Taxi Driver Online

I Had That Armani In My Cab Once

7th September 2008

Edinburgh cabbies have been told to spruce up their image, but if it doesn't affect their driving, where's the harm?

As I write this, I’m wearing an old dressing gown and woolly socks. I’m not going to subject you to an 0870 chatline-type description of my nightwear, but I mention it because it’s more comfortable than dressing up in my best ballgown for work, and since it’s not putting you off your cornflakes, what’s the problem?

Maybe I’m a slob, but I extend the same sartorial indulgence to taxi drivers. I couldn’t care less what a hired driver wears — he could turn up in Speedos if he wants, so long as he gets me to my destination as quickly as possible, without asking anyone the way and without giving me his opinion on the perils of immigration. Unfortunately for cabbies in Edinburgh, Speedos, jeans, T-shirts, trainers, baseball caps and just about anything with an elasticated waist are out, as councillors are enforcing a dress code that has been widely ignored in recent years.

Now the poor souls have to sit there stewing in smart trousers or skirts, proper shoes and shirts or blouses with collars, because they’re often the first aspect of Edinburgh’s splendour that tourists encounter when visiting the capital.

Surely, it’s usually the back of a cabbie’s head that leaves the most lasting impression on a customer and, as far as I’m concerned, so long as that’s clean, they can wear anything except a blindfold.

Work wear should always be appropriate to the job and since cabbies need to be comfortable, what’s wrong with their time-honoured uniform of tracksuit bottoms and Genesis 1978 tour sweatshirt?

I know that the guy in the driving seat is the driver: he doesn’t need to prove it to me by wearing a uniform.

Some jobs definitely need conspicuous clothing, however. Geography teachers ought to display leather patches on the elbows of their tweed jackets to enable us to differentiate them from ordinary teachers, and shop assistants should be legally obliged to wear similar, and eye-catching, outfits to save the rest of us the misery of wandering about, tapping strangers on the shoulder and pleading: “Excuse me, do you work here?”


Source; timesonline.co.uk; The Sunday Times

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Brummie Cabbie.

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I can see his point, some of the lard arses that drive London's Taxi's and Minicabs look ridiculous during the summer months with their big fat legs protruding out of shorts that are too small, or white socks with open sandals.

Nice.

I don't think shirts and ties are quite necessary, but a smart polo and slacks or tailored shorts wouldn’t go amiss.

Not everyone can be an Adonis like me though.

you'll all end up like this, "first works parade" before you start work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQlEnKoQ ... re=related

Because this is the year 2008, not 1978.

The trade doesn't have a great reputation, in places, at the moment, so really we should all be trying to improve things.

And driving around looking like a sack of sh** ain't going to do that.

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IDFIMH

I think people should be able to wear what they like when driving a taxi. Does wearing trousers, a shirt & tie earn you more money?...If it does then maybe there is some justification in it all. Last summer it was 35 degrees one day in London (only one day mind) the temp in my taxi was 48 degrees C in weather like this I feel that shorts are more than justified. I do not judge my customers by what aparrell thay choose to sport & I feel I should be extended the same courtesy.

cheers eze

I don't think anyones suggesting we go that far.

But some drivers choice of a sleevless vest and ugly three quarter length shorts don't help, (maybe if drivers are aged 17-21 you'll get away with it) if anyone pops into a Tesco extra, you'll find you can kit yourself out with smart looking practical gear whatever the weather.

I wear shorts in the summer, but they're proper smart ironed chino shorts with a pair of leather deck shoes (minus the white socks bit) and a plain Polo shirt.

As I said above, some drivers should invest in a mirror before they leave the house.

Then we have the football shirt brigade . . . .

IMHO I do not feel we should be so judgemental over such a minor issue. If only everyone lived their lives abiding by your standards of dress code.

so get the aircon fixed then, chill out!

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

Half of them don't work lol

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So dirty, stinky, scruffy clothes are ok for the so-called best in the world?

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IDFIMH

But they are paying you for a service not the other way around.

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IDFIMH

Decent clothes, decent bath and a bit of nice smelly stuff works wonders for tips and repeat business. Add in a clean car and you're laughing.

Although we require smart trousers and shirts with collars (tie optional), one or two of ours need constant reminders about the incredible properties of soap and water. We're running out of ways to say it in the newsletter!!!

I'm with Sussex and, most of GBC on this.

This is the quality of the individuals dictating what taxi drivers should ware:

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topst ... 3811335.jp

"fit and proper" my ar*e

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

i was gonna buy some "pilots" shirts, i thought they would look nice, then i remembered my youth and how we were always short of money, mum used to get my school uniform from the army and navy stores cheap,




its no fun going to school dressed as a japanese admiral though...

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

'bout says it all.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/