The rule derives its name from the tradition by which a hackney carriage driver at the head of a queue of taxicabs is obliged to take the first passenger requesting a ride.
People Also Ask
There's no need to shout “taxi” and indeed, it's actually illegal to shout “taxi” whilst trying to hail a cab.
From Driver Rule 54-20 (in PDF): It is against the law to refuse a person based on race, disability, or a destination in New York City. A taxicab driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five boroughs. You can make a refusal complaint by calling 3-1-1.
They May or May Not Own Their Own CabDrivers can buy their cabs from sites like cabdirect.com, for example, or if they need to save up before buying one of their own they may rent out a vehicle for £150 to £200 per week. As you may guess in the long run, it is far cheaper to buy than rent.
Drivers who own their cabs as opposed to renting from a garage are known as mushers and those who have just passed the knowledge are known as butter boys. There are currently around 21,000 black cabs in London, licensed by the Public Carriage Office.
London taxi drivers are licensed and must have passed an extensive training course (the Knowledge). Unlike many other cities, the number of taxicab drivers in London is not limited.