is increasingly losing its value and purpose?
Alright, part of me actually loves that ‘the knowledge’ still exists.
At a time where so many companies are reducing their standards to make way for technological ease, it’s pleasing to hear of an organisation that wishes to maintain their rules, regulations and process … however as charming as the London Cabbie story is, there is a limit people are willing to pay for their dose of nostalgia which is why if I was the London Taxi service, I’d be inclined to ban the use of satnav because that has the potential to undermine their value almost as much as their huge everyday costs and ridiculous card charges.
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Could say the same about planning.
And being the first to comment on a sunday doesn’t mean I’m a loser, I’m just sharing my valuable time with the rest of you.
Comment by Billy Whizz August 8, 2011 @ 6:23 amDid you write this between your DVD finishing and starting on your frozen meal for one TV dinner?
Comment by DH August 8, 2011 @ 6:45 amcould the same thing be said about planning? thats a question? it better be fucking rhetorical or youre asking for a kicking. hope youre enjoying yourself wanking off with one hand and eating cheesy puffs with the other.
youre the male bridget fucking jones arent you.
Comment by andy@cynic August 8, 2011 @ 8:01 amBest comment of the week – but then it’s only Monday!
Comment by Rob August 8, 2011 @ 10:15 amCalling directions, the knowledge is the best bit of maketimg hype since Baz called facetime a revolution in communication.
Comment by Billy Whizz August 8, 2011 @ 6:25 am+1.
Comment by DH August 8, 2011 @ 6:45 ambe fair, baz is so small that the iphone is the only thing he can reach that shows his face without needing the iladder.
Comment by andy@cynic August 8, 2011 @ 8:03 amYou guys have a card called “solo”? Is that the one you use to pay prostitutes? Twisted limeys.
Comment by Billy Whizz August 8, 2011 @ 6:28 amLondon cabs are so expensive every trip is an inconvenience charge. Good point on the gps thing, not thought about that, but we don’t call it rip off britain for no reason.
Comment by Michael Hall August 8, 2011 @ 6:34 amare you the editor of the daily star? who the fuck knows but with complaining like that you can come back again.
Comment by andy@cynic August 8, 2011 @ 8:04 amBlack cabs make yellow cabs look good value.
Comment by Bazza August 8, 2011 @ 1:11 pmI like this post and I don’t know why. Could it be your sound twisted logic proprietary tool or I’m still hungover from last night?
Comment by DH August 8, 2011 @ 6:47 amIf you had a shandy last night, you’re hungover.
Comment by Billy Whizz August 8, 2011 @ 6:54 amnice billy. youre fucking learning.
Comment by andy@cynic August 8, 2011 @ 8:05 amIf you like this post because you’re hungover Dave, then I must be hungover too.
1. “Inconvenience charges” versus the more accurate description “convenience charges”.
2. GPS undermining the iconic cabbie “knowledge” test (that I’d not thought about either).
3. Companies who still want to maintain their rules, regulations and processes despite the easier options being made available to them.
Covered a lot of things in (for you) a small post. Could be a good metaphor for adland except point 3, which seems to be long forgotten by all but a few agencies out there.
Comment by Pete August 8, 2011 @ 7:09 amIf you had a Dr Pepper last night, you’re hungover.
Comment by Billy Whizz August 8, 2011 @ 7:13 ameven nicer. been studying for one havent you.
Comment by andy@cynic August 8, 2011 @ 8:05 amthis post captured every fuckers attention didnt it. last comment 8 fucking hours ago. youve got the world on the edge of their fucking seat. whats tomorrows shit, the bollocks of british rail and that their food cart should be called a food carriage or some other fucking shite?
Comment by andy@cynic August 8, 2011 @ 8:18 pm