3 ms·

They're required to accept cards and can't make you pay with cash. Just tell them you don't have cash, and they'll make sure their card reader starts working.

Herald_MJ 9y ago
> Just tell them you don't have cash, and they'll make sure their card reader starts working. They will actually usually just suggest driving past an ATM so you can get them cash. A good alternative that usually works is if you suggest paying them with a cheque. Usually then their card reader will magically start working.
SamColes 9y ago
Try that at 3am and see if the cab driver cares.
- Nursie 9y ago
  If they want any paying at all, presumably they will. They are required by TFL to have a working contactless and Chip'n'Pin device mounted in the customer compartment. I have a feeling we're talking about things that happened in the past.
  - poooogles 9y ago
    What's required and reality are sometimes very different. I know I've been told the card machine doesn't work, then magically after saying I have no cash it'll start working a minute later...
- pbhjpbhj 9y ago
  Do TfL "mystery shop", they should and with confiscation of license and vehicle for malfeasants.
  - gsnedders 9y ago
    Yes, but their enforcement team is way too small for the number of taxis and private hires on the road for it to have much effect.
peoplewindow 9y ago
Mini cabs are just as bad. I had one last week that was ordered by a top hotel, the hotel told me the guy accepts cards, the guy had card logos on the window, then when we arrive at the airport he tells me he'll add £10 to the bill if I want to pay with cards. I was this close to telling to go fuck himself and charge me the right amount on the card, but had a plane to catch and didn't want to waste time fighting so I went to an ATM and went back with the cash. Uber may not be a perfect regulator, but it's apparently "good enough" and that's what the existing incumbent regulator can't stand - their own efforts to make cab drivers behave appear to be worse than what the private sector can provide. But hey, what do Londoners expect when they voted in a Labour (left wing) mayor whose first act was to freeze the cost of public transport, thus gutting TfL's budget. Londoners also elected Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott. They don't get to turn around now and complain about excessive regulation killing off businesses they don't like!

Herald_MJ 9y ago

> Just tell them you don't have cash, and they'll make sure their card reader starts working. They will actually usually just suggest driving past an ATM so you can get them cash. A good alternative that usually works is if you suggest paying them with a cheque. Usually then their card reader will magically start working.

SamColes 9y ago

Try that at 3am and see if the cab driver cares.

Nursie 9y ago
If they want any paying at all, presumably they will. They are required by TFL to have a working contactless and Chip'n'Pin device mounted in the customer compartment. I have a feeling we're talking about things that happened in the past.
- poooogles 9y ago
  What's required and reality are sometimes very different. I know I've been told the card machine doesn't work, then magically after saying I have no cash it'll start working a minute later...
pbhjpbhj 9y ago
Do TfL "mystery shop", they should and with confiscation of license and vehicle for malfeasants.
- gsnedders 9y ago
  Yes, but their enforcement team is way too small for the number of taxis and private hires on the road for it to have much effect.

peoplewindow 9y ago

Mini cabs are just as bad. I had one last week that was ordered by a top hotel, the hotel told me the guy accepts cards, the guy had card logos on the window, then when we arrive at the airport he tells me he'll add £10 to the bill if I want to pay with cards. I was this close to telling to go fuck himself and charge me the right amount on the card, but had a plane to catch and didn't want to waste time fighting so I went to an ATM and went back with the cash. Uber may not be a perfect regulator, but it's apparently "good enough" and that's what the existing incumbent regulator can't stand - their own efforts to make cab drivers behave appear to be worse than what the private sector can provide. But hey, what do Londoners expect when they voted in a Labour (left wing) mayor whose first act was to freeze the cost of public transport, thus gutting TfL's budget. Londoners also elected Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott. They don't get to turn around now and complain about excessive regulation killing off businesses they don't like!