Taxi Safety Tips

Atlanta Airport taxis and Atlanta Airport car service / private hire services

• Taxis are licensed to pick up customers at ranks - by hailing on the street or by pre-booking - while Private Hire Vehicles are licensed only to collect passengers who have pre-booked with a licensed operator. Both the vehicles and their drivers must be licensed to ensure they meet certain legal requirements.
• Finding a licensed taxi in Atlanta
• Taxis in Metro Atlanta must be licensed annually by the County or City in which they operate to ensure they meet safety and accessibility standards. Private Hire Vehicles, on the other hand, are regulated by the Georgia Public Safety Commission and must have special documents indicating their license status.
• Atlanta Airport Taxis and Atlanta Airport Car Service outside the city of Atlanta: Taxis and Limousines which are licensed in Fulton, Dekalb, Gwinett, and Milton County are granted permission by local governments who have the power to specify certain conditions for taxis. The Georgia public service commission regulates private hire vehicles (PHV) operating in these areas as well.
• Metro Atlanta Airport Taxis must:
  • be a type of vehicle the City or County is prepared to licence
  • may have to meet any specific color requirements
  • meet age limits
  • have a taxi meter fitted
  • be insured with commercial liability insurance
  • meet requirements on accessibility for disabled people
• Checking if your driver is licensed: Atlanta Airport Taxi drivers and Atlanta Airport Car Service private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers must meet certain criteria before being allowed to operate. These include:
  • passing criminal record checks
  • being over 21
  • passing a driving test.
  • being assessed as fit and proper
• Insurance: Each Vehicle Operated by Atlanta Transportation is insured with commercial liability insurance. In the event of an accident you will have your medical bills paid. This may not be true with other bargain transportation services.
• Child Safety: Every child's parents in the sate of Georgia is required to use car seat or booster safety seat to protect their child from injury in a motor vehicle crash. Atlanta Taxi or Atlanta Airport Car Service for you and your child will not be provided unless you use the proper equipment for your child.
• Georgia Law: Children under age six will be required to be in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their height and weight and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Georgia State law also requires children under six to ride in the rear seat.

Taxi Safety Tips

• Plan ahead before you go out. Making decisions before you go out is always much safer especially if you are going to be drinking.
• Always try to book your taxi cab or private hire vehicle in advance with an operator that you or a friend uses regularly.
• Ask the firm to quote you a price for the cab journey over the phone, so you can put aside enough money.
• When booking a taxi, wherever possible, ask for the cab driver's name, car number, make and color of the car.
• Always keep at least 3 numbers for reputable taxi or private hire vehicle operators in your mobile phone.
• Take a separate list of reliable taxi operators in your handbag or pocket (or even shoe or bra) in case you lose your cell phone.
• Do not approach a car you think is your taxi; they should approach you.
• When they arrive ask them the booking name and destination. SAY "Who are you for?" – NOT "are you the taxi for ****?"
• Ask to see the driver’s ID. Ensure it is from the company you with which you ordered the cab.
• Don’t get into a private hire vehicle you haven’t ordered.
• Sit in the back of the cab – behind the driver. If there is a group of you going to different destinations remember the last person to get out is at most risk – this person should sit behind the driver at the outset.
• Don't chat to the taxi driver. If you do talk, keep to general topics and don’t give any personal information about yourself.
• If you are worried, frightened or think you might be in danger call 911 immediately.

Ask the taxi driver to wait until you are safely in the house – they won't mind. If you feel safe, they know you will use them more often.

Limo Safety Tips

Most companies are trustworthy and want to give you a safe ride. Here are some tips to make sure you end up with a good limo and driver.

• Verify that the limousine company is properly registered and insured with the State of Georgia before you sign up.
• Check the Atlanta Limousine company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau and your county and state consumer protection offices. It also helps if the company belongs to the local limousine association.
• Ask the company how it screens its drivers and how long your chauffeur has been driving.
• Take a look at the actual Limo you're hiring, count the seatbelts, look for inspection stickers and maybe even write down the VIN so the company doesn't switch vehicles on you.
• And finally, get every detail of your transaction in writing -- especially the cancellation clause because some companies keep your deposit if you cancel and some charge for the time and mileage to get to your pick-up point.