Peninsula Transportation Group's Cullan Meathe advises on getting a taxi

Cullan F. Meathe of Peninsula Transportation Group, LLC. recently posed this question: "What would we do without taxis?"

In many cities and towns, local residents find operating their own cars is a constant hassle trying to find parking spots, paying exorbitant fees in parking structures and dealing with other drivers. Traveling around by taxi is a far better solution for people living in or visiting a major city or one without extensive public transport. When they want to travel to and from home, work, entertainment, shopping, school, doctors appointments, recreational activities and the airport with less stress, they use taxis. Taxi drivers also can be a source of valuable information for business people and tourists who are strangers to the area.

So, you need to hire a taxi? There are several ways to get one – from flagging one down on the street, waiting in line at a designated taxi stand in high traffic areas, to pre-arranging one, calling for one, or reserving one online. Some city dwellers boast of their individual techniques for successfully hailing a cab at a busy intersection.

How do you know that the company is reliable,  reputable, the drivers polite and on time, and the vehicles well maintained and clean?

According to Peninsula Transportation Group's Meathe, you should choose a company with a sufficient sized fleet of vehicles, so that there will be one readily available when you need it. Can it accommodate the number of people in your group, particularly if they are carrying luggage with them? Do the company's drivers have excellent safety records? When you contact the firm, how are you treated on the phone – and is it responsive online if you are a regular passenger? Do you or anyone traveling with you have physical disabilities?

If you are getting a taxi from a hotel, airport, restaurant or retail store, ask the concierge or information desk or even the restaurant about which taxi companies are reliable. Call ahead and book one if possible – it is probably easier than trying to flag a taxi down.

As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Not all taxi companies provide the same level of service. Ask the driver or the taxi stand operator what will be the approximate cost of the trip, if this includes bridge tolls and how payment will be accepted. At Peninsula Transportation Group, its dispatch staff and taxi drivers will provide that information when asked.

Factor into your planning what time you need to be at your destination, in case there is an unexpected traffic tie-up. That is also a good reason to look for a company that is located reasonably close by. Find out if the company's policy is to contact you immediately if the driver will be delayed.

New advances in computerized taxi dispatch technology are beneficial to customers. For example, Peninsula Transportation's entire taxi and luxury sedan fleets include mobile date terminals in each vehicle for credit card processing and communications. Its dispatching center also uses computerized dispatch technology to find the closest taxi to the customer's dispatch location.

You expect the taxi company's service to be reliable. Peninsula Transportation insists on quality throughout its whole operation. It operates ground transportation services on Florida's west, north and southeast coasts.

Use commonsense when getting into a taxi. Take note of the driver's name, ID and photograph and the company's name and vehicle number. If the driver seems distracted, tired or under the influence of alcohol or medication, it is better to climb back out and wait for another cab. Speak up if the driver is speeding or careless. Peninsula Transportation Group has stringent guidelines for acceptable behavior of its drivers and will take appropriate action on complaints from customers.  Passengers' safety and comfort are of utmost importance to the company.

So, the next time you want to hire a taxi – whether you call in advance, or hold an arm outstretched at a busy intersection - remember to do a little homework first and exercise some caution.

www.PeninsulaTransportation.com