Taxi Driver Online

Mr acabbie from this forum is doing an updated thread over on the LTDF (Vigilantie forum ) about his new Merc Vito.

There's another one running here :

http://titaniclondoncabbie.blogspot.com/

By Chris who is a time served London Cab driver.

I know a couple of drivers who have rented the Vito. Both say they struggle to get work off the street. People just wont hail the Merc. Let alone get in it. Both drivers have now 'backed' it.

You see loads of Vito's late saturday night when the TX's have gone home. They have to fill their boots when they can.

And the electic doors are a PITA.

Why is it folks wont get into a vehicle with a big f*** off taxi sign on the front, but will be quite happy to get into an unlicensed minicab.

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IDFIMH

Because they automatically assume that it will cost more.

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Grandad,

Very good idea running around London in a bus with only 1/2 persons in it, avaraging 30 mpg. Need a step ladder to get in, & not co2 friendly. LOOK IAM IN A BIG TAXI lol:

MPG in a Vito is better than any TX

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

now now, that's not nice.



To say you "struggle to get work off the street" is a heck of an exageration. I don't dispute i've missed jobs but i'm working the same hours and taking similar money so i'd say i'm pretty much doing the same as before.

The doors just take getting used to, it's taking me about a week to get into a comfortable routine and now it's not a problem, in fact many of the passengers like the fact that the doors are opened and shut automatically for them. The main thing is to make them aware that the doors will open and shut automatically and that there may be a slight delay from when we stop until the doors open.

There is a well lit for hire light on the front, the words TAXI in reflective stickers down the sdie; if people are willing to stop a private vehicle or take their chances with a tou tthen they sure as hell ain't gonne be too complacent about getting into a vito.

To be truthful, it should be referred to as the "marmite taxi" as you either love it or hate it. The passengers all love it, they comment on the quietness of the engine, the smoothness of the ride and the comfort of the seats and higher seating postion. Some drivers prefer the "iconic" shape of the TX series; quite how it's iconic after only 12 years in service remains a mystery but if having a bad back and using more fuel sits well with being an icon then so be it; enjoy!

All i can say is, and to be fair it is still only early days. Is that i really enjoy driving it. It's more comfortable, it's quiet, it's more economical and it's more laden with beneficial features such as the parktronic sensors, airbags, traction control, ABS, disk brakes all round than the TX4 is.

In the fullness of time i may develop problems, i hope not but with any new and untested vehicle the problems only manifest themselves in real life use. My yard stick will be how quickly and efficiently the problems are resolved.



Am i missing something here ? you seem to imply getting 30MPG is a bad thing ? Stick with a TX4 and get 20MPG then.

Have they put signs stating the doors are automatic inside and out????

yes. It says autodoors, pull handle to operate (or words to that effect)

That would be why the punters try and send the doors down the road.
They should say fully automatic door dont pull handle

My little joke, although you have to admit there's a little too much 'name and shame' goes on, look at the poor sod who commited the henious crime of having an advert on his cab.



When it works.

I'm reading all the updates on the Mercedes Vito with interest, I may, that's may, be looking in early 2010 myself.

Wouldnt have a LTI either by choice. If I had to have a WAV I would probably get a merc. The best choice would be the TX due to the purpose built design and excellent turning circle. I just hate WAVs. Ok If you actually want one that is fine, but when you get told you have to have one

When you take the cab for its test is the turning circle tested every time?? at the time of testing.
If not you could get it locked off so its not in use

You're welcome to have a look around and take it for a drive around the block.

Skippy, i'd imagine it will get tested as part of the overhaul.

The TX is a WAV and is built by LTI

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