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Comment by whyagaindavid | Hacker News Reader

>> With real taxis, you can flag one on the street

>Or not. Or they'll tell you they won't go where you want.

Which city/country? Honestly, I am surprised. Admittedly, i lived only in Europe (France/Germany/UK) - entire life - never ever has a Taxi driver refused to take me somewhere.

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Wasn't "Sorry mate, I don't go south of the river." once a common response from London cabbies?

Presumably they'll not want to take someone out to the middle of nowhere, where they'll probably struggle to get a fare on the way back. Much more profitable if you're carrying passengers in both directions.

> Wasn't "Sorry mate, I don't go south of the river." once a common response from London cabbies?

No. It was a quip by Peter Sellers.

I've had it happen in NYC and in Washington, DC. And I'm a white male trying to get to the burbs. I can't imagine being a minority trying to get to a less desireable location.

London, frequently. Try getting a cab from Hammersmith out to Roehampton and you'll get a stream of "I'm not going that way" responses. Simple economic reason is that the driver is unlikely to pick up a return fare (source: talked about it with a taxi driver)

Usually it's not overt. More common (in New York, London, and Cologne) is cabs that avoid me when I'm carrying luggage, however just a few weeks ago, at George Best (UK) airport, driver asks me to get another car after I am inside the car and tell him I want to go to Newry.

I don't go to France.

happens a lot in my city (são paulo) -- if the ride is too short, they won't take it. if it's too long, won't take it (since traveling back is going to cost them gas and they won't get a passenger).

taking to a play them deem not safe (even if it's safe)? not taking you.

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