You got to interview Cockney Reg, the Sikh London taxi driver. He was in a video on Yes Theory’s channel, where they paid him £8000 to do a road trip from London to Morocco 🇲🇦 in a black taxi cab.
watching these is my new block watch addiction - i love them , have you picked up any famous people ? and got autographs , i was a taxi driver in Chepstow wales for a time an picked up 4 of the welsh football time , mark hughs, dean saunders , mark bowen and the late great Garry speed , i got a 10 pound tip and all their autographs
I am concierge and the new cab the light is a nightmare to see when the cab facing the sun ! I am glad you found the way to make it more visible. Thanks a lot for your job with the videos it relax me to watch them. If you need a toilet break come to the RAC club cab drivers are always welcome
I’m sure you might already know but The little blue light on the kerb side is the best trick. If it’s on then the cab is hired. The blue stands out a lot more! Will take you up on a trip to the toilets 🙏🏻
As someone who recently took a taxi from LCY to the Excel - I sincerely apologise to my poor taxi driver. You’re right in that the fare was just over £9 and I gave him £10. I didn’t realise how long the wait was - next time I’ll be sure to leave a bigger tip. Keep up the good info Tom.
It is the game of luck that we all play though. I’ve had times where I turn up to LCY with no cabs there, straight on and get a return job to town. If you can’t face the small jobs, don’t do the time 🤪
At least you were going to the Excel - my last cabby at LCY was complaining that some people only want to go to the Travelodge, which is about 100 yards up the road.
@@geznicks I know that. I’m not stupid. I missed the bus because my flight was late. I Had to be there in 20 minutes and the next bus wasn’t for 25 so wouldn’t have made it.
@@jamesbartholomew1481 ok. I think they should've made a station on the Elizabeth line with a walking tunnel under the Quay, surely wouldn't have cost too much considering the liz lines budget, or at least a DLR link from Custom House or Royal Albert
Fun fact, here in Tokyo where I live the taxis have a red sign on if they are available and a green sign on if they are taken. I bet that leads to confusion amongst tourists ;) Thanks for another great video!
Named after the battle of balaclava in the Crimean war. Famous for the 'thin red line' of British troops and then the subsequent charge of the light brigade. Great vids Tom
Hearing you talk about Woolwich road fills me with anxiety. I'm a lorry driver for Tesco based at Crick and we deliver to the essex area, upon leaving the store at Sidcup to go to Basildon the Tesco system likes to route you via the Woolwich ferry. We like to poke our nose inside the M25 but not that much! Yes I have followed the route and the ferry was closed. Much easier to just head back down the A20 towards the M25 and through Dartford tunnel.
Ah, you're back. I really like these long travel videos. I have very little idea about where you're driving or going, having never been to London, but your voice is very relaxing. Maybe I'll come over at some point and give you some proper Dutch cycle lanes, haha.
I'd love to see you do more London food videos. YT has plenty already but they are typically done by visitors of their favourite fish & chip places. The last foodie video that you did was a real gem and the London visitor really needs more of that sort of insight.
I completely understand your point about not hailing cabs that are on the job however due to poor design choices, it is sometimes hard to see whether the light is on or off!
We recently stayed at a hotel very close to Paddington and explored all the surrounding streets and parks, so it’s definitely cool to see how you would navigate the area as a taxi driver!
Woohoo! Get the snacks & drink it's time to relax and watch Tom work. These are my fav vids & the longer the better. It's just so bloody relaxing. Cheers mate!
Tom, I really enjoy your drive videos, incredible to watch you navigate through the many little side streets, etc. Please consider doing a video where you provide more details about the different types of license plates (ie, the diplomat's vehicle or the other one that only had a few letters (Why is that one special?)) you encounter. Cheers mate!
I’m a ex Ocado delivery driver and from doing my delivery’s in London it’s made me want to learn the knowledge I was lucky enough to learn my way around south, east and west London from my job, watching your videos has just made me want to learn more I have family that are cabbies up town
As a London Jew, I can give you one other synagogue fact you probably never knew: There was actually 1 synagogue older than Bevis Marks but it was destroyed/burned down at some point, that was the Dukes Place synagogue and the plaque commemorating it’s location is coincidentally on the side of the black building you showed in this video when mentioning Dukes Place! Another important fact to know is that Dukes Place was the first and original synagogue in London for Ashkenazi Jews (Jews originally from Central/Eastern Europe) whereas the Bevis Marks synagogue that still survives was the first and original synagogue in London for Sephardi Jews (Jews originally from Spain and Portugal)
Glad to see you back again. I’m always fascinated by the authenticity of your videos - and the etiquette thaat you London Cab drivers extend to each other & other road users. My wife’s LTI TX1 has just been through another MMOT, and eith bout £380 wtorth of welding & mechanical work is now back on the road with over 37000 miles, still looking good and the interior still looks as is it did back in 2000. The seats are very comfortable and with intercom heating etc still seems modern. Funny thing is of course, there are actually ashtrays still fitted in the back! My wife much prefers driving the cab than my XJ Portfolio. Thanks for your Sunday emails, I have written few times - hope you have read them.
Thanks Richard! Glad Boudicca survives another year! Got your email, unfortunately a bit of a crunch to get this one out 👍🏻 Be lucky and hope you are keeping well!
Is there any chance of doing any content on the taxi rank outside of Victoria Station (BR). It's absolutely insane with three tiers of ranks, the first of which begins on Vauxhall Bridge Road. Let us know when you do!
In some cities the hire light is inside and it could be flipped facing downwards if it is not for hire, which is more obvious if the taxi is for hire. The downside to this is if the the hire light is too small and you might not see it until the last moment.
I've often wondered what tube station that was on the OFAH intro credits, thank you! I had always just assumed that it was somewhere less central and probably south of the river. My wife and I were in London last week for 4 nights, I kept an eye out for you and enjoyed the taxi journeys we did take even more after watching your videos. What was so good about this video was the amount of places that we happened to be in that exact spot or nearby. Keep them coming Tom, especially these type of videos. Cheers.
My Grandma had a cafe for all the dock workers right where those two tall apartment buildings are at the start of the video :) she met my Grandad, a scaffolder who had a yard nearby there and the rest is history lol :D Can't believe how the area has developed and now the Mayor's Office will be moving across the road from the site of that little cafe
About hailing cabs with the light off: To be fair, Tom, sometimes when its sunny it is hard to see if the light is on or off until you get quite close.
Tom your knowledge of the streets of London are 100% amazing, I used to drive a Liverpool hackney cab and our knowledge is no were near as complicated as the knowledge of London. When I did my knowledge I had to do 25 routs, places of entertainment, sheet of hospital's, sheet of main buildings. At the time it was difficult but I did get my badge 😊 The knowledge of Liverpool hackney carriage test is now multiple questions and the best option from the list, extremely easy imo I hope tfl don't do away with the London knowledge and make it easy. Than it is I've always used London cabs when I'm in the capital and NEVER use mini cabs. Keep up the good work and I love your videos take care tom
I used to live next to LCY, I imagine it's very difficult as a taxi to compete with the DLR, you can get to bank in 20 minutes for about £2.40. But the Bankers who use LCY have got so much fackin money
This was the first video I saw on this channel. Was intrigued enough to go back to the beginning and watch the whole series, which has been a delight. Makes me think that actually if I lived somewhat closer the Smoke down a set of blue (although actually pinkish) books before now. I’ll probably have caught up and be watching in ‘real time’ in the next 3-4 weeks. At which point I’ll subscribe to the email newsletter.
I work at LCY and commute by car (via Tower Bridge or Rotherhithe Tunnel), so it's interesting seeing the route you took. For many months now the works going on at the Lower Lea Crossing and on Silvertown Way have made the traffic so horrendous, that I've changed to usually continuing along the A13 and then down Prince Regent Lane, or via Beckton and into the eastern entrance of the airport.
Hi Tom. London City Airport is ideal for tourists visiting from Scotland via Edinburgh Airport. We have used it extensively over the years. Quick disembarking/luggage collection and you get a great view of London on the approach. We like to use airBnB or managed apartments in the Isle of Dogs/Canary Wharf area. It's a convenient base, especially if attending a concert at the O2 Arena. 👍🏻😀
Although not being affiliated with the taxi trade at all (except as an occasional customer) I really enjoy your videos 👍 One suggestion: maybe you can include a map overview of all the jobs you did at the end of the videos plus a summary of what you made that day including how that compares to other days
Straight into Compton... I had to think about that! (Oh and Ionic capitals, if anyone was wondering) I'm so proud that I remembered going past that part of the road when I "drove" Run 1 on Streetview. Amazing what you pick up and don't realise it! I have huge respect for anyone who can work in traffic like that, with suicidal cyclists, e-scooter riders, e-unicycle(!) riders and all the rest. And the almost psychic ability to see people waving you down. Amazing!
I think maybe Balaclava Road was named in honour of the Battle of Balaclava which I think (from memory)was fought during the Crimean War but I stand to be corrected. Regards
Elephant & Castle used to be two roundabout (one at either end) and it was insanely dangerous which is why they changed it to the present system. The bus stops for the Walworth Road and Newington Butts are further up London Road so in theory they could get into the two right hand lanes earlier, they just don’t…
Hey Tom - great video! Not sure if it has been mentioned but elephant and castle did indeed used to be a roundabout until a few years ago (maybe 2015?) because too many cyclists were being run over...
7:43 - Technically the diplomatic car could do it too and not be punished, just not legally. They'd just ignore any fines knowing nothing will come of it like the congestion charges the owe 😉
I never use City airport but I’ll make sure I spread the message not to use a black cab to do a short trip. I can imagine how annoying it would be to queue for an hour or more for a £10 fare. Actually I would have avoided a black cab to go to where I live from Heathrow until I found out about the rejoining rules which makes me feel better about a short journey from LHR.
Wouldn't recommend the walk from LCY to the Excel, quick but dicey on some of the roads. Quick hop on and hop off on the DLR and you're there quick as a flash.
On the DLR you have to change trains at Canning Town. Better to take the 473 or 474 bus. Not sure which roads you're crossing to get to the Excel that could be described as dicey though - zebra crossing outside the airport, pelican outside the Courtyard, then you walk under the Connaught Bridge to get to the pedestrian bridge and from there you are basically walking through hotel car parks.
I used to live just north of Heathrow and was constantly annoying Taxi drivers who'd been in the queue for ages with my 4 mile trip to my place in Colham Green and the scrabble to get back to the airport rank within the local return journey time limit. Now I live about a 10 minute drive from City Airport and the poor sods don't even get the chance to rejoin the head of the rank there if they're unlucky enough to get me.
Little bit of Masonic trivia, as I’ve heard you say this a couple of times. The term Masonic Lodge actually is the name for a collective group of members, not the building. So multiple ‘lodges’ will meet at Great Queen Street and other centres on any given day. The building or room where the meeting actually takes place would be referred to as a Temple. In this case Freemasons Hall is HQ for all of England, so has multiple meeting rooms and including the spectacular Grand Temple. Tours are run daily and there is an excellent museum too.
Another great video Tom, I love listening to your recite you knowledge of the capital and your understanding of the city. I travel to London a few times a year and one of these days It would be great to jump into your cab. I wonder if I could ask your advice please, my daughter is coming to London for the first time on her own soon ( I don't really want her to use the Tube and will need to get from Kentish Town to Raynes Park late night (after 10pm) can you give a rough idea of how much that would cost in a cab? Many thanks Gary
Effluence and Kharzie worked for decades as a roundabout (s) but that’s not in keeping with the beards vision for a gridlocked London, so now you have exactly that. Add Old st, Highbury corner, Archway, and soon Lambeth Bridge both sides, Waterloo roundabout …….
Barrio on Parker Street is a well-known salsa venue, it's a chain so also has a couple of other spots around Central. Really surprised they're not included in the points.
It's just what slips your mind that day, there's not a finite list of points as anything could be asked. Some points on my appearances included points such as; Aston Martin Clothing Shop Pembridge School for Girls The Dogs Trust Burger and Lobster Theatre Royal Stage Door "What theatre is an American in Paris being shown at?" Starbucks HQ Nelson Square to Wellington Square Frazier Street Cherry Duck Studios Bow River Apartments Literally no rhyme or reason 😊
@@TomtheTaxiDriver which Burger and Lobster? 🤣 It's crazy that you can be asked anything, you'd have to be so observant on your runs and really have your finger on the pulse for what's about. Obviously not doing the knowledge but even with a good knowledge of London, I'm unlikely to be able to remember where American in Paris is being shown. Also liked how you remember the run down to Brockley but struggled on recalling the street names. Must have been a nightmare on the appearances being able to see the run but forget all the muggy South London street names in Ladywell.
Just stumbled upon your channel. Really interesting video, thanks! With regard to the hire light - I've been taking black cabs since 1999 (weekly, sometimes daily), and imo the lights are super crappy, and not bright enough. In many ambient light conditions it is completely impossible to tell if it is on or off (I usually check to see if I can see passenger silhouettes). The light needs a redesign i.e. why not have the TAXI light illuminated red or green for occupied or available, would make everything much easier. Again, thanks for the video, found it really engaging.
Hi Tom am I missing something you week in life of taxi vids I can only see up to part 4 🤷🏻♂️ never been able to find part 5 keep up the good work 👍🏻👌🏻👌🏻
@@TomtheTaxiDriver thanks bud, think that’s why I’m not sure as the other (mon-thurs) are called pt 1-4 hence can’t see Friday pt 5 👍🏻 hope you well love the channel 🙏🏻🙏🏻
The number of people I see standing at the edge of a Zebra crossing looking between their phone and down the road (for their Uber), I often stop and stare at them. Also if going to rank at LCY, do you check the flight schedule first?
If I ever move into or close to London I’d love to have a go at ‘the knowledge’. Been a wheel attendant in some form or other for a massive part of my working life. A few years ago I thought about doing my test for my town a few years ago but it was real hard at the time to get on hackney and didn’t fancy private hire.
quick question, in the beginning of the video you mentioned that you have a green taxi batch that allows you to drive in London City however there is a yellow one, that is for suburbs of London. Question is: i guess as you have a higher knowledge badge (i suppose) you are allowed to cue (is this the word) their queue, but are yellow batch drivers allowed to cue (same question here for the word when you are waiting in line) in queues in London? P.S. I don't know if you are going to see this comment, but can you make a video of an accident you had/or an accident on the road you saw (something in those lines)? :)
I went caffeine free about 6 years ago, I’d have at least 10-12 mugs a day, never went back. I still love coffee but buy a decent decaf (Percol) that tastes as good as the real thing, it’s my favourite drink.
Off the top of my head,Balaclava Road commemorates the battle of the same name involving British forces during the Crimean War and not an item of headgear.Not so silly looked at in that context.
Not really. You don't really have a say on what ads you get, plus you have to get it changed at various periods, so you have to factor in travel to the garage. I personally think there's no better advert than a plain black cab 😊
@@TomtheTaxiDriver Funny enough i see some non advertised but not black cabs in London (cabs of various colours like blue, red, green, marroon or any) I find them better looking than boring black (or boring white) :D
Question - if you get a job out to a suburb of London (in a yellow badge area) are you allowed to pick up a job there, or join a rank there, or do you have to go back to London proper?
No we can rank all London. Which is a bit bizarre, because say I went to Charlton... it's outside of The Knowledge area but within London. Yellow badge of that sector would know it inside out, I wouldn't know where to start!
Hey Tom, I have a question. Are Taxi drivers allowed to drive in the London bus lanes ? I was wondering if perhaps since Taxis are providing an important transportation service for Londoners and tourists, maybe the local government would allow you Taxi drivers to use the bus lanes?
On tfl dot gov dot uk it says: "Remember, only licensed taxi drivers can drive in bus lanes - private hire vehicles are not allowed. Licensed taxi drivers should check the signs at the start of the bus lanes, however, because there are a still a number of bus lanes they cannot use" So, actual cabbies can drive there but restrictions for use and parking may apply.
Don't know how many know this, but some diplomatic vehicles are only allowed in Greater London and not outside the county boundaries. Inside D vehicles are the respective government property.
@@TomtheTaxiDriver fair enough! I barely function with caffeine most days so I’d be hopeless if I gave it up! It’s bad enough when I cut it out for a skating competition! 😀
The effect is about what you're used to I believe. If you're used to 1-2 cups a day you can be just as fresh as someone that drinks 10 a day. Like alcohol having less of an effect on people that drink more in terms of getting drunk.
Similar thing before that I've mentioned in the comments with that Duck and Rice place on Berwick St market, part of the newish development bit there. Be really good to see you do a video on how you keep up to date with all the new points. Do you just learn by driving around and keeping a mental note, do you have to do a refresher, does TfL give you updated points, is there a Twitter account you can follow? Be really good to know how you do it.
It's just a case of staying curious, picking up points from passengers, speaking with other drivers etc. Having a personal interest helps too! I'm sure I would be better than average cabbies for bars and music venues in Camden, but far worse in Soho! Often if a point slips, then it's a case of just getting the customer to narrow it down, in the case of Berwick street, it's in the pedestrianised part, so it's not as bad. I'm not so good with restaurants unless it's a more famous one or iconic name. Mr. Nice is a relatively new one that sticks well. I imagine some cabbies would be bad with the historical stuff/museums whereas that's something I pride myself on.
Re y food: tried it for the first time in Switzerland a few weeks ago, it was the salted caramel flavour i think. Honestly tasted really good, much better than my experience with Huel 👍
How do you manage the pollution from traffic in London? Does your vehicle's air conditioning system recirculate the air within the cab, or does it intake external air? I would surmise that a London Taxi cab would possess an advanced air purification system to safeguard your well-being. Is that so?
Tx4 has been age restricted so 12 years lifespan instead of 15. Last TX4 was 2017 so I believe so they will be allowed til 2029 (unless Euro 6). Brand new taxi in London must be zero emissions capable Taxis are exempt from ULEZ and congestion.
Get 10% OFF! yFood Classic Choco 🍫 and Happy Banana 🍌 bit.ly/tomthetaxidriver_yfood_500ml
Love the banana one not so sure about the coffee one
You got to interview Cockney Reg, the Sikh London taxi driver. He was in a video on Yes Theory’s channel, where they paid him £8000 to do a road trip from London to Morocco 🇲🇦 in a black taxi cab.
watching these is my new block watch addiction - i love them , have you picked up any famous people ? and got autographs , i was a taxi driver in Chepstow wales for a time an picked up 4 of the welsh football time , mark hughs, dean saunders , mark bowen and the late great Garry speed , i got a 10 pound tip and all their autographs
I am concierge and the new cab the light is a nightmare to see when the cab facing the sun ! I am glad you found the way to make it more visible. Thanks a lot for your job with the videos it relax me to watch them.
If you need a toilet break come to the RAC club cab drivers are always welcome
I’m sure you might already know but The little blue light on the kerb side is the best trick. If it’s on then the cab is hired. The blue stands out a lot more!
Will take you up on a trip to the toilets 🙏🏻
As someone who recently took a taxi from LCY to the Excel - I sincerely apologise to my poor taxi driver. You’re right in that the fare was just over £9 and I gave him £10. I didn’t realise how long the wait was - next time I’ll be sure to leave a bigger tip. Keep up the good info Tom.
It is the game of luck that we all play though. I’ve had times where I turn up to LCY with no cabs there, straight on and get a return job to town.
If you can’t face the small jobs, don’t do the time 🤪
At least you were going to the Excel - my last cabby at LCY was complaining that some people only want to go to the Travelodge, which is about 100 yards up the road.
Bro there's a bus it's £1.65
@@geznicks I know that. I’m not stupid. I missed the bus because my flight was late. I Had to be there in 20 minutes and the next bus wasn’t for 25 so wouldn’t have made it.
@@jamesbartholomew1481 ok. I think they should've made a station on the Elizabeth line with a walking tunnel under the Quay, surely wouldn't have cost too much considering the liz lines budget, or at least a DLR link from Custom House or Royal Albert
what a fascinating guy
it takes a real story teller to make a day in the life of a tai driver so interesting for others to appreciate
Fun fact, here in Tokyo where I live the taxis have a red sign on if they are available and a green sign on if they are taken. I bet that leads to confusion amongst tourists ;) Thanks for another great video!
Yes exact opposite of France 🇫🇷
Named after the battle of balaclava in the Crimean war. Famous for the 'thin red line' of British troops and then the subsequent charge of the light brigade. Great vids Tom
Relevant to current events too. The island of Crimea being part of Ukraine, an area currently occupied by Russia.
@@Zadster I thought it was a peninsula
Hearing you talk about Woolwich road fills me with anxiety. I'm a lorry driver for Tesco based at Crick and we deliver to the essex area, upon leaving the store at Sidcup to go to Basildon the Tesco system likes to route you via the Woolwich ferry. We like to poke our nose inside the M25 but not that much! Yes I have followed the route and the ferry was closed. Much easier to just head back down the A20 towards the M25 and through Dartford tunnel.
Ah, you're back. I really like these long travel videos. I have very little idea about where you're driving or going, having never been to London, but your voice is very relaxing. Maybe I'll come over at some point and give you some proper Dutch cycle lanes, haha.
Bloody addictive presentation!
This would make a fantastic weekly tv show
Hey Tom! I love when you point out the interesting number plates you see!
A Taxi from LCY to the Excel?! it's probably as fast to walk. I guess then you just hope that someone at Excel wants a lift back in to town.
I'd love to see you do more London food videos. YT has plenty already but they are typically done by visitors of their favourite fish & chip places. The last foodie video that you did was a real gem and the London visitor really needs more of that sort of insight.
Thanks David! Got another one in the edit, focusing on a particular format of food 😉
I completely understand your point about not hailing cabs that are on the job however due to poor design choices, it is sometimes hard to see whether the light is on or off!
The thing is, the cap installed should prevent such a situation.
We recently stayed at a hotel very close to Paddington and explored all the surrounding streets and parks, so it’s definitely cool to see how you would navigate the area as a taxi driver!
Woohoo! Get the snacks & drink it's time to relax and watch Tom work. These are my fav vids & the longer the better. It's just so bloody relaxing. Cheers mate!
Tom, I really enjoy your drive videos, incredible to watch you navigate through the many little side streets, etc. Please consider doing a video where you provide more details about the different types of license plates (ie, the diplomat's vehicle or the other one that only had a few letters (Why is that one special?)) you encounter. Cheers mate!
A number plate with just 3 digits in England is worth a fortune
I’m a ex Ocado delivery driver and from doing my delivery’s in London it’s made me want to learn the knowledge I was lucky enough to learn my way around south, east and west London from my job, watching your videos has just made me want to learn more I have family that are cabbies up town
As a London Jew, I can give you one other synagogue fact you probably never knew: There was actually 1 synagogue older than Bevis Marks but it was destroyed/burned down at some point, that was the Dukes Place synagogue and the plaque commemorating it’s location is coincidentally on the side of the black building you showed in this video when mentioning Dukes Place! Another important fact to know is that Dukes Place was the first and original synagogue in London for Ashkenazi Jews (Jews originally from Central/Eastern Europe) whereas the Bevis Marks synagogue that still survives was the first and original synagogue in London for Sephardi Jews (Jews originally from Spain and Portugal)
All this tells me is that jews dont belong in palestine 😂😂
Glad to see you back again. I’m always fascinated by the authenticity of your videos - and the etiquette thaat you London Cab drivers extend to each other & other road users. My wife’s LTI TX1 has just been through another MMOT, and eith bout £380 wtorth of welding & mechanical work is now back on the road with over 37000 miles, still looking good and the interior still looks as is it did back in 2000. The seats are very comfortable and with intercom heating etc still seems modern. Funny thing is of course, there are actually ashtrays still fitted in the back! My wife much prefers driving the cab than my XJ Portfolio. Thanks for your Sunday emails, I have written few times - hope you have read them.
Thanks Richard! Glad Boudicca survives another year!
Got your email, unfortunately a bit of a crunch to get this one out 👍🏻
Be lucky and hope you are keeping well!
Is there any chance of doing any content on the taxi rank outside of Victoria Station (BR).
It's absolutely insane with three tiers of ranks, the first of which begins on Vauxhall Bridge Road. Let us know when you do!
Nice video, i used to live as a kid the other side of Hilly Fields. Itis very nice park.
In some cities the hire light is inside and it could be flipped facing downwards if it is not for hire, which is more obvious if the taxi is for hire. The downside to this is if the the hire light is too small and you might not see it until the last moment.
I've often wondered what tube station that was on the OFAH intro credits, thank you! I had always just assumed that it was somewhere less central and probably south of the river.
My wife and I were in London last week for 4 nights, I kept an eye out for you and enjoyed the taxi journeys we did take even more after watching your videos. What was so good about this video was the amount of places that we happened to be in that exact spot or nearby.
Keep them coming Tom, especially these type of videos. Cheers.
My Grandma had a cafe for all the dock workers right where those two tall apartment buildings are at the start of the video :) she met my Grandad, a scaffolder who had a yard nearby there and the rest is history lol :D Can't believe how the area has developed and now the Mayor's Office will be moving across the road from the site of that little cafe
About hailing cabs with the light off: To be fair, Tom, sometimes when its sunny it is hard to see if the light is on or off until you get quite close.
Tom your knowledge of the streets of London are 100% amazing, I used to drive a Liverpool hackney cab and our knowledge is no were near as complicated as the knowledge of London.
When I did my knowledge I had to do 25 routs, places of entertainment, sheet of hospital's, sheet of main buildings.
At the time it was difficult but I did get my badge 😊
The knowledge of Liverpool hackney carriage test is now multiple questions and the best option from the list, extremely easy imo I hope tfl don't do away with the London knowledge and make it easy. Than it is I've always used London cabs when I'm in the capital and NEVER use mini cabs.
Keep up the good work and I love your videos take care tom
I used to live next to LCY, I imagine it's very difficult as a taxi to compete with the DLR, you can get to bank in 20 minutes for about £2.40. But the Bankers who use LCY have got so much fackin money
This was the first video I saw on this channel. Was intrigued enough to go back to the beginning and watch the whole series, which has been a delight. Makes me think that actually if I lived somewhat closer the Smoke down a set of blue (although actually pinkish) books before now. I’ll probably have caught up and be watching in ‘real time’ in the next 3-4 weeks. At which point I’ll subscribe to the email newsletter.
I work at LCY and commute by car (via Tower Bridge or Rotherhithe Tunnel), so it's interesting seeing the route you took. For many months now the works going on at the Lower Lea Crossing and on Silvertown Way have made the traffic so horrendous, that I've changed to usually continuing along the A13 and then down Prince Regent Lane, or via Beckton and into the eastern entrance of the airport.
Hi Tom. London City Airport is ideal for tourists visiting from Scotland via Edinburgh Airport. We have used it extensively over the years. Quick disembarking/luggage collection and you get a great view of London on the approach.
We like to use airBnB or managed apartments in the Isle of Dogs/Canary Wharf area. It's a convenient base, especially if attending a concert at the O2 Arena. 👍🏻😀
Though I think Lumo has killed its convience if going to the city.
I used to fly in to city weekly. You go and get a cab. Then of course you ask for a cab to the Travelodge for some early morning fun.
Although not being affiliated with the taxi trade at all (except as an occasional customer) I really enjoy your videos 👍
One suggestion: maybe you can include a map overview of all the jobs you did at the end of the videos plus a summary of what you made that day including how that compares to other days
I always love the shift videos, Tom. Thanks!
Straight into Compton... I had to think about that! (Oh and Ionic capitals, if anyone was wondering)
I'm so proud that I remembered going past that part of the road when I "drove" Run 1 on Streetview. Amazing what you pick up and don't realise it! I have huge respect for anyone who can work in traffic like that, with suicidal cyclists, e-scooter riders, e-unicycle(!) riders and all the rest. And the almost psychic ability to see people waving you down. Amazing!
The idea of driving in London is literally terrifying to me, I hate even just walking through cities..
I think maybe Balaclava Road was named in honour of the Battle of Balaclava which I think (from memory)was fought during the Crimean War but I stand to be corrected.
Regards
Correct - scene of the infamous Charge Of The Light Brigade
@@broadsword6650 Broadsword to Danny Boy....
@@richardboughton8338 Dicky Boy, surely, in this case. 😄
Thin red line named after the argylls
Thanks Tom, great video as always love your Vids. Keep them coming mate
Amazing video Sir I love learning about the knowledge keep up the good work and stay safe
Elephant & Castle used to be two roundabout (one at either end) and it was insanely dangerous which is why they changed it to the present system. The bus stops for the Walworth Road and Newington Butts are further up London Road so in theory they could get into the two right hand lanes earlier, they just don’t…
I found a new enjoyment!! Watching you drive through the city!!! Wow!!!!
Hey Tom - great video! Not sure if it has been mentioned but elephant and castle did indeed used to be a roundabout until a few years ago (maybe 2015?) because too many cyclists were being run over...
It was sarcasm, rip all the old roundabouts. Highbury corner, old street etc
So glad to see your video. Flying into LCY for first time in September. Will keep the cabbie wait time in mind when we decide our destination.
Have missed these video's. As always these get me me excited for my upcoming holiday to London.
01:19 is that a TX1/TX2 there Tom!! That’s rare in London
14:56 Just did some researching , that plate is worth £35,000!!!!
Another great shift video, keep it up! Love to see it.
89,000£*
Why would it worth more then a standard plate nothing special about the numbers
@@nicholas4839 because its unique and different
It’s worth at least £130k at the moment - 7 UE stands for Seven United Emirates
The number 8 bus goes up roman road and I know that bus and I saw it in your video!! Ahhhh the nostalgia
7:43 - Technically the diplomatic car could do it too and not be punished, just not legally. They'd just ignore any fines knowing nothing will come of it like the congestion charges the owe 😉
I never use City airport but I’ll make sure I spread the message not to use a black cab to do a short trip. I can imagine how annoying it would be to queue for an hour or more for a £10 fare. Actually I would have avoided a black cab to go to where I live from Heathrow until I found out about the rejoining rules which makes me feel better about a short journey from LHR.
A great cabbie and content creator. Respect 🫡
Wouldn't recommend the walk from LCY to the Excel, quick but dicey on some of the roads.
Quick hop on and hop off on the DLR and you're there quick as a flash.
On the DLR you have to change trains at Canning Town. Better to take the 473 or 474 bus. Not sure which roads you're crossing to get to the Excel that could be described as dicey though - zebra crossing outside the airport, pelican outside the Courtyard, then you walk under the Connaught Bridge to get to the pedestrian bridge and from there you are basically walking through hotel car parks.
6:04 That's right outside my office and you often see people with their hand up wanting to go West
You should explain those "Coventry building a british icon" stickers
Mate you need to do a video on advertised cabs - who organises it - does the cabbie decide to advertise etc
I used to live just north of Heathrow and was constantly annoying Taxi drivers who'd been in the queue for ages with my 4 mile trip to my place in Colham Green and the scrabble to get back to the airport rank within the local return journey time limit. Now I live about a 10 minute drive from City Airport and the poor sods don't even get the chance to rejoin the head of the rank there if they're unlucky enough to get me.
Little bit of Masonic trivia, as I’ve heard you say this a couple of times. The term Masonic Lodge actually is the name for a collective group of members, not the building. So multiple ‘lodges’ will meet at Great Queen Street and other centres on any given day.
The building or room where the meeting actually takes place would be referred to as a Temple. In this case Freemasons Hall is HQ for all of England, so has multiple meeting rooms and including the spectacular Grand Temple. Tours are run daily and there is an excellent museum too.
I’m currently living in my first London flat, right opposite your first one, Fenton Street 😂
Great video Tom. We even got a “wiggle” but I’m confused, what’s a “shimmy”? 😂
I have been working as a cycle courier in London for 6 years now. This video makes me feel I wanna become a cabie haha
Another great video Tom, I love listening to your recite you knowledge of the capital and your understanding of the city. I travel to London a few times a year and one of these days It would be great to jump into your cab. I wonder if I could ask your advice please, my daughter is coming to London for the first time on her own soon ( I don't really want her to use the Tube and will need to get from Kentish Town to Raynes Park late night (after 10pm) can you give a rough idea of how much that would cost in a cab? Many thanks Gary
Effluence and Kharzie worked for decades as a roundabout (s) but that’s not in keeping with the beards vision for a gridlocked London, so now you have exactly that. Add Old st, Highbury corner, Archway, and soon Lambeth Bridge both sides, Waterloo roundabout …….
Whenever a passenger asks if I'm free, I always say " I'm never free, but I am available" With a smile of course.
Hey Tom if your working 28th in Central you get a job at or near TVC after 6pm give us a wave and a photo! You legend! Keep up the great work
Good as gold coffee shop - next time you are in brockley 🧡
Barrio on Parker Street is a well-known salsa venue, it's a chain so also has a couple of other spots around Central. Really surprised they're not included in the points.
It's just what slips your mind that day, there's not a finite list of points as anything could be asked. Some points on my appearances included points such as;
Aston Martin Clothing Shop
Pembridge School for Girls
The Dogs Trust
Burger and Lobster
Theatre Royal Stage Door
"What theatre is an American in Paris being shown at?"
Starbucks HQ
Nelson Square to Wellington Square
Frazier Street
Cherry Duck Studios
Bow River Apartments
Literally no rhyme or reason 😊
@@TomtheTaxiDriver which Burger and Lobster? 🤣 It's crazy that you can be asked anything, you'd have to be so observant on your runs and really have your finger on the pulse for what's about. Obviously not doing the knowledge but even with a good knowledge of London, I'm unlikely to be able to remember where American in Paris is being shown. Also liked how you remember the run down to Brockley but struggled on recalling the street names. Must have been a nightmare on the appearances being able to see the run but forget all the muggy South London street names in Ladywell.
I had a hotel next to the london city airport. It would been a funny taxi ride from stansted to london city airport.
Just stumbled upon your channel. Really interesting video, thanks! With regard to the hire light - I've been taking black cabs since 1999 (weekly, sometimes daily), and imo the lights are super crappy, and not bright enough. In many ambient light conditions it is completely impossible to tell if it is on or off (I usually check to see if I can see passenger silhouettes). The light needs a redesign i.e. why not have the TAXI light illuminated red or green for occupied or available, would make everything much easier. Again, thanks for the video, found it really engaging.
Thanks, one trick I do is check the side light, it will turn blue if occupied 👍🏻
Hi Tom am I missing something you week in life of taxi vids I can only see up to part 4 🤷🏻♂️ never been able to find part 5 keep up the good work 👍🏻👌🏻👌🏻
They are all up, but they aren’t named 1 to 5 👍🏻 some different names there
@@TomtheTaxiDriver thanks bud, think that’s why I’m not sure as the other (mon-thurs) are called pt 1-4 hence can’t see Friday pt 5 👍🏻 hope you well love the channel 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Glad 2 see you back
Make Elephant and Castle a roundabout? What a crazy idea...
The number of people I see standing at the edge of a Zebra crossing looking between their phone and down the road (for their Uber), I often stop and stare at them.
Also if going to rank at LCY, do you check the flight schedule first?
Another great video Tom. I’m
Enjoying learning little things of you to help me on my journey of the KOL. Also wondering what map do you use ?
London a-z wall map and a super scale… you NEED them for The Knowledge
@@TomtheTaxiDriver I am assuming you can wipe the marker off each time and then remark it as many times as needed?
im wondering how many road maps tom must go through!
Just wipe clean 👍🏻✊🏻
@@TomtheTaxiDriver ohhhh! i thought it was permanent marker! that makes sense
Thanks for another interesting, vlog, Tom😊
Great video Tom
If I ever move into or close to London I’d love to have a go at ‘the knowledge’. Been a wheel attendant in some form or other for a massive part of my working life. A few years ago I thought about doing my test for my town a few years ago but it was real hard at the time to get on hackney and didn’t fancy private hire.
quick question, in the beginning of the video you mentioned that you have a green taxi batch that allows you to drive in London City however there is a yellow one, that is for suburbs of London. Question is: i guess as you have a higher knowledge badge (i suppose) you are allowed to cue (is this the word) their queue, but are yellow batch drivers allowed to cue (same question here for the word when you are waiting in line) in queues in London?
P.S. I don't know if you are going to see this comment, but can you make a video of an accident you had/or an accident on the road you saw (something in those lines)? :)
Great video Tom thanks
I went caffeine free about 6 years ago, I’d have at least 10-12 mugs a day, never went back. I still love coffee but buy a decent decaf (Percol) that tastes as good as the real thing, it’s my favourite drink.
Since quitting the booze it’s my one vice in life. Although I am regimented about not drinking it after 2pm!
Flew in 10 days ago... 10 quid job to custom house Liz line...a pity it doesn't connect
Great work. What apps do black cabs use? Let me know and I’ll support the black cabs by booking on them
20:32 Sneaky little rainbow
I've used it to fly to Spain on holiday .... Twice.
Fantastic.
I live in Greenwich, so I went by public transport (sorry)
Off the top of my head,Balaclava Road commemorates the battle of the same name involving British forces during the Crimean War and not an item of headgear.Not so silly looked at in that context.
I've wondered before, but seeing cab in front of you, have you considered getting yours wrapped for advertising?
Not really. You don't really have a say on what ads you get, plus you have to get it changed at various periods, so you have to factor in travel to the garage.
I personally think there's no better advert than a plain black cab 😊
@@TomtheTaxiDriver Funny enough i see some non advertised but not black cabs in London (cabs of various colours like blue, red, green, marroon or any) I find them better looking than boring black (or boring white) :D
@@TomtheTaxiDriver Thanks for the answer
Great video - thanks Tom
Question - if you get a job out to a suburb of London (in a yellow badge area) are you allowed to pick up a job there, or join a rank there, or do you have to go back to London proper?
No we can rank all London.
Which is a bit bizarre, because say I went to Charlton... it's outside of The Knowledge area but within London. Yellow badge of that sector would know it inside out, I wouldn't know where to start!
Hey Tom, I have a question. Are Taxi drivers allowed to drive in the London bus lanes ? I was wondering if perhaps since Taxis are providing an important transportation service for Londoners and tourists, maybe the local government would allow you Taxi drivers to use the bus lanes?
On tfl dot gov dot uk it says:
"Remember, only licensed taxi drivers can drive in bus lanes - private hire vehicles are not allowed. Licensed taxi drivers should check the signs at the start of the bus lanes, however, because there are a still a number of bus lanes they cannot use"
So, actual cabbies can drive there but restrictions for use and parking may apply.
What is it like when you know there are concerts happening, or when it is really hot, is it easier to get a job?
wonder how much that hour taxi trip was!
Nearly on my street,kitto road off of gellatly Road
Hey man love your videos . Do you ever have a tug in between jobs ?
With the people trying to hail a booked cab, personally I always second guess myself what the light means, it's not completely intuitive to me
My god there are a lot of KIA Niros in London 🤣
Don't know how many know this, but some diplomatic vehicles are only allowed in Greater London and not outside the county boundaries. Inside D vehicles are the respective government property.
Will you be working the tube strikes this weekend?
Nah, generally take weekends off 👍🏻
Giving up coffee?! Sir, have you gone quite mad? 😂 In all seriousness, great video as ever, keep up the good work!
Only a temporary measure… resetting baselines
@@TomtheTaxiDriver fair enough! I barely function with caffeine most days so I’d be hopeless if I gave it up! It’s bad enough when I cut it out for a skating competition! 😀
The effect is about what you're used to I believe. If you're used to 1-2 cups a day you can be just as fresh as someone that drinks 10 a day. Like alcohol having less of an effect on people that drink more in terms of getting drunk.
Similar thing before that I've mentioned in the comments with that Duck and Rice place on Berwick St market, part of the newish development bit there. Be really good to see you do a video on how you keep up to date with all the new points. Do you just learn by driving around and keeping a mental note, do you have to do a refresher, does TfL give you updated points, is there a Twitter account you can follow? Be really good to know how you do it.
It's just a case of staying curious, picking up points from passengers, speaking with other drivers etc. Having a personal interest helps too! I'm sure I would be better than average cabbies for bars and music venues in Camden, but far worse in Soho!
Often if a point slips, then it's a case of just getting the customer to narrow it down, in the case of Berwick street, it's in the pedestrianised part, so it's not as bad.
I'm not so good with restaurants unless it's a more famous one or iconic name. Mr. Nice is a relatively new one that sticks well. I imagine some cabbies would be bad with the historical stuff/museums whereas that's something I pride myself on.
@@TomtheTaxiDriver I watch Made in Chelsea because they are always going to restaurants and bars that I don't know.
Re y food: tried it for the first time in Switzerland a few weeks ago, it was the salted caramel flavour i think. Honestly tasted really good, much better than my experience with Huel 👍
How do you manage the pollution from traffic in London? Does your vehicle's air conditioning system recirculate the air within the cab, or does it intake external air? I would surmise that a London Taxi cab would possess an advanced air purification system to safeguard your well-being. Is that so?
I believe it’s miles better than the previous cab, but in terms of actual figures or measurements I couldn’t quantify
How come some cabbies are still using the TX4? Have they been retrofitted/ modified to comply with the ULEZ or do they suck up the cost? Cheers.
Tx4 has been age restricted so 12 years lifespan instead of 15. Last TX4 was 2017 so I believe so they will be allowed til 2029 (unless Euro 6). Brand new taxi in London must be zero emissions capable
Taxis are exempt from ULEZ and congestion.
@@TomtheTaxiDriver Fair enough, thanks for the response.