Continued from December's issue...

There are more than 35,000 taxis in Greece. Due to the cheap fares and the fact that they accept more than one hirer (although this is actually illegal), it is a means of transportation similar to buses and trains in other countries. In consequence, their wide use in our country has created a separate set of rules of good manners, which differs from other countries.

The following rules are an indication as to how both drivers and passengers should behave. You may not be surprised to note that hardly any are followed.

A foreigner should know that we hail a taxi from anywhere in a street - we don't necessarily have to be at a taxi stand. The taxi may have other passengers in it, so you must shout out the area of your destination and if the other passengers are going the same way, you'll hop in as a second or third hirer. Remember to check the fare on the meter when you get in.

Tips for taxi drivers

- He must not refuse to accept any passenger, unless he/she is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is not accompanied by another sober person.

- Booking a taxi in advance is done through radio taxi companies. But, because taxis are so ubiquitous, it is rarely done except for special occasions such as weddings or funerals.

- For the above, taxi drivers must have a confirmation from the hirer in which the specific date, time and location are mentioned.
As far as hiring in advance at ports, airports and railway and bus stations is concerned, the hirer's confirmation must contain his/her name and details of arrival (such as flight number, name of ferry boat, approximate time of arrival).

- Selecting a passenger is not allowed. If the taxi is at a specially chosen area/square, hiring should happen in order of the taxies and passengers' waiting. An exception is made for the blind, handicapped, or pregnant women.

- The taxi driver must always interrupt his driving and park if he is asked to do so by the passenger.  Waiting must be no longer than fifteen minutes, unless there is a very serious reason.

A taxi driver should:
- aways be polite, efficient and helpful towards his passengers.
- help passengers with their luggage.
- take the shortest route for arriving at the ordered destination, unless the passenger wishes to take a different route.
- NOT play loud music or keep the window down, without the hirer's permission. No permission is needed for keeping his own window scrolled down.
- have enough change and must give a receipt if requested.
- give his passenger any information he/she requires (regarding transportation charges, the route etc.)
- NOT accept more passengers than allowed by the car's license.
- keep the vehicle clean, both inside and out.

- A taxi driver is obliged to transport people in need (such as somebody injured), even if he had nothing to do with the accident.

- Many taxi drivers refuse to take pets, especially larger dogs. If the animal is clean, calm, on a lead, wearing a muzzle (if necessary) and accompanied by a health certificate from a veterinarian, it is more likely to be accepted. The dog or cat (in a carrying case) should remain in the vehicle's floor.

- Passengers must avoid any action which may hinder traffic circulation. In particular they should not:
a) Disturb the driver during the vehicle is in motion,
b) Attempt to get in or out of the car while it is moving.
c) Smoke without the driver's permission.
d) Be improperly dressed.
e) Open the windows without the driver's permission.
f) Cause any damage to the vehicle

- The driver must not argue on the road with any other driver, especially with any of his colleagues.

- He must be properly dressed, even during the height of summer: sandals, shorts and sleeveless shirts are unacceptable.

Tips for passengers

- Passengers must always use the door which is on the pavement side of the vehicle.

- If a gentleman is traveling with a lady, he should always hold the taxi's door open for her and let her go in first. She must then sit at the far end of the back seat, so that he may sit next to her. When arriving at the destination, he must get out of the taxi and hold the door open for her, then pay the driver through the window. If they're sharing the fare, she must give him the appropriate amount of money while they're still seated in the cab.

- Out of respect to the vehicle as a public means of transportation, we should not leave rubbish, eat or drink within the vehicle.

- If we are under the impression that we have been overcharged, we must notify the driver. If he refuses to accept the fact, we should ask for his personal details and refer him to the police.

- We shouldn't comment on the driver's way of driving unless we consider it dangerous. If this is the case, we should ask him to slow down and be more careful. If he persists, we should ask him to let us get out of the vehicle.

Excerpt from "Watch Your Manners In Greece" by Christos K. Zampounis