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A couple of years ago, my son had his car written off by a mincab driver in an old Avensis who shot out of a side road trying to get straight across to the the other side. His view of the main road was blocked by cars parked illegally at the junction.
The driver said nothing at all but his name and telephone number which turned out to be the taxicab firms number. Driver couldn't/wouldn't speak any english at all, he looked unpeturbed, just lit a fag and calmly looked on non plused. Despite subsequent intimidating telephone calls from the taxi firm's boss, blaming my son,and very belated threats to sue, £5000 for "injuries" (there were none, slow speeds), 2 years later our insurance finally got them when they refused to attend court. Who knows, he may even have left the country or "disappeared"?
Only time I've used Uber was on a weekend in Krakow. A guy turned up in an tatty old Mitsubishi colt that stank of petrol and had no carpet in the boot over his tools. No working aircon in 30 deg heat. After the short uncomfortable journey, I asked how much, first in Polish, blank look, then in English, then German, still nothing. I waved some money and he just pointed to his phone.
The point is if taxi drivers don't have a rudimentary knowledge of the local language, how the hell do they get a licence to drive a taxi? Surely there is an obligation to obtain a local driving licence and appropriate proficiency qualification and permissions? Do they use forged documents? Does Uber (and other firms) really ensure they and their car are fit to provide such a service.
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